Princess Diana Dresses Surpass Expectations in Auction

Royal Auctions

The Enchanting Red Silk Dress by Bruce Oldfield

One of the dresses that captivated bidders and fashion enthusiasts alike was a stunning red silk creation by renowned designer Bruce Oldfield. Princess Diana adorned this elegant attire at the premiere of ‘Hot Shots’ in London’s Leicester Square in November 1991. Initially estimated at £160,000, the dress achieved an astonishing £458,484, nearly tripling the auction house’s expectations.

The allure of Princess Diana’s fashion legacy continues to resonate with collectors, as evidenced by the fervor surrounding this particular dress. Its sale price speaks to the enduring fascination with her style and the timeless appeal of her wardrobe choices.

In a remarkable turn of events, three iconic dresses worn by the beloved Princess Diana fetched a staggering £1.3 million at an auction held in Beverly Hills, California. These designer gowns became the highlight of Julien’s Auctions’ ‘Legends: Hollywood and Royalty’ sale, which featured a collection of over 1,400 unique items. The auction’s success far exceeded the anticipated prices for these historic pieces.

A Regal Ensemble by Catherine Walker

Another standout piece from the auction was a black and jade dress crafted by Catherine Walker, Diana’s personal designer for over 16 years. This regal ensemble had been worn by the princess at a gala event in Toronto, Canada, in October 1991. Much like the red silk gown, it commanded a remarkable sum of £458,484. Catherine Walker’s creations for Princess Diana consistently showcased the perfect fusion of sophistication and elegance.

The Unexpected Triumph of a Custom Black Velvet and Ivory Frock

Adding to the auction’s excitement was a custom black velvet and ivory frock by the same designer, Catherine Walker. Princess Diana had graced a private function wearing this exquisite attire. Initially anticipated to sell for a more modest range of $48,000 to £64,000, this dress’s final bid soared to an impressive £407,541.

Martin Nolan, the executive director of Julien’s Auctions, expressed his astonishment at the unprecedented success of these dress sales, stating that they “exceeded all expectations.” The allure of these gowns lay not only in their exquisite craftsmanship but also in their historical significance and the nostalgia they evoke.

A Remarkable Journey from Private Ownership to Public Display

These dresses had remained hidden from the public eye for over three decades, their remarkable journey coming full circle at this auction. They were originally purchased at an auction in New York by US businesswoman Ellen Petho just two months before Princess Diana’s tragic demise. At that time, Mrs. Petho, who sadly passed away in January at the age of 82, used her savings earmarked for a house purchase to acquire five of the princess’s dresses. This acquisition was part of a larger sale of 79 gowns, organized to raise funds for the AIDS Crisis Trust and the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Fund.

However, after her purchase, Mrs. Petho retained only three of these iconic gowns. Following her passing, her husband made the poignant decision to auction them, with the proceeds going towards funding a scholarship for mature art and design students. The inscription inside the auction catalogue, where Prince William expressed his desire for the dresses to be “out in the world and doing good,” provided a heartfelt inspiration for this decision.

In conclusion, the triumphant sale of Princess Diana’s dresses serves as a testament to her enduring legacy as a fashion icon and humanitarian. These dresses, lovingly preserved for decades, have now found new homes, where they will continue to inspire and enchant generations to come.

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