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Marlon Brando's belt: celebrity memorabilia in the art market
The International Family Offices Journal
Vol. 10 - Iss. 2 pp. 40–44
Dec 2025
The art market often sees dramatic price surges for items once owned by famous individuals, elevating them to near-iconic status. This phenomenon typically occurs during high-profile auctions at major houses like Christie?s, Sotheby?s, and Bonhams. The more personal the item, the greater its perceived value among passionate bidders. In such sales, rationality often gives way to emotion, with prices reaching levels that seem almost surreal. This article explores why provenance drives such extraordinary valuations and the psychology behind collectors? willingness to pay premium prices for objects linked to celebrity and cultural significance.