The iconic black dress worn by the late Princess Diana at a 1994 fundraising event in London, often called the "revenge dress," is set to be displayed publicly before it is auctioned later this year. The gown, designed by Greek fashion designer Christina Stambolian, was worn by Diana on the day her then-husband, now King Charles III, was expected to admit to having an affair during their marriage. The dress became a powerful symbol of Diana's defiance and elegance, and the image of her stepping out of a Jaguar in the outfit became one of the most recognizable moments in modern history.
Diana auctioned the dress in 1997 for cancer and AIDS charities, along with 78 other gowns she owned, just two months before her tragic death. It sold for £39,098 (approximately $49,000 at the time) to a couple in Glasgow, who have kept it private since then. Recently, Sotheby’s announced that the dress will be auctioned at the end of this year, with an estimated price range of $150,000 to $300,000. Experts believe it could sell for significantly more, with some proceeds going to National Health Service charities.
The dress is currently on display in London, and will be shown in Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York before the auction in December. The exhibit, located in a high-end area of London, features the dress surrounded by white columns, flanked by security guards, and accompanied by a fan to resemble its appearance in the iconic photograph. The atmosphere around the display was described as somber and reverent, with visitors expressing a wide range of emotions and reflections on Diana's legacy.
Visitors noted the texture and appearance of the dress, commenting that it looked more ruched and grayer than expected. Some found it larger or smaller than they imagined. Many expressed admiration for Diana's style, her compassion for people living with AIDS, and her efforts to modernize the British monarchy. The dress has become a symbol of female empowerment, with some visitors highlighting its significance for women worldwide who have faced injustice or mistreatment by men.
Diana's influence continues to be felt in the UK, where her story is deeply familiar and her death is seen as a defining moment for a generation. The dress and the moment it was worn have become part of the collective consciousness, influencing personal behavior and expressions of dignity and glamour in the face of romantic rejection and humiliation.
Diana's "Revenge Dress" Set for Global Display Before Auction
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Original sources:
- 🇺🇸Slate



