There have been many Princess Diana-related auctions held over the years—Lady Di herself auctioned off than 79 of her dresses at Christie’s in 1997, in fact—but the sale taking place at Julien’s Auction later this month may be the biggest yet.
The auction house claims the event will include the largest collection of the late royal’s fashion to ever go under the hammer. Taking place at the Peninsula Beverly Hills on June 26, Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection will spotlight more than 300 extraordinary items of royal provenance. Included in the lots are some of the most memorable dresses, suits, and accessories ever worn by the Princess of Wales—many of which have never before appeared at auction, according to Julien’s.
Diana became a style icon soon after being thrust into the spotlight in the 1980s due to her high-profile relationship with Prince Charles. Her fashion evolved from modest and traditional to elegant and bold as she navigated her life in the public eye. She worked with many different designers, as illustrated by the diverse pieces on offer at Julien’s.
One of the auction highlights is a silk floral day dress designed by Belville Sassoon (pictured top). Expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000, the frock was a staple in Diana’s wardrobe and was donned for many official visits and public appearances. It was actually dubbed the Caring Dress, as the princess often wore it to see patients in hospitals, according to designer David Sassoon.
Another standout is a custom cream evening gown that Catherine Walker designed for Diana for her 1986 royal tour of Saudi Arabia. The elegant gown, which is expected to hammer down for between $200,000 and $300,000, features a high neckline and long Guinevere-style point sleeves to accommodate local dressing customs.
At the other, more daring end of the spectrum is a two-piece Bruce Oldfield set that Lady Di wore to Royal Ascot in 1987. Oldfield began designing for the princess in the mid-1980s with more daring fashions, leading the press to dub her “Dynasty-Di.” This silk ensemble carries a pre-sale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.
Accessories will abound at the auction, too. Highlights include Lady Di’s stylish John Boyd hat (estimate: $20,000 to $40,000) and her coveted Lady Dior lambskin handbag (estimate: $20,000 to $30,000). That is just a taste of 300 rarities on offer.
“Princess Diana’s legacy lives on not only through her humanitarian work but also in the timeless elegance of her style, which continues to inspire the world,” Martin Nolan, cofounder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, said in a statement. “This unprecedented collection offers collectors and admirers a rare opportunity to own a piece of royal history and pay tribute to one of the most beloved figures of our time.”
In keeping with Diana’s philanthropic spirit, a portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Muscular Dystrophy UK. Bidding and registration are now open online. The live auction will take place in the Peninsula’s Verandah Ballroom, with guests served Champagne and the hotel’s signature afternoon tea, naturally.
Source: Robb Report
--Agencies
