The Shophound

Today In Narcissism: Creepiest Non-Auction Ever

Our friends at Racked pointed us to comedian Paul Scheer's Flickr set of photos taken at the exhibition of Michael Jackson's possessions that were planned to be auctioned off next month at Julien's in Beverly Hills.. The auction has been canceled, but the exhibit continues, and it gives us a creepy glimpse of what life was like at the Neverland Ranch.
Is there a verb form of Narcissism? If there is, then it looks like that's pretty much what MJ did all day long.
There are wax figures of the singer and also several of children, along with a disturbing number of paintings featuring the singer in various forms of regalia, even one where he's knighting himself. Then there are the ones depicting him alongside various fictional and cartoon characters, and the one pictured that puts him in the company of the Mona Lisa, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Albert Einstein and E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial, all in matching aviator shades. The centerpiece is a huge painting that shows Jackson leading a throng of kids of all ages like a Pied Piper, which Scheer has documented in detail.
It is truly the heights and depths of navel-gazing, even by Hollywood standards. None of these 49 photos are to be missed.
Michael Jackson Auction: My Favorite Items (Paul Scheer/Flickr via RACKED)
Previously, Celebrity Freakshow Averted: Michael Jackson Auction Canceled

Celebrity Freakshow Averted: Michael Jackson Auction Canceled

You could argue that most of Michael Jackson's life has been a celebrity freakshow, but the eccentric singer has managed to reach a settlement that will return the former contents of Neverland Ranch back to his personal possession. They were to have been auctioned off by Julien's later this month, and an exhibition of the items opened on Tuesday in Beverly Hills running through the April 25^th. The exhibition will continue, and included items like the singer's iconic crystal studded gloves, quasi-military outfits and many paintings and sculptures depicting himself as well as juvenile fanboy memorabilia like life-sized superhero and Star Wars character figures. The folks at Luxist have an amusing slideshow of the display. According to Julien's, who had spent an estimated $2 million preparing for the sale, arrangements are being made for some sort of permanent exhibit of the items.
Sadly, we may have to wait until the singer's next financial crisis (which, given his track record, can't be too far off) for our chance to bid thousands of dollars for a piece of Jackson's bizarre legacy, but that's something worth waiting for, no?
Michael Jackson Auction Canceled (Luxist)
Michael Jackson auction canceled, exhibit continues (Reuters)
The Collection of Michael Jackson (Julien's Auctions)

Cher Cleans House, One Of Them Anyway

Indestructible celebrity and all-purpose icon Cher is cleaning her Malibu house in preparations for a redo, and planning an auction of about 700 pieces ranging from cars to some of those unforgettable Bob Mackie costumes. We don't yet know what the auction will include, but it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to score a sparkly gown from TV, some now vintage Chrome Hearts chains, maybe a Laverne costume, or possibly some old cartons of Lori Davis hair products. Unfortunately, the sale, handled jointly by Sotheby's and Julien's will be held in Los Angeles, but there will be a not-to-be-missed New York exhibition from September 16th to the 21st. It is expected to raise around $1 million, and while some of the proceeds will go to charity, the rest will go to...Cher. Why not? It's her old stuff, and somebody's got to pay for all the new stuff.