Princess Diana’s Iconic Evening Dress Fetches Over R21 million at Auction

In a stunning display of admiration for royal style and history, a significant piece of fashion memorabilia belonging to Princess Diana, the "People's Princess," has shattered expectations at a recent auction. Despite her passing more than two decades ago, the fascination with Diana's life and her fashion choices remains unwavering.

The black and blue ballerina-length evening dress, worn by the princess at notable events including a dinner hosted by the mayor of Florence and a performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, was designed by Jacques Azagury in 1985. It recently went under the hammer at Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles. The final gavel fell at just over R21 million, which is an astonishing eleven times higher than the pre-auction estimate.

This beautiful dress, with its black velvet bodice and bodacious metallic stars, is complemented by a royal blue organza skirt fitted with a whimsical sash and bow that reflected Princess Diana’s affinity for the art of dance. The shoulder pads, a prevalent trend of the era, added a distinctively '80s character to the princess’s look.

Julien's Auctions also included a matching illustration of the dress, emphasizing its design details and artistic appeal. The sale price has set a new precedent, easily eclipsing the previous record for a clothing piece from Diana's wardrobe, her famous wool sheep print jumper, which sold for around R11 million.

The awe-inspiring sum fetched by the evening dress is partly attributed to the resurgence of interest in the British royal family, spurred by the opulent portrayal of their lives in Netflix's "The Crown." The series' final season has managed to reignite public fascination with Princess Diana's life and her enduring legacy.

Elizabeth Holmes, a respected fashion critic, opined to the New York Times about the timelessness of the dress and its reflection of Diana's iconic status. Diana's understanding of fashion as a medium of communication served her well, using visual statements to highlight the various charities she patronized. Her sartorial choices often made bold statements that were as compelling as any public speech she delivered.

More than merely clothing, the dress stands as a testament to Princess Diana's lasting influence on fashion and charity. Her willingness to embrace personal style risks with shorter hemlines and bold silhouettes made her an icon of her time—a legacy that shows no signs of fading.

As with many pieces of royal memorabilia, this dress will likely be remembered not just for its design but for the story and the beloved figure it represents. The record-breaking auction serves as a poignant reminder of Diana’s impact on fashion and philanthropy, a legacy that endures in the hearts of admirers worldwide.