A captivating evening dress once adorned by the late Princess Diana has set a new auction record in a stunning display of enduring legacy and royal fashion influence. The exquisite gown, sold by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, fetched an astonishing $1.1 million, surpassing its initial estimate by a significant margin. This sale highlights the timeless appeal of Princess Diana’s style and marks a historic moment in the world of fashion and royal memorabilia.
Princess Diana, known for her impeccable style and grace, first showcased the black and blue ballerina-length evening dress in 1985 during a visit to Florence. The dress, crafted by renowned designer Jacques Azagury, later appeared in Vancouver in 1986, further cementing its place in fashion history. The allure of this dress lies in its intricate design – a long black velvet bodice embroidered with blue stars and a two-tier blue organza skirt, complete with a sash and bow.
This remarkable garment, accompanied by a matching illustration, was sold for a staggering $1,148,080, as announced by Julien’s Auctions on Sunday. Initially estimated to be valued between $100,000 and $200,000, the dress’s final sale price far exceeded expectations. “Julien’s now holds the new world record for the most expensive dress worn by Princess Diana sold at auction,” the auction house stated, acknowledging the significance of this event. The previous record for a dress of hers at auction was $604,800.
The dress was part of the “Hollywood Legends” sale, a four-day event organized by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), which featured an array of coveted memorabilia. Among the other notable items was a pink chiffon blouse worn by Princess Diana for her 1981 engagement portrait with then Prince Charles, captured by Lord Snowdon. This blouse, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who also created Diana’s wedding dress, was sold for $381,000 against an estimate of $80,000 – $100,000.
The extraordinary sale of Princess Diana’s evening dress at Julien’s Auctions not only sets a new benchmark for royal fashion auctions but also reaffirms her enduring influence and the deep public affection for her legacy. The dress’s record-breaking sale price is a testament to the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s style and the significant place she holds in both fashion history and the hearts of many worldwide.
