Princess Diana’s iconic “revenge dress” is heading to a Sotheby’s auction in New York this December, marking the first time the garment will be sold in nearly three decades, according to Bloomberg and the Daily Mail. Worn initially in June 1994 at the Serpentine Gallery in London, the black, off-the-shoulder silk dress is projected by Sotheby’s to fetch between 150 000 долара (110 000 британски лири) and 300 000 долара (221 000 британски лири), though experts cited by the Daily Mail suggest the final bid could surpass един милион долара.
The History Behind the 1994 Serpentine Gallery Appearance
According to the Daily Mail, Princess Diana wore the Christina Stambolian-designed dress shortly before Prince Charles admitted to adultery in an ITV broadcast. Stylist Anna Harvey revealed that Diana had owned the dress for three years but previously considered it too daring, ultimately choosing it at the last minute because she wanted to “look like a million dollars,” as reported by the Daily Mail. The form-fitting garment, paired with heels, red lipstick, and a pearl necklace, launched a new cultural genre of public wardrobe choices following a high-profile separation.
Auction Details and Charitable Contributions
The upcoming December sale at Sotheby's in New York marks a return to the public market for the historic piece. Bloomberg noted that Diana originally sold the dress at a 1997 charitable auction alongside 79 other outfits to benefit cancer and AIDS organizations.
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Precedent for Record-Breaking Royal Memorabilia Sales
Market valuations for Princess Diana’s wardrobe items have consistently exceeded pre-sale estimates in recent years. In January 2023, a velvet Victor Edelstein dress from her collection sold for 604 800 долара (446 000 британски лири), which was five times its initial estimate, according to reporting outlined by the Daily Mail. Later that year in September, a black sheep sweater worn by a 19-year-old Lady Diana brought in 1,1 милиона долара (812 000 британски лири) at a New York auction—fourteen times its original estimate. Despite these figures, the highest price paid for a Diana dress belongs to a Jacques Azaguri design worn in Florence in 1985, which fetched 1 148 080 долара (847 207 британски лири) at a Julien’s auction in Hollywood in December 2023.
Global Exhibition Tour Before the December Sale
Before the gavel falls in New York, the dress will embark on a public exhibition tour. According to auction details, the garment will travel to stops including London, Hong Kong, and Geneva, allowing the public to view the historic piece before it returns to New York for final display and the December auction.
Did You Know?
Princess Diana’s black Serpentine Gallery dress was kept in her wardrobe for three full years before she decided to wear it publicly in 1994, according to statements from her stylist Anna Harvey cited by the Daily Mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the revenge dress auction taking place?
The auction is scheduled for December at Sotheby’s in New York, following a global tour with stops in London, Hong Kong, and Geneva.
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Who designed the famous revenge dress?
The dress was designed by Christina Stambolian.
How much is the dress expected to sell for?
Sotheby’s has estimated the value between 150 000 долара (110 000 британски лири) and 300 000 долара (221 000 британски лири), though commentators suggest the final price could reach or exceed един милион долара based on previous royal auctions.
Where will a portion of the auction proceeds go?
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