Diana's 'Revenge Dress' Heads to Auction After Three Decades
Princess Diana's 'revenge dress' goes on display at Sotheby's London before an international tour and a December auction in New York.
A black evening gown that became one of the most photographed garments of the late 20th century is going under the hammer. Princess Diana's so-called "revenge dress" was unveiled at Sotheby's London showrooms on Friday, ahead of an international tour and a sale in New York.
The off-the-shoulder silk dress, designed by Christina Stambolian, was worn by Diana on 29 June 1994, the same evening a television interview aired in which the then-Prince Charles publicly acknowledged he had been unfaithful. Rather than withdraw from public view, Diana attended a gala at London's Serpentine Gallery in the figure-hugging gown, paired with a sapphire and diamond necklace, black pumps and red nail polish.
Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and fashion, said the dress was created after a conversation between Diana and the designer and then kept unworn in her closet for about three years. "It's probably the dress in which she felt the more confident," Halimi said, describing it as the first time Diana used fashion to communicate her personal expression rather than simply as a form of style. "The way she felt on that day is that, I'm taking back the story and I'm here and I stand for myself."
Images of Diana in the dress circulated worldwide, and the British tabloid The Sun declared on its front page the following day: "Revenge is chic." The garment has not been worn in public since that night.
This is the first time the dress has come up for sale since 1997, when Diana sold it along with other pieces to raise funds for AIDS charities. Sotheby's has set a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 to $300,000, though the auction house has indicated the final price could go considerably higher.
Halimi said Diana's enduring status as an icon continues to draw collectors. "The story of this dress and the universal message that it brings will definitely attract also institution as well as private collector who are looking for unique pieces and one of a kind item," she said.
The dress remains on public view in London until 24 September, after which it travels to Hong Kong and Geneva. It will be offered for sale in New York on 9 December.