NEW YORK, NY.- Bonhams will offer the Estate of Walter Mercado, the legendary astrologer and TV personality, in a dedicated online sale November 30 - December 9, 2021. The Puerto Rican-born phenomenon Mercado is best known worldwide for his flamboyant style, his vibrant screen persona, and was the subject of a feature documentary on Netflix, Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado in 2020. Written in the Stars will include more than 135 treasured items of embellished capes, suits, fine jewelry, and personal items that belonged to Mercado, with estimates ranging from $500 – $60,000.
Born in Puerto Rico in 1932, Mercado established a name for himself in the world of entertainment as a young adult, finding success as an actor, singer, and dancer in the 1960s. In the 1970s, he was given an astrology segment on El Show de las 12, during which he would perform psychic readings while channeling a fascinating character that combined the flamboyant Liberace and charm of American TV personality Mr. Rogers. These short segments quickly achieved unprecedented popularity, leading Mercado to gain the nickname of “Walter of Miracles” and to become a household name and a cultural phenomenon. He soon entered the zeitgeist—first within Puerto Rico, following Latin America and eventually throughout the globe —becoming a beloved figure throughout the entire Spanish speaking community and reaching over 120 million Hispanic viewers. In 2017, just two years before his death in 2019, Mercado was named Mr. Televisión by the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York. In 2020 he was the posthumous subject of the award-winning Netflix documentary Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado. Walter Mercado's fame has become a relevant pop culture cult-following personality among millennials.
Corinne Timsit and Juan Sotomayor said: “We are so delighted to work with Bonhams on this special sale of select pieces from Walter’s life and career. These capes and jewels were a defining part of Walter’s identity, helping to shape him as not only a fashion icon but a legendary figure of Puerto Rico. By collecting his treasures his fans across the world will be able to share in his remarkable energy and aura, which will keep the Miracle of Walter with us always.”
Bonhams Director of Popular Culture, Helen Hall, said: “Walter Mercado was beloved by so many across the globe, with his regular Saturday night televised horoscopes eagerly anticipated by his fans and admirers for so many years. Bonhams is delighted to offer this fabulous collection which includes his iconic, much photographed jewelry as well as elaborate clothing and stage capes and personal possessions.”
Stellar highlights
Among Walter Mercado’s spectacular belongings, the sale will include a white silk cape embellished with gold beads, sequins, and lace trim with an estimate of $2,500-$ 3,500. Together with the rest of his elaborate capes and suits, this piece is a wonderful representation of Mercado’s signature style. Mercado gave free rein to his designers to express his personality and carefully selected his outfit according to the theme of his appearance or the zodiac sign prevalent at the time; his loyal audience was always eager to see what he would wear next.
Jewelry and accessories were always part of Mercado’s signature style and Bonhams is honored to offer a selection of some of his most precious rings, pendants and bracelets: one of the highlight pieces is a platinum and diamond three-stone ring set with a pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamond weighing 6.69 carats (Estimate: $40,000-60,000). Other favorite pieces include a gold, amethyst, aquamarine, and diamond ring. This piece, estimated for $1,500-2,500, was one of Mercado’s favorites, as he believed in its incredible energy and protection. Another standout offering is an opulent gold, amethyst, and citrine “Walter Mercado” pendant, with an estimate of $2,000 – 3,500. Custom made for Mercado, this pendant was among the star’s most treasured pieces.
