Fashion

Sotheby's Auctions Iconic Princess Diana Dress

The fine art auction house is offering bidders an opportunity to own one of the most historic dresses worn by Princess Diana.

A purple dress set against a dark grey backdrop.
All photos courtesy of Sotheby's.

From the airing of The Crown Season 5 to the relatively recent release of Prince Harry's highly anticipated memoir, the royal family has been a hot topic as of late. Adding to the conversation is none other than Princess Diana, or rather, Princess Diana's fashion. As one of the most well-known fashion figures to have ever been in the royal family to this day, the pieces that the The People's Princess wore throughout her life remain historic and highly sought after. To have access to such clothing is a nearly impossible request, making Sotheby's ongoing auction of a personal dress worn by Princess Diana an extraordinary moment. 

The gown being offered was worn by the Princess of Wales in a royal portrait in 1991, shot by Mario Testino, where she sat alongside King Charles. Designed by Victor Edelstein, the British couturier who was a favorite of Princess Diana's and created many of her well-known pieces for over a decade, the strapless evening gown is crafted out of a deep aubergine silk velvet, accentuated by a tulip-shaped skirt, and subtly embellished with three paste buttons at the back. 

The back of a purple dress set against a dark grey backdrop.

The ball gown was originally designed for Edelstein's Fall/Winter 1989 collection, though when in the sketching process there are hints that he had Princess Diana in mind when creating it. As one of the Princess of Wale's most historic looks, there is also a painting that hangs on the wall of the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Fund depicted of Princess Diana in the gown. Further adding to the gown's legacy is Franklin Mint’s 1998 limited edition Princess Diana doll, where the dress was featured in the collection of some of her most iconic looks

In Sotheby's curated auction "The One," the esteemed ball gown lies among a selection of other fine products that represent extraordinary historical human achievements and demonstrate excellence in workmanship, technique, and endeavor. 

A woman in a purple gown and purple necklace smiling.
A hand holding a purple pendant.

Further adding to the conversation on how much Diana's belongings are so highly sought after is none other than Kim Kardashian. On January 18, the socialite bought an amethyst pendant—officially known as the Attallah Cross—that was personally loaned to The People's Princess on numerous occasions. The recognizable pendant, which was also said to be one of Princess Diana's favorite pieces, is best known for its appearance with the look Princess Diana wore to a charity gala she attended in October 1987. Kardashian outbid three other bidders paying a total amount of $197,453 for the necklace.

A close up of the back of a purple dress with three buttons.
A side view of the front of a purple dress.

Now, all eyes are focused to see whose hands this historic dress will end up in. The gown is currently being displayed alongside Sotheby’s Masters Week exhibitions and is up for bid in "The One" live auction.

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