Whitney Houston memorabilia to be auctioned

Washington, Mar 31 (ANI): A collection of items worn by Whitney Houston will be going up for sale as part of Julien's Auctions "Hollywood Legends" auction on March 31.

Several of her items were set to be included in this particular auction even before she was found dead in her hotel room bathtub on February 11.

"We were one week away from going to the printer [with the catalogue]," ABC News quoted Julien's Auctions Executive Director Martin Nolan as saying.

"And of course, as soon as she passed away, people called us to say they had [more] Whitney Houston items," he added.

With her death, the price of the singer's possessions is expected to go through the roof.

"This will be, in fact, the first auction of items owned by Whitney Houston that will go on the auction block since she passed away. So the world media - in fact, everyone - is curious to know just how collectible she has become," said Nolan.

There are a dozen of items going up for sale, including a vest and two sets of earrings that she wore in 'The Bodyguard', several stage costumes, including a black lace pantsuit, a gold satin jacket and a beaded bustier; and a grey velvet gown that she wore to Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Awards party in 1996.

The auction house says they haven't jacked up the prices on the Houston memorabilia after her death.

"We did have that conversation and we decided that, no, we would leave the estimates as is and they're conservative.

"So all the auction companies will be looking at this auction to see how collectible she has become and where is the benchmark," said Nolan.

The prices for the items range from about 500 to 2,000 dollars.

As for those who feel this auction is in poor taste, or is taking place too soon, Nolan said that he realizes that "there's always this certain element of people that feel that yes, maybe it's a little insensitive." However, he feels that the auction house is actually "preserving the history" of Houston by documenting her possessions and telling their story.

"We're protecting her legacy and that's what we have.

"You know, she's no longer with us but we want to keep that memory alive," said Nolan. (ANI)