BEVERLY HILLS, California — A floral dress once cherished by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, sold for a remarkable US$520,000 at auction on Thursday, headlining a multimillion-dollar sale of over 100 items from her personal collection.
The auction, officially titled “Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection,” was hosted by Julien’s Auctions at The Peninsula Beverly Hills in California. The esteemed auction house described the event as presenting the “largest collection” of the Princess’s fashion ever offered for public sale, underscoring the enduring global fascination with her style and legacy.
The ‘Caring Dress’ and Its History
The particular garment commanding the top price was a bright, floral-patterned gown designed by the renowned British salon Bellville Sassoon. Princess Diana wore this distinctive dress on multiple public engagements between 1988 and 1992. Among its notable appearances were official visits to Spain and Nigeria, where the vibrant design captured international attention.
The Princess herself held a special affection for the dress, reportedly referring to it as her “caring dress.” She explained that its cheerful, bright colors had a comforting effect on sick patients she visited during her extensive charitable work, reflecting her deep empathy and thoughtful approach to her royal duties and philanthropic efforts.
The final sale price of US$520,000 significantly exceeded pre-auction estimates, highlighting the intense demand for authenticated items directly linked to the beloved royal figure. The sum not only underscores the dress’s historical and cultural significance but also its rarity as a piece publicly associated with Diana’s personal connection to her humanitarian role.
A Multimillion-Dollar Collection
The Bellville Sassoon floral dress was just one of ten items featured in the “Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection” auction that achieved a six-figure sale price, contributing to the overall multimillion-dollar total. The collection spanned a range of garments and accessories, offering collectors and admirers a unique glimpse into the Princess’s diverse wardrobe and fashion choices.
Other standout pieces that fetched substantial sums included a sophisticated coat dress designed by Catherine Walker, another of Diana’s favored designers. This item sold for $455,000. Similarly, a cream silk evening gown, also a testament to the elegance that defined her public image, realized the same price of $455,000.
The auction encompassed more than 100 possessions, providing a comprehensive overview of the types of clothing and accessories that formed the Princess’s influential style. From formal gowns worn at state events to more casual ensembles, the items chronicled her evolution as a fashion icon.
The Enduring Appeal of Princess Diana’s Style
The success of the Julien’s Auctions event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills underscores the continued global fascination with Princess Diana. More than two decades after her tragic death, her influence on fashion, her humanitarian legacy, and her personal story continue to resonate deeply with people worldwide.
Auctions of royal memorabilia, particularly items belonging to Diana, consistently attract significant interest and high prices. This event, specifically curated as the “largest collection” of her fashion ever auctioned, provided a unique opportunity for institutions and private collectors to acquire tangible pieces of her history.
The sale of the “caring dress” for US$520,000 serves as a poignant reminder of Diana’s public life and her personal connection to her clothing. It was not merely attire but, in her own words, a tool to bring comfort to others. The record price achieved for this particular gown, as well as the strong performance of other key pieces like the Catherine Walker coat dress and the cream silk evening gown at $455,000 each, solidifies Princess Diana’s unparalleled status as both a royal figure of immense historical importance and an enduring icon of style whose personal effects retain profound value.
Julien’s Auctions has a history of handling high-profile celebrity and historical memorabilia sales, but the dedicated auction of Princess Diana’s items marks a significant moment, reinforcing the market’s robust appetite for authenticated artifacts tied to her extraordinary life and enduring legacy.
