Cyndi Lauper on fun, fashion and freedom of expression: ‘We have braces on our brains’

Cyndi Lauper is auctioning fashion and personal items from her five-decade career in a two-part Bonhams sale in New York. The collection reflects the creativity and individuality that shaped her image, and Lauper hopes it will encourage people of different generations to express themselves.

The items include outfits from music videos and performances, handwritten lyrics, a Raggedy Ann doll and a colourful spotted couch. Lauper, who has sold more than 50 million records and retired from live performance last year, says modern culture has become too corporate and people should think for themselves. She also praises Chappell Roan, who wore a replica of Lauper’s newspaper skirt when inducting her into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.