An extraordinary evening dress once donned by Princess Diana has achieved a remarkable sale price of $1.1 million at an auction, far surpassing its initial estimates and setting a new world record for the sale of the late princess’s attire. The auction, conducted by the renowned Julien’s Auctions, witnessed the black and blue ballerina-length dress, a creation of designer Jacques Azagury, fetching a price eleven times higher than its anticipated value of $100,000 – $200,000.
The dress holds a special place in royal fashion history, as Princess Diana was first seen wearing it during her visit to Florence in 1985. It gained further prominence when she wore it again in 1986 during a trip to Vancouver. The final bid of $1,148,080 not only broke the auction house’s records but also exceeded the previous highest sale price for a dress worn by Princess Diana, which stood at $604,800.
Crafted with a meticulous design, the dress features a long black velvet bodice, intricately embroidered with blue stars, complemented by a two-tier blue organza skirt, beautifully enhanced with a sash and bow. The sale also included a matching illustration of the dress, adding to its allure and historical significance.
The dress was a highlight of the “Hollywood Legends” sale, a four-day event organized by Julien’s Auctions in collaboration with Turner Classic Movies (TCM). This prestigious auction featured an array of memorabilia, drawing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts of historical and cultural artifacts.
Adding to the royal glamour, a pink chiffon blouse, famously worn by Princess Diana for her 1981 engagement portrait with Prince Charles, also went under the hammer. Captured by Lord Snowdon, the blouse, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel who later created Diana’s iconic wedding dress, was sold for an impressive $381,000, far exceeding its estimated value of $80,000 – $100,000.
These record-breaking sales underscore the enduring legacy of Princess Diana’s style and her lasting impact on fashion and culture. The auction not only celebrated the elegance and grace that Diana brought to the royal wardrobe but also highlighted the deep fascination and reverence for royal memorabilia among collectors and admirers worldwide.
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