Original Playboy Bunny Costume

Sold: £5,950.00

From the early 1960s to late 1980s, membership of Hugh Hefner's Playboy Clubs of the world acted as a status symbol for the rich and famous. In the elitist atmosphere of the club rooms, drinks were served by specially trained waitresses: Playboy Bunnies.

The tuxedo-style dress code of the Playboy Clubs became iconic: a tight corset, bunny ears, cotton tails, black mesh tights, high heels, white collars, bow tie, white cuffs and cufflinks. Each bunny also wore a name tag, made from a satin rosette, pinned above her right hip bone. The costumes were so important that they were even registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

No two costumes were the same and were custom fitted for each woman. Often seamstresses were on duty at the Playboy Clubs in case any repairs or alterations were needed.

While Playboy Enterprises required all of its employees to turn in their uniforms at the end of their employment, a handful were kept privately.

These costumes are increasingly rare. Two costumes are currently on public display at the Chicago History Museum and as part of The Smithsonian collections, showing their growing importance as cultural icons.

This collection of items features one of the iconic Playboy Bunny costume in maroon velvet, worn between 1967 and 1981.

This unusual colour was worn only by Bunnies who worked in the Hunt Room and the main VIP area of the London Playboy Club. Opened in July 1966, the Mayfair club was a major attraction for celebrities, gamblers and men of leisure until its closure in 1981.

The one-piece bodice features a laced side seam, press stud fastening for the cotton tail and a back zip. The satin rosette badge features the name Erica. An accompanying photograph of Erica shows the Playboy Bunny wearing her costume at the London Club.

This item qualifies for our layaway plan