This December, Sotheby’s will feature a historic fashion piece in its second annual ‘Fashion Icons’ sale. The auction highlights the inauguration ensemble worn by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia and the first woman to be elected as Head of State of an African nation. Designed by Liberian fashion icon Abraham Pelham and crafted by Chris Collins in Liberia, the ensemble symbolizes a pivotal moment in global history.
Estimated at $15,000 to $20,000, the proceeds from the auction will benefit The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, an organization dedicated to empowering women in leadership roles across Africa.
Internationally celebrated as “Africa’s Iron Lady,” Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is renowned for her tireless advocacy of peace, justice, and women’s empowerment. Elected President of Liberia in 2005, two years after the nation’s devastating civil war, her inauguration on January 16, 2006, marked a new chapter in Liberia’s history. The ceremony was attended by global dignitaries, including U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and First Lady Laura Bush. Ms. Johnson Sirleaf’s ensemble for the occasion—an elegant, off-white traditional dress with a matching stole and headdress—was a testament to her pride in Liberian culture and her vision for the future.
The ensemble’s designer, Mr. Pelham, was a trailblazing Liberian fashion visionary who overcame significant challenges, including living with polio and years of exile. Having studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked under Bill Blass, Mr. Pelham pursued his dream of showcasing African couture on the global stage. His designs, including this iconic ensemble, celebrated African heritage with a modern twist. “I am delighted to include this special ensemble for auction with Sotheby’s to support the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center for Women and Development,” said Ms. Johnson Sirleaf. “The design was created by a physically challenged Liberian, Abraham Pelham, who proposed it while living in exile in Paris. This outfit carries immense historical and cultural significance.”
Lucy Bishop, Sotheby’s Fashion Specialist, noted, “This ensemble embodies both personal and historical achievement. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s choice to wear a traditional Liberian design for her inauguration underscores the empowerment of women, especially in politics. Sotheby’s is honored to support her mission of fostering women’s leadership.”
Proceeds from the sale will fund initiatives at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, established in 2018 to promote women’s participation in governance. The center’s work aligns with Johnson Sirleaf’s legacy as a champion of democracy and gender equality.
The ensemble’s auction will take place on December 17 in New York, as part of Sotheby’s ‘Fashion Icons’ sale. This event celebrates the intersection of fashion, culture, and history, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of global heritage.
