Gloria Steinem to Auction Personal Collection
Gloria Steinem, a prominent advocate for women’s rights, is set to auction 40 items from her vintage store, What Goes Around Comes Around, on March 27 through eBay Live. It’s a unique event, marking the first time she’s parting with her personal belongings.
This diverse collection includes clothing, handbags, jewelry, and various accessories that Steinem has gathered during her journalism travels across India and the United States.
The proceeds will support the Gloria Foundation, committed to promoting gender equality and maintaining her historic Manhattan apartment, which has been a vital space for feminist activism and community gatherings.
Steinem, now 91, shared her thoughts on why her East 73rd Street apartment is important as a meeting place.
“Years ago, I visited a brownstone in London that had a plaque noting it was once a venue for women organizing for the vote. From that moment, I envisioned my own home as a space for women to gather and organize,” she explained.
She added, “Since the 1960s, my living room has been a sanctuary for women to share experiences and mobilize. I truly hope it remains a safe haven for diverse individuals to come together.”
As the founder of Ms. Magazine, the first publication run by women, Steinem encourages buyers of her items to share photos of themselves using social media, so she can see how the pieces continue to live on.
Steinem graduated from Smith College in 1956, moving to New York in 1960 to embark on a freelance journalism career. Since she contributed to Glamor magazine, it’s no surprise that its editor-in-chief, Samantha Barry, is co-hosting the eBay auction.
Gerard Maione, co-founder of What Goes Around Comes Around, highlighted the distinctiveness of Steinem’s collection, which starts at around $100 and reaches up to $2,000. He noted, “These pieces represent her journey through decades of activism, infused with a bohemian spirit shaped by her global experiences.”
Maione further remarked, “With intricate embroidery, sequins, and rich textiles, this collection showcases the remarkable craftsmanship inspired by artisans from Southeast Asia and India. They are not only rare; they hold a special, priceless significance.”
