In 1999 54 of the most unforgettable Academy Award gowns were auctioned off at Christie's to benefit AIDS research. Each gown was catalogued and displayed. From the column of silvery beads that Edith Head created for Janet Leigh in 1959 to the Oliver Theykens and Jean Paul Gaultier outfits that Madonna wore in 1998, these outfits showcase fashions from foremost creators and movie goddesses that continue to ignite Hollywood's annual night of nights.

Take a look at a few of the dresses that were auctioned!