Matthew Broderick’s iconic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vest sells for eye-watering sum at auction

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The iconic vest worn by Matthew Broderick in the popular 1986 teen comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, was recently bought at a staggeringly high price.

Since the entire movie unfolded within a single day, the vest appeared consistently from start to finish, leaving an unforgettable impression on viewers.

Those captivated by the movie will swiftly recall the camel-colored, geometrically designed acrylic yarn outfit, which stood out distinctively.

Ferris frequently dons the item throughout Chicago, even during the beloved scene filmed at Wrigley Field during a 1985 Cubs game versus Montreal.

At a certain point, the vest ended up with Emmy-winning sports broadcaster Darren Rovell, and eventually was taken to Sotheby’s New York, where they decided to sell it at an auction.

Initially projected to fetch between $300,000 and $600,000, the vest ended up being sold for $279,400 following 11 bids, as reported by Sotheby’s in a press statement, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Under the direction of John Hughes, known for his hilarious 1980s high school-themed comedies such as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off quickly became a popular favorite.

The story’s lively sequence revolves around the main character, Matthew, skipping school along with his girlfriend, Mia Sara, and their close friend, Alan Ruck, for an entire day.

In the beginning, Marilyn Vance, the film’s costume designer, purchased the outfit component that later became a vest, originally it was a cardigan. She subsequently removed the sleeves from it.

The appearance of the outfit was intended to convey to observers a feeling of Ferris’ rebellious spirit, charm, and unique character, as suggested by Sotheby’s.

‘In Bueller’s entire collection, Vance’s sweater vest was the only vibrant pop of color. This vest quickly became a defining characteristic and symbol for the character, representing his unique trait – the skill to fit into any setting while still managing to stand out just enough to acquire what you desire from the world.’ (Auction house statement)

The auction for the lot began on June 5th and concluded on June 24th, around 11 am Pacific Time, marking the sale of the item for a staggeringly high price.

The item was grouped with other collectibles, such as a ticket from the actual Cubs game that was filmed at Wrigley Field for the iconic sequence back in September 1985, forming part of a combined offer.

Among the assortment I’ve come across are a 1980s National League baseball sporting what appears to be a forged Charles Feeney autograph and an authentic index card bearing Matthew Broderick’s genuine signature, a true collector’s delight.

Alongside the purchase, you’ll get hold of a 1987 VHS tape of the movie, as well as old cinema tickets from the 1980s for viewing the film at a Japanese theater and at a Showcase Cinemas venue.

Additionally, there’s a souvenir from an ’85 Chicago Cubs vs Atlanta match (depicted on a TV screen in the film) and a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Bully collectible card as part of the collection.

In a quote provided to WWD, Sotheby’s Vice Chairman for Popular Culture, Ralph DeLuca, noted that “not many movie artifacts hold the immediate familiarity and cultural impact as Ferris Bueller’s sweater vest.

This isn’t simply an outfit; it’s a symbol of the 1980s American spirit, encompassing a figure, an era, and a widespread feeling of youthful defiance.

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2025-06-26 01:21