The signature black leather jacket worn by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has fetched nearly ₹9.4 crore ($960,000) at a Sotheby’s auction, making it one of the most valuable pieces of modern tech memorabilia ever sold.

The jacket, which was initially expected to sell for $40,000–$60,000 (around ₹33 lakh–₹50 lakh), achieved a final price nearly 16 times higher than its estimated value. The auction highlights Huang’s growing influence in the global technology industry, where his signature look has become as recognizable as his company's AI leadership.

According to reports, the entire auction proceeds will be directed toward supporting young innovators, scientific research and fellowship programs. The funds will benefit an initiative backed by Long Journey Ventures, which works with the Edge Institute, a non-profit organization that brings together experts from technology, science, culture and society to develop breakthrough ideas.

A Signature Style in Silicon Valley

Jensen Huang’s black leather jacket has become one of Silicon Valley’s most recognizable fashion statements, much like Steve Jobs’ black turtleneck and Mark Zuckerberg’s grey T-shirt and hoodie.

The auctioned jacket is a Tom Ford leather jacket that Huang wore during Hon Hai Tech Day in Taipei on October 18, 2023. Sotheby’s authenticated the jacket by matching it with event photographs, while Huang’s signature was verified by James Spence Authentication.

Huang has often joked about his trademark appearance. During a 2016 Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session, he humorously referred to himself as "that guy in the leather jacket." The iconic outfit has since become closely associated with NVIDIA’s product launches, AI conferences and keynote presentations, including his Time magazine cover appearance in 2021.

Luxury Meets Technology

Fashion experts note that Jensen Huang is a long-time admirer of Tom Ford leather jackets, with many pieces in his wardrobe reportedly costing several thousand dollars, and some valued at over $10,000.

According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, Huang is currently among the world's wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $175 billion (around ₹16.8 lakh crore), driven by NVIDIA's rapid growth in the artificial intelligence sector.