Sophia Michaels
Princess Diana was a fashion icon whose influence extended far beyond her time. Her wardrobe was both admired and imitated, making her a trendsetter for royals and commoners alike. Before her tragic passing, she selflessly auctioned off 79 of her gowns, raising $3.25 million for medical research. However, not all of her iconic outfits stayed within her family.
Some of Princess Diana’s dresses have since been auctioned off to private collectors for exorbitant sums. For instance, a purple velvet gown she wore for Vanity Fair fetched around $600,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023. Despite this being a record-breaking auction back then, it was later eclipsed by the sale of another gown for $1.1 million in December of the same year.
Collectors Invest Heavily in Princess Diana’s Attire
One of Princess Diana’s gowns set a new record when it sold for $1.1 million in 2023. The black and blue gown, worn by Diana in the mid-’80s, was acquired by a private buyer in a high-profile auction conducted by Julien’s Auctions. This gown was just one of many pieces available, with approximately 150 items from Diana’s collection made available for purchase later on.
The revenue generated from the record-breaking auction allowed Julien’s Auctions to acquire more of Diana’s iconic dresses and offer them for sale. This included pieces like her Catherine Walker black velvet evening gown, which had a starting bid of $25,000. The increased interest and demand for Diana’s clothing have fueled the continued expansion of these auctions.
The Journey of Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress
Princess Diana’s original wedding dress remains under the care of the royal family and is occasionally put on display for public viewing. Unlike her other outfits that have been auctioned off, her wedding dress has been preserved as a part of history. In recent years, the dress has been featured in various exhibitions, allowing admirers to appreciate its beauty.
In 2021, Kensington Palace showcased Princess Diana’s wedding dress in an exhibit titled “Royal Style In The Making,” exploring the intricate details of the gown. Both of Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, supported the decision to share this iconic piece with the public, ensuring her legacy lives on.
