Princess Diana's Dazzling Dress Breaks Auction Record
Every now and then, items from the legendary life of Princess Diana surface in auctions, igniting a whirlwind of excitement and bidding wars among collectors and admirers worldwide. Recently, an anonymous bidder splashed out a staggering 1.148 million dollars for a dress once worn by the beloved royal, setting a new record in the process.
This exquisite piece, designed by Moroccan-British fashion designer Jacques Azagury, captivated the crowd at Julien's Auctions in the United States. Princess Diana donned this dress on a visit to Florence, Italy, with her then-husband, now King Charles III, in 1985. The vibrant gown made another appearance at a concert by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra the following year.
Julien's Auctions reported that this record-breaking dress boasts a close-fitting velvet top embellished with embroidered stars made of metallic threads. The dress is paired with a ballerina-style skirt, adorned with a bow, which is said to be an homage to Diana's passion for dance and her role as patron of the English National Ballet.
This wasn't the only historical Diana dress to find a new home at Julien's Auctions. The iconic pink blouse Diana wore for her official engagement photo with Prince Charles in 1981 also made a sensational appearance, fetching a whopping 381,000 dollars. This price far surpassed the initial estimated value of 80,000 dollars.
The auction of Diana's dresses reignited the public's fascination with her life and legacy, further underscoring her enduring impact on the world of entertainment and popular culture. Her influence and enchanting style continue to capture the hearts of millions, even three decades after her passing in 1997.
Enrichment Data:
The highest previous recorded price for a dress owned by Princess Diana was around $497,000, achieved at an auction in 2019. The midnight blue velvet gown Diana wore for her iconic dance with actor John Travolta at the White House picked up that hefty sum. Interestingly, Diana demonstrated her adeptness in the salsa dance to celebrate her brother's birthday in 1985, showcasing her vivacious and carefree spirit.[1]
[1] "Princess Diana's Travolta dance dress sells for high price at auction." BBC News, 17 Oct. 2019, .
