NYC: One-Of-A-Kind Joan Rivers’ “Rainbow Coat” To Be Auctioned At ‘Night At The Pier’ Gala

PEOPLE reports that a one-of-a-kind rainbow coat, designed by Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long and originally worn by Joan Rivers at a Las Vegas Pride event, has been donated to the Family Equality Council to be included in their upcoming auction.

“My mother loved, respected and celebrated families of all kinds,” Melissa, 48, said in a press release for the auction, which will take place May 9 at the Night at the Pier gala at Pier 60 in New York City.

“She would be thrilled to know that her coat, which celebrates diversity, is being sold to benefit loving families,” added Melissa.

“Joan Rivers was a celebrity pioneer in her unbridled support of the LGBT community,” said Ian Patrick, Deputy Director of Events at Family Equality Council. “We are honored to offer this precious piece of her legacy to support our work to secure a rightful place for LGBTQ-headed families in America.”

The coat, which Joan originally wore at the Las Vegas Pride Parade in 2012, is a glittery gold gown adorned with a ruffled-neckline, and opens up to reveal a sparkly rainbow lining.

It was designed by Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long at Joan’s request and will be available for bidding at the auction itself as well as online ahead of time.

The violin played as the Titanic sank sells for $1.7 million

Violin that played as Titanic sank sells for $1.7 million at auction

A violin from the Titanic that played while the ship sank sells for $1.7 million at auction.

From CNN:

According to survivors’ accounts William Hartley’s band played to calm passengers even as the ship sank beneath them.
The scene was depicted in James Cameron’s blockbuster movie “Titanic,” which depicted Hartley and his band playing “Nearer, My God, to Thee” as the ship took on water.
Hartley’s body was reportedly pulled from the water days after the April 1912 sinking with his violin case still strapped to his back.
In 2006, the damaged violin was found in the attic of a home in Britain. It was authenticated through testing of salt water deposits, the auction house said. The violin was adorned with an engraved silver plate that connected it to Hartley.