Elton John Owned and Worn Nike Warm Up Suit and Running Shoes - From His Famous “Out of the Closet” Sales of His Clothing in London and Atlanta

Click Here to read more about The Tom Fontaine Elton John Collection presented in this auction.
Please Note: A portion of the proceeds from sale of the Elton John lots, 229–281, will be donated to The Elton John Aids Foundation.

Offered is a wonderful NIKE ensemble owned and worn by Elton John and sold at his "Out of the Closet" sale of his clothing in London and at "Elton's Closet" at Neiman Marcus in Atlanta. The size "L" NIKE warm up suit was acquired in December 2000 at the London "Out of the Closet" store and comes with its original tag branded for the "Elton John Aids Foundation / Out of the Closet III" sale. (see image at right of Elton opening the London store on November 29, 2000) The men's size "8" NIKE running shoes were acquired by the same collector four years earlier at the Atlanta Neiman Marcus store where a special section was named "Elton's Closet." It opened on June 4, 1996, and was sold out in short order, but the fan who acquired the pair was privy to a "Preview Party on June 3, 1996, and was able to snag them. A copy of the invitation to the event is shown at left. The shoes each present with the large red "E" stamping on the size tag that indicate they were part of the sale in 1996. The ensemble is accompanied by letters describing the acquisition of the warm up suit and the shoes. She makes the point that it was quite common for Elton to wear these types of outfits during the encore performances at his concerts in the period. The warm up suit presents with moderate wear, Near Mint condition, but the shoes are very well worn, with scuffing and signs of heavy use. The NIKE logos on the tongues are nearly worn off. Excellent condition.