Princess Diana’s iconic black silk dress, famously dubbed the ‘Revenge Dress,’ is set to return to auction in New York with an estimated value of up to $300,000.
The iconic black dress worn by the late British royal Princess Diana, famously known as the “Revenge Dress,” is set to return to the auction block decades after it became one of the most memorable outfits in royal history.
According to foreign media reports, the historic dress will be offered at a special fashion auction in New York on Dec. 9, with the auction being organized by Sotheby’s.
Designed by renowned fashion designer Christina Stambolian, the black silk dress is regarded as one of Diana’s most iconic outfits. Before the auction, it is also expected to be displayed in London, Hong Kong and Geneva, giving fashion and royal history enthusiasts an opportunity to see the celebrated piece.
Sotheby’s has estimated the dress could sell for between $150,000 and $300,000.
Why was it called the ‘Revenge Dress’?
The dress became famous not only because of its distinctive design but also because of the circumstances surrounding Diana’s appearance in it.
Diana wore the black dress at an event held at London’s Serpentine Gallery in June 1994. On the same day, a television documentary featuring then-Prince Charles included a discussion about his marriage.
Diana appeared at the event with a confident demeanor while wearing the striking black, off-the-shoulder dress. Her appearance quickly attracted international attention, and the media later gave the outfit its now-famous “Revenge Dress” nickname.
The dress subsequently became closely associated with a pivotal period in Diana’s public life and remains one of the most recognizable pieces of her fashion legacy.
First auctioned for charity
Reports state that during her lifetime, Diana put the dress, along with 78 other outfits, up for auction. Proceeds from that sale were donated to charitable organizations working against cancer and AIDS.
Now, decades later, the “Revenge Dress” is returning to the auction market. Its upcoming sale is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and royal fashion enthusiasts, with Sotheby’s placing its estimated value as high as $300,000.
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