The China Mail - The Dude abides: 'Big Lebowski' gear under the hammer

The brown flannel robe is one of a number of items from the Coen brothers' slacker-noir film going under the hammer in California this weekend.

"These are the items that ... bring the story to life," said Martin Nolan, chief executive of Julien's Auction.

"When (Bridges) shows up in this outfit... wearing his shorts, his T-shirt, the robe, just incredible."

The 1998 movie stars Bridges as The Dude, a wastrel whom criminals mistake for a millionaire in a caper that also showcases the comedic talents of John Goodman and Steve Buscemi.

The film became a cult classic, and spawned a number of memorable lines that fans often trot out, including: "That rug really tied the room together."

In addition to the robe, which is expected to fetch up to $50,000, fans can also bid on The Dude's sunglasses and bowling pin props used in the movie and signed by Bridges.

The lot is part of "Hollywood Legends," a four-day event that will see thousands of items of memorabilia put up for sale.

They include an animatronic model of the head of "E.T. The Extraterrestrial", which could go for as much as $1 million, Nolan said.

"These items are now considered an asset class ... not just memorabilia items or a storyline from a time in our lives," he said.

"Something like this is much more fun than stocks or bonds, or a lot of the other items you have in your investment portfolio, and a great conversation piece."

Also up for sale this weekend will be the blouse that Britain's Princess Diana wore in her engagement photo in 1981, which auctioneers expect could fetch up to $100,000.

Designed by Elizabeth Emanuel and David Emanuel, who also designed her wedding dress, the pink chiffon blouse has a bow at the neck.

"This tells so much about Diana; nothing flamboyant nothing crazy just very subtle, beautiful, elegant and that's who she was," said Nolan.

Other items on offer include a jacket worn by Audrey Hepburn in "Charade" (1963) and the computer used by Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker's character in "Sex and the City."

O.Yip--ThChM