(Online Auction 8 – 26 November New York)
Miller is well known for surrounding herself with and living a life of beauty – both inside and out. A pioneering business woman and entrepreneur, Miller was famous for her influence, drive, and passion – all of which she successfully transformed into a business that has gone on to impact the lives of millions worldwide. In keeping with the Millers’ commitment to “total beauty”, Sydell created the day spa concept, spearheading the movement among salons to offer a total one-stop beauty experience known as “Total Image Consulting”. While the pursuit of beauty is perhaps what first comes to mind when thinking of Miller, she was also a generous philanthropist and supporter of the arts. Alongside her business endeavours she served on the boards of the American Cancer Society of Palm Beach. She owned artworks by Picasso, Chagall, Giacometti, and Lichtenstein, and in 2019 set the record for the most expensive oceanfront home sold in Palm Beach County when her villa – La Rêverie – sold for $111 million.
Miller was dubbed one of the “Top 50 Women Business Owners in America,” and honoured with induction into the National Cosmetology Hall of Fame before she passed away on February 25th, 2024 at the age of 86.
Sydell Miller: A Self-Made Beauty Mogul
For centuries, Sotheby’s auctions have been synonymous with the very best. This age-old tradition continues into the 21st century with Sotheby’s latest online auction which is showcasing the treasures of the woman who transformed the beauty industry, Sydell Miller. A select few will have the opportunity to own a piece of Sydell’s impressive collection and owning a piece of history from the woman who was dubbed ‘The Queen of the Beauty Industry’.
Sydell Miller is the founder of two dominant brands which she created together with her husband, Arnold Miller. The first brand, Ardell, became the industry standard for eyelash services, and the second brand, Matrix Essentials, has often been described as the nation’s largest manufacturer of professional hair and beauty products. Over seven million people use Matrix products each week.
This November, in New York, one of the style capitals of the world, Sotheby’s will auction pieces from her extensive collection which includes: Chanel haute couture pieces, luxury handbags, including the iconic Hermes Kelly bag, as well as items from Louis Vuitton and Dior. These rare and exquisite pieces provide an exclusive opportunity to own some of the finest fares in fashion.
Sotheby’s and Sydell Miller – A Lifetime Devoted to Beauty in all Forms
Beyond hosting the American magnate’s fashion collection at the upcoming New York auction, Sotheby’s has also taken the lead in organising other ‘Sydell Miller events’. With a total of three dedicated online sales throughout November and December celebrating and showcasing the full breadth of Miller’s collecting pursuits, Sotheby’s will auction a range of ‘objets d’art’ including paintings by Monet and Picasso, furniture, and jewellery.
Her expansive art collection alone is expected to fetch around $200million; the collection includes Claude Monet’s Nymphéas (1914-17), which is estimated to sell for around $60m.
A Picasso painting called La Statuaire (1925) is estimated to sell in the region of $30m.
A Life-Long Lover of Fashion
Sydell Miller is known for her groundbreaking work, founding and leading two successful companies, but her fashion collection is a further testament to Miller’s deep appreciation for beauty. A lifelong fashion connoisseur, Sydell’s initial venture into the fashion business began with the opening of Tops & Bottoms, a women’s fashion boutique above her husband’s hairdressing salon.
Amongst the pieces available in the auction will be pieces from Chanel. Just as Chanel transformed women’s wardrobes, Sydell redefined beauty and wellness, setting new standards in both fields.
Sydell Miller shared an undeniable connection with the legendary Coco Gabrielle Chanel. Chanel’s spirit – a devotion to art and beauty in all its forms – mirrored Sydell’s own. From the Monet that graced her walls to the Chanel couture that filled her wardrobe, Sydell’s life was a testament to elegance and creativity. Her passion wasn’t just for the finished product but for the craft itself, extending her warmth and admiration to the artisans behind haute couture. Every stitch, every button, every intricately coiled ribbon stood as a tribute to her appreciation for their artistry and the extraordinary women who came before her.
Chanel’s iconic tweed suit revolutionised women’s fashion by combining timeless style with practicality. In much the same way, Sydell transformed the beauty industry. She pioneered professional salon eyelash services, co-founded a groundbreaking hair salon company, and introduced the concept of the modern-day spa. Just as Chanel changed the way women dressed, Sydell redefined beauty and wellness, setting new standards that remain influential today. Symbolic figures through their singular dedication and innovation, both Miller and Chanel reshaped their realms of design, leaving a lasting mark and a legacy that continues to inspire.
Final Thought
Perhaps the most fitting tribute extended to the beauty mogul came with the words spoken by Frank Everett, vice chairman of jewellery at Sotheby’s New York. He eloquently enthused: “It’s amazing that she’s not more of a household name, considering what a dramatic impact she had on revolutionising the beauty industry and inventing components of it…. What she accomplished as a philanthropist, collector, mother, and grandmother… The impact and the legacy she leaves. I don’t know how she managed to squeeze so much into her life.”
More than just fashion, the Legacy of Beauty auction in New York celebrates self-expression, Sydell Miller’s taste, and individuality. Each piece – from the immaculate Chanel haute couture ensembles to the coveted Hermès Kelly bag – carries a touch of glamour, a whisper of history, and the wearer’s timeless spirit. This auction is symbolic of evergreen pieces that transcend time while celebrating the ultimate expression of luxury from the likes of Chanel, Hermes, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
