Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills has hosted what has been hailed as the largest auction ever of Princess Diana’s fashion legacy, featuring more than 12 of her memorable designer dresses that she wore during her time as one of the most photographed and revered women on earth.
As “Princess Diana: The Fashion of a Royal Icon,” this auction provides an invaluable glimpse into Diana’s wardrobe, which inspired fashionistas worldwide. According to auction house estimates, her collection included pieces by legendary designers like Catherine Walker, Victor Edelstein, Bruce Oldfield and Zandra Rhodes – which would surely bring an auction house record price!
“This collection from Princess Diana represents one of the greatest and most comprehensive fashion collections ever put up for auction,” declared Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien’s Auctions. The dresses tell the tale of a princess who used fashion as an effective means of communication; one which conveyed elegance, empathy, and strength.
Record-Breaking Interest
A piece that has already attracted record-breaking interest is Diana’s famous midnight blue velvet gown by Victor Edelstein that she wore while dancing with actor John Travolta at a White House gala in 1985. Early bids have already reached over $1.5 million during pre-auction previews!
At auction are also the pale pink sequined gown worn to an Indian state banquet and the black strapless number from a charity ball at Serpentine Gallery–dubbed “revenge dress” due to its timing after Prince Charles announced his infidelity publicly.
Auctioneers anticipate sales exceeding $10 million due to overwhelming interest from collectors, museums and royal enthusiasts. Portions of proceeds will be donated to children’s hospitals and organizations supported by Diana during her life.
Diana, Princess of Wales was widely revered not only for her humanitarian efforts, but also for her timeless fashion sense – an evolution from shy aristocratic elegance to confident global trendsetter. According to experts, Diana’s clothing often carried messages related to soft diplomacy or subtle statements of independence after her divorce.
“Diana’s style wasn’t just about fashion–it was also about identity,” explained British fashion historian Elizabeth Carlile. Through her wardrobe, Diana became a relatable figure as well as humanitarian and modern royal status figure – that’s why these gowns hold such historical and emotional value.”
Global and Royal Reaction
Diana’s auction has once more put Diana and her legacy under a global microscope nearly three decades since her tragic death in 1997. Although no public comment was issued regarding the auction itself from either Prince William or Harry themselves, royal commentators note their respect for Diana as someone who modernized monarchy through modernizing monarchies like their mother did.
As Princess Diana’s gowns continue to find new homes around the globe, her legacy lives on through each seam and silhouette – an eternal reminder of a woman whose influence extended far beyond royal walls and continues to inspire generations today.