Bombshell Raquel Welch’s iconic wardrobe from Hollywood’s golden years sells for $1 million at auction

She was a much-loved American bombshell who took the world by storm during the golden years of Hollywood.

And now the late actress Raquel Welch’s wardrobe has gained its own star power, fetching more than $1 million (£870,000) at a recent auction.

A necklace worn by the action heroine fetched $195,000 (£156,000) at auction in Los Angeles last week – 195 times the original asking price of $1,000 (£800).

The iconic turquoise and silver piece was worn by Ms Welch during an acclaimed photo shoot with renowned photographer Terry O’Neill and was worn to the premiere of her film ‘Myra Breckinridge’ in 1970.

Raquel poses in a red, white and blue bikini starring for her film ‘Myra Breckinridge’ in 1970 (left) and playing Lilian Lust in Bedazzled in 1967 (right)

Pictured: A faux fur bikini inspired by her costume in the 1966 caveman comedy ‘One Million Years BC’, which sold for $13,000 (£10,000)

The auction of Ms Welch’s personal effects also included a faux fur-style bikini inspired by her costume in the 1966 caveman comedy ‘One Million Years BC’, which sold for $13,000 (£10,000).

It was this role as the scantily clad cavewoman in the comedy that catapulted Ms. Welch to stardom and cemented her status as an international sex symbol.

Almost 500 items owned by the late Hollywood star were sold last Friday, including a two-piece bikini worn in the 1967 comedy ‘Bedazzled’ which sold for $22,750 (£18,000) and her 1975 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a comedy which grossed $26,000 (£21,000).

Ms Welch died in February 2023 aged 82 at her home in Los Angeles after a short illness.