"The Playboy Legacy Collection is such a unique and special project," Hugh M. Hefner, Playboy Editor-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer, said. "The compilation offers the most outstanding images from among the 15 million archived and is a real tribute to the visual history and impact of the magazine."
The $85,000 Gold Edition of The Playboy Legacy Collection comes in a handmade wooden box that opens with a replica of an original Playboy Club key. Inside the box are all 48 photographs, including a Marilyn Monroe shot signed by Hefner. Also included are a coffee-table book about Playboy photography, five music CDs, a DVD set of Playboy TV shows, and admission for two to the "Playboy Legacy Collection Weekend," which includes a party at the Playboy Mansion. The Gold Edition is limited to 75.
Three 16-photograph suites are available for $8,500 each, and the 48 art prints are available as a set or individually.
The 48 photographs in the Legacy Collection were selected for their potential investment value and artistic appeal, reflecting the transition of Playboy photography from the "girl next door" image of the 1950s and 1960s to the bolder, more provocative Playmates of later years.
"The Playboy Legacy Collection is an incredible cross-section of the history of Playboy, hitting all of the high points, as well as images people aren't so familiar with that have a real visual impact," Playboy Photo Editor Gary Cole said.
Celebrities attending the Cannes party included James Blunt, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson, a Playmate of the Year who has appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine more than any other person, 12 times in all. Images of Anderson, shot by photographer David LaChapelle, were auctioned with proceeds going to her charity of choice, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
"I feel honored to have two images of me, shot by David LaChapelle, featured at Cannes in the Playboy Legacy Collection," Anderson said. "I attended the U.S. launch of the Collection a few months ago in L.A., and I am proud to support Hef, with whom I share a passion for animal rights. With proceeds of the auction from my images going to PETA, the collaboration combines two of my loves -- Playboy and animals."
For more information about the Playboy Legacy Collection, visit PlayboyLegacyCollection.com.
