Princess Diana’s famous revenge dress is going to auction for the first time in nearly 30 years. It could sell for up to $300,000.
Princess Diana’s famous “revenge dress” is heading to auction for the first time in nearly 30 years. The iconic black gown could sell for up to $300,000. Sotheby’s will handle the auction on December 9 in New York. Before then, fans can see the dress in London, Hong Kong and Geneva.
Diana wore the Christina Stambolian dress on June 29, 1994. That same day, King Charles III admitted he had been unfaithful during their marriage. His confession aired to 13 million viewers across Britain. Hours later, Diana arrived at the Serpentine Gallery in a bold black dress. The outfit quickly earned the name “revenge dress.”
The off-shoulder silk gown broke royal fashion expectations at the time. Diana paired it with black heels, a clutch, red nails and a striking sapphire-and-diamond choker. Sotheby’s says the choker was made from an antique brooch given to Diana by the Queen Mother.
“Fashion can be a language when words fail,” said Morgane Halimi of Sotheby’s.
She added that Diana turned the dress into “one of the most powerful messages she ever made.”
Interestingly, the dress had stayed in Diana’s wardrobe for three years. She once feared it was “too daring,” according to designer Christina Stambolian. Diana eventually chose it because she “wanted to look a million dollars.” The dress was last sold in June 1997 during Diana’s charity auction. That sale raised money for breast cancer and AIDS charities.
Now, the famous gown returns to the spotlight decades later. It will be unveiled in London on September 18. The exhibition runs until September 24 before moving overseas. A catalogue from the original sale will also be included. The anonymous owner hopes the next buyer enjoys it as much as they did.
