Princess Diana’s much-discussed ‘Revenge Dress’ is set to go under the hammer. Diana wore the off-the-shoulder black silk gown to a London event in 1994, just hours after news of her then-husband Prince Charles’s extramarital affair had become public. That appearance subsequently became one of the most memorable moments in popular culture.
Auction house Sotheby’s announced that the dress will be auctioned on December 9. It is estimated to fetch up to £220,000 (approximately $300,000). This marks the first time the dress has been put up for auction since 1997.
According to a BBC report, Diana attended a fundraising event at London’s Serpentine Gallery on that night in 1994. Earlier that same day, a documentary aired in which the then-Prince of Wales—now King Charles III—admitted to being unfaithful to Diana.
As details of the interview had leaked days prior, many viewed Diana’s appearance at the event as a public response to the revelation.
Anna Harvey, Diana’s stylist at the time, recalled that the princess wanted to look “like a million dollars” that day. Diana even changed her outfit at the last minute before heading to the event.
She opted for the off-the-shoulder dress created by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, setting aside a Valentino gown she had originally considered. She paired the dress—featuring an asymmetrical hem and a chiffon train—with a regal necklace, a black clutch, and high heels.
Morgan Halimi, Sotheby’s Global Head of Handbags and Fashion, noted that Diana understood fashion as a powerful language. According to Halimi, Diana reclaimed control of her own narrative through her attire at a time when others were telling her story for her.
The BBC reports that the dress will be exhibited in several cities around the world prior to the auction. It will be on display at Sotheby’s London showroom from September 18 to 24. Subsequently, it will be taken to New York via Hong Kong in early October and Geneva in early November. The auction will be held there.
