The Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris July 14, 2011. — Reuters (File) Photo
The Eiffel Tower is illuminated during the traditional Bastille Day fireworks display in Paris July 14, 2011. — Reuters (File) Photo

PARIS: Feathers, costumes and jewels sported by French musical legends from Josephine Baker to Maurice Chevalier are up for grabs next month at a rare auction in Paris.

More than 5,000 items from a private collection of star attire from the Casino de Paris - a venerable city music hall - will go under the hammer on January 26 and 27, the Arts Talents Encheres auction house said Wednesday.

They include a gown worn by American-born dancer, singer and actress Josephine Baker who became the first black artiste to gain global fame.

Baker used the sequinned outfit at her last public appearance - a retrospective revue - in 1975. It is thought to fetch up to 6,000 euros ($8,000).

Other memorabilia include Chevalier's trademark boater hat, which he always wore on stage. The French entertainer later became a Hollywood star.

The auction also features items from the wardrobe of Jane Avril, a French can-can dancer made famous by French post-Impressionist painter Henri Toulouse Lautrec.

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