### A Royal Treasure Trove: Princess Diana's Iconic Fashions to Be Auctioned
Princess Diana’s status as an
enduring global icon is intrinsically linked to her revolutionary sense of
style. More than two decades after her passing, her wardrobe choices continue
to captivate and inspire, representing a unique blend of royal elegance, diplomaticsavvy, and personal vulnerability. Now, in what is being hailed as a landmark
event, an extensive and meticulously curated collection of her personal attire
and accessories is set to go under the hammer, offering a rare opportunity for
collectors and admirers to own a tangible piece of her legacy.
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| ### A Royal Treasure Trove: Princess Diana's Iconic Fashions to Be Auctioned |
### A Royal Treasure Trove: Princess Diana's Iconic Fashions to Be Auctioned
Julien's Auctions
incollaboration with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), will host "Princess Diana's
Elegance & A Royal Collection," a live and online auction on June 26-27
in
- Martin Nolan, the co-founder and executive director of Julien's Auctions,
- highlighted the sale's significance during a pre-auction exhibition at the
- Princess Diana's items since the 1997 sale"
Nolan stated. "We have more than 100 pieces that she used in her incredible life and career. This collection not only showcases her impeccable taste but also chronicles her evolution from a shy young royal to a confident global humanitarian."
Headlining
the auction are several breathtaking gowns, each with a story to tell. One of the most anticipated lots is an off-white silk crepe evening gown by Catherine Walker, one of Diana’s most trusted designers.
- The dress, featuring intricate embroidery and beading, was worn during her
- 1986 tour of the
- testament to Diana’s use of "fashion diplomacy." It is expected to fetch
- between $100,000 and $200,000.
Another star piece
is a vibrant floral silk dress by Belville Sassoon from 1988. This particular garment became affectionately known as the "Caring Dress," as the Princess chose to wear it on numerous occasions to visit hospitals and care facilities, believing its cheerful pattern would bring comfort and joy to those she met.
- Reflecting its emotional significance, estimates for the dress range from
- $200,000 to $400,000. Also featured is a striking yellow and floral two-piece
- suit by Bruce Oldfield, worn by Diana at the Royal Ascot in 1987, which is
- estimated to sell for $100,000 to $200,000.
Beyond the spectacular gowns
the collection provides a more intimate glimpse into Diana’s world through her
accessories and personal mementos. Among them is a cherished Dior handbag, gifted
to her in 1995 by
- renamed the model the "Lady Dior" in her honor. Other notable items include
- a delicate peach-colored hat worn as she and the then-Prince Charles
- departed for their honeymoon, and a poignant historical artifact: an original
- sketch of her iconic 1981 wedding dress, complete with attached swatches of
- the original tulle fabric.
The auction's scope extends beyond Princess Diana, truly living up to its "Royal Collection" title by featuring items from other members of the British royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and Sarah, Duchess of York. This broader context only serves to highlight the singular and immense market power of Diana's memorabilia.
As Nolan pointed out, the demand remains exceptionally high, referencing
a previous sale where Julien's Auctions sold a single Diana gown for a
staggering $1.14 million. This upcoming event is not merely an auction; it is a
celebration of a life that continues to fascinate the world, told through the
fabric of fashion history.
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