Audrey Hepburn treasures go under hammer at London auction

A collection of dresses and other wardrobe treasures worn by film star and style icon Audrey Hepburn fetched over 260,000 pounds Tuesday when they were sold at auction in London.

A Givenchy cocktail dress Hepburn wore in the 1966 film "How to Steal a Million" sold for 60,000 pounds (66,450 euros, 97,659 dollars) -- three times the estimated price, auction organisers said.

Hepburn wore the black Chantilly lace gown, from her favourite designer, in a scene in the Ritz Hotel in Paris from the comedy also starring Peter O'Toole.

The dress was one of more than 40 items, including hats and belts, worn by the chic and svelte actress to go under the hammer with Kerry Taylor Auctions in central London's Pall Mall. The total amount paid came to 268,320 pounds.

"The collection made double the pre-sale estimate of 100,000 pounds," auctioneer Taylor said.

"It has been a privilege to handle this collection, the like of which will never be seen again."

An ivory satin bridal gown, designed in 1952 for Hepburn's planned marriage to English businessman James Hanson, sold for 13,800 pounds.

Audrey later called off the wedding and reportedly asked the designers to give the dress away.

Half of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund.

Hepburn's dresses have fetched high prices at previous auctions.

A pink cocktail dress she wore in the 1961 classic "Breakfast at Tiffany's" sold for 192,000 dollars in New York in 2007.