Video: Marilyn Monroe dress brings cool $0.5m in Asia's gambling mecca

Monroe, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Elvis Presley's collectibles netted high prices in Macau

Macau is known as one of Asia's gambling meccas - yet no gambling took place at the second annual Julien's Auction in the region. Instead, people showed they are willing to put their money into celebrity memorabilia.

In the end, a Marilyn Monroe dress went for a cool $0.5m dollars ($504,000 to be exact). Monroe originally wore the dress in her classic film River of No Return.

Also starring in the sale were several 'blue chips' of the celebrity memorabilia markets, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Elvis Presley whose rare collectibles sold for high prices in Asia.

According to our above Video of the Week, Julian's foresees increasing interest in the world's top memorabilia from China's buyers in the future.

"It's a different market over here," said Darren Julien, President and CEO of Julien's Auctions.

"Since we started doing exhibitions and auctions over here in Asia, we've increased our business. I mean Asia represents about 30 to 40 percent of our business now."

Bidders from the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, the UK, and Ireland also joined in. Absentee, online or phone bidding was also available.

Recent and related articles

· Video: Auction Kings TV show views Johnny Cash memorabilia for sale | 19 October 2011

· 'Music to the Mouth' Bordeaux wine collection for sale at Acker Chicago| 16 October 2011

· Anita Mui's jewellery collection hits the high notes at Sotheby's | 10 October 2011

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