This stunning strapless gown was created in the late 1990s by couturier Victor Edelstein. It is one of the iconic pieces in the wardrobe of the Princess of Wales, who was considered a style icon by her contemporaries.
The elegant model, made from rich violet silk velvet, features a sculptural heart-shaped neckline and a tulip skirt. The back of the dress is adorned with three gold buttons embellished with pearls.
According to Sotheby’s, Edelstein designed custom outfits for Diana for over a decade. This gown was part of his autumn collection from 1989. In 1991, the princess posed in it for an official portrait by artist Douglas Hardinge Anderson. She also wore it during a photoshoot with Mario Testino for Vanity Fair in 1997, shortly before her death.
On January 27, for the first time in over 25 years, the dress will be auctioned off, CNN reports. Auctioneers have estimated the lot to be worth $120,000. The seller’s identity remains a secret.
Princess Diana’s velvet ball gown is up for sale for the first time in 25 years. Photo: Sotheby’s
The Great Dress Sale of the Princess Took Place a Quarter Century Ago
This gown was last sold in 1997 at a charity auction at Christie’s for $24,150. At that time, 79 dresses donated by Diana were auctioned off. Among them was the so-called “revenge dress,” made of black velvet by Greek designer Christina Stambolian. In 1994, the princess wore this bold dress to a public event shortly after her husband, Prince Charles, publicly acknowledged his renewed relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. With this act, Diana demonstrated her strength and resilience. Witnesses at the time noted that she looked like a million dollars.
When the princess decided to auction her dresses in 1997, it felt like she was bidding farewell to a past filled with sorrow. However, in a press statement, Diana expressed her satisfaction, saying that now others could share in the joy she felt while wearing those outfits.
The total amount raised from the sale of all the dresses reached $3.25 million. This money was donated to charity, including the AIDS Foundation and the Royal Marsden Cancer Center.
At Sotheby’s The One auction in New York on January 27, other rare items from the world of fashion and entertainment will also be featured. Notably, a ticket to President John F. Kennedy’s birthday celebration in 1962, which is historically significant for Marilyn Monroe’s iconic vocal tribute.