Princess Diana’s renowned ‘revenge dress’ will be auctioned by Sotheby’s on December 9th, with estimates placing its value at up to £220,000 (approximately $300,000). This stunning black silk gown was worn by the princess at a charity dinner in London, just hours after a documentary aired in which Prince Charles admitted to infidelity during their marriage.
The dress, designed by Christina Stambolian, made a striking appearance at the Serpentine Gallery in 1994 and has since become a pop culture icon. Media outlets dubbed it the ‘revenge dress,’ symbolizing Diana’s strength and independence.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of fashion and accessories, remarked that Diana instinctively understood fashion as a form of communication. At the time, Anna Harvey, Diana’s stylist, noted that the princess aimed to look “like a million dollars.” In a last-minute decision, Diana chose this strapless evening gown, accessorizing it with royal jewelry, a black handbag, and black high-heeled shoes.
Earlier this year, the vintage Jaguar XJ40 that Diana used to arrive at the event was sold at auction for £66,250. The anticipation surrounding the auction of the ‘revenge dress’ suggests it may command a significantly higher price.
