In a jaw-dropping auction event, an evening dress once worn by the late Princess Diana has exceeded all expectations, fetching an extraordinary $1.1 million—a remarkable 11-fold increase from its initial estimate. The record-breaking sale was reported by Los Angeles-based Julien’s Auctions, showcasing the enduring allure of Princess Diana’s fashion legacy.
Crafted by designer Jacques Azagury, the black and blue ballerina-length gown made its debut in Florence in 1985 and gained iconic status when Princess Diana was photographed wearing it during a visit to Vancouver a year later.
Part of the “Hollywood Legends” sale, conducted by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the auction featured an array of memorabilia. Despite an initial estimate of $100,000 – $200,000, the dress, accompanied by a matching illustration, commanded an astounding $1,148,080.
Julien’s Auctions proudly declared, “Julien’s now holds the new world record for the most expensive dress worn by Princess Diana sold at auction,” surpassing the previous record of $604,800.
The gown, characterized by a long black velvet bodice adorned with blue stars and a two-tier blue organza skirt featuring a sash and bow, captured the imagination of bidders, standing as a poignant symbol of Princess Diana’s timeless style.
Alongside this historic sale, a pink chiffon blouse worn by Princess Diana for her 1981 engagement portrait to Prince Charles, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel (the designers of Diana’s wedding dress), achieved a remarkable sale price of $381,000, surpassing its estimate of $80,000 – $100,000.
The auction results underscore the enduring fascination with Princess Diana’s fashion choices and her lasting impact on the world of style. The iconic gown’s record-breaking sale further solidifies Princess Diana’s legacy as a global fashion icon.
