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Doyle New York will be auctioning items from the late Lena Horne’s Upper East side apartment today. I spent most of last night going through the entire lot and there are some wonderful items available.

Lots 1001-1198 include everything from costume jewelry by Chanel and Kenneth Jay Lane to Hollywood memorabilia and Lena’s favorite caftans by designers like Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo. There are also some first edition books and the item that I most wish I could bid on, art by Charles Alston.

There was not enough time for me to submit an application to bid via the internet or telephone, but for a peek inside the legend’s life, here are some of the items on offer along with some iconic photos of Lena.

In a world obsessed with reality TV, pay attention wannabes, these are pieces of a well-lived life from a real star, and her life was a life full of art, culture, design, exquisite taste and above all substance.

Beaded Floral Caftan

Bib Necklace

Fashion Books

Books by Langston Hughes

Hollywood Books

Jacob Lawrence's Schomburg Library

Chanel necklace

Charles Alston

Giorgio di Sant' Angelo's Reversible Fur Coat

Sarmi Evening Gown

Porgy and Bess script with Lena's handwritten notes

Art by Geoffrey Holder

Long sequined cardigan