Princess Diana’s “revenge dress” goes up for auction

On June 29, 1994, the late Princess Diana stunned the world when she arrived at the Vanity Fair gala in a black dress unlike anything worn by British royals, then or now.

The legacy of the “revenge dress” has only grown since 1994, so much so that it has its own Wikipedia page. Now, for the first time in over two decades, the dress is up for auction.

Why Princess Diana wore the iconic “revenge dress”

Short, form-fitting with an off-the-shoulder neckline, it was a direct contrast to the prim and proper style of the monarchy. This wasn’t simply an outfit, it was a statement. One made just hours after Prince Charles admitted his infidelity on TV.

According to sources close to the Princess, Diana had bought the dress three years before she wore it. She thought it too revealing for someone of her status. But seeing the narrative being told by others, she decided to tell her side of the story and swapped out the white Valentino gown she was meant to wear that night.

The dress certainly had the desired effect. Ask anyone today about “the revenge dress” and they instantly know to what you are referring. This middle finger to the monarchy stole headlines at the time, and lived on to be a defining cultural moment.

Princess Diana’s “revenge dress” becomes a cultural icon

Princess Diana first sold the dress in a 1997 charity auction for £39,093, close to £10,000 in today’s currency. More than two decades later, Sotheby’s will place the custom-made Christina Stambolian dress up for sale in December.

Any item related to the late Princess is guaranteed to sell for massive amounts, especially one associated with such an iconic moment. Earlier this year, the car from which she stepped out from that day – a Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign – sold for £66,250. The dress will likely sell for much more.

Sotheby’s expects the dress to sell for as high as £220,000. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the NHS Lothian Charity, a gesture that so aptly captures the spirit of Princess Diana, who above anything is remembered for her passion for charity.

Before the auction, the dress will be displayed around the world, first in London, then Hong Kong, Geneva and New York, adding to the allure and prestige of the sale.