Princess Diana’s Iconic Revenge Dress to Go Up for Auction
Princess Diana's famous 1994 revenge dress is set to be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York with an estimated value of up to $300,000.
Princess Diana's Iconic "Revenge Dress" to be Auctioned
The "Revenge Dress," a black silk evening dress designed by Christina Stambolian, is set to be auctioned off by Sotheby's in New York on December 9. The dress, which was worn by Princess Diana to a fundraising dinner at London's Serpentine Gallery in 1994, is estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000. The dress was worn by Princess Diana on the same day that Prince Charles admitted to infidelity on national television, making it a powerful symbol of her independence and strength. According to Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and fashion, "On her own terms, Princess Diana turned the dress into one of the most powerful messages she ever made, during one of the most scrutinized and emotionally charged episodes of her life." The dress was originally auctioned off in 1997, when Princess Diana sold 79 of her dresses to raise funds for charity. It has been privately held since then and is now being offered at auction for the first time in nearly 30 years.Exhibition and Auction Details
The "Revenge Dress" will embark on a global exhibition tour, starting on September 18, before being auctioned off at Sotheby's Breuer Building in New York on December 9. A copy of the original auction catalog, numbered and signed by Princess Diana and the Greek designer, will be sold with the dress.Fans' Reaction to the Auction
Some fans have expressed concern that the dress may be purchased by someone who does not appreciate its cultural significance. On Reddit, one user commented, "Someone keep the Kardashians away from this dress," while another user responded that it was their "first thought too." These comments reference Kim Kardashian's history with famous fashion artifacts, including her wearing of Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress at the 2022 Met Gala.Previous Sales of Princess Diana's Dresses
Princess Diana's dresses have sold for significant sums at auction in the past. In 2023, a sweater featuring a black sheep among rows of white ones was sold for £920,000 at an auction by Sotheby's in New York. The following table shows the estimated value of the "Revenge Dress" and the price of the sweater:| Item | Estimated Value/Price |
|---|---|
| Revenge Dress | $150,000 - $300,000 |
| Sweater | £920,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Revenge Dress"?
The "Revenge Dress" is a black silk evening dress designed by Christina Stambolian, worn by Princess Diana to a fundraising dinner at London's Serpentine Gallery in 1994.
Why is the "Revenge Dress" significant?
The "Revenge Dress" is significant because it was worn by Princess Diana on the same day that Prince Charles admitted to infidelity on national television, making it a powerful symbol of her independence and strength.
How much is the "Revenge Dress" expected to fetch at auction?
The "Revenge Dress" is estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000 at auction.
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