An evening dress once donned by the late Princess Diana has shattered records, as it is sold for an astounding $1.1 million at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles.
The black and blue ballerina-length gown, designed by Jacques Azagury, far exceeded expectations by selling for 11 times its initial estimate, setting a new benchmark for the highest price paid for one of Princess Diana’s dresses. The previous auction record of $604,800.
Princess Diana first wore the iconic dress during an evening in Florence in 1985, and a year later, she graced Vancouver in the same exquisite ensemble, leaving a lasting imprint on fashion history. The dress, featuring a long black velvet bodice adorned with blue stars and a two-tier blue organza skirt complemented by a sash and bow, was showcased at Julien’s Auctions as part of the four-day Hollywood Legends sale in collaboration with Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
The auction house, elated by the remarkable outcome, declared,
Julien’s now holds the new world record for the most expensive dress worn by Princess Diana sold at auction.
Accompanying the record-breaking dress sale were other notable pieces from Princess Diana’s wardrobe. A pink chiffon blouse worn for her 1981 engagement portrait to then-Prince Charles by Lord Snowdon sold for an impressive $381,000, surpassing its estimated value of $80,000 – $100,000. Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the same designers behind Diana’s iconic wedding dress, the blouse holds its own place in royal fashion history.
The fervor surrounding the auction highlights the enduring fascination with Princess Diana’s timeless style and the continued admiration for her sartorial choices. The record-setting sale attests to the lasting impact of the People’s Princess on the world.
