Princess Diana's 'Revenge Dress' to Be Auctioned at Sotheby's for First Time in Nearly 30 Years
On December 9, during Luxury Week in New York, Sotheby's will auction the black silk gown that Diana, Princess of Wales, donned on June 29, 1994. This strapless creation, designed by Christina Stambolian, showcases an off-the-shoulder neckline and an asymmetrical hemline. Diana changed into this dress for a Serpentine Gallery event, following her appearance in another gown. Dubbed the 'revenge dress' after Charles's admission of infidelity, it was acquired by Briege and Graeme Mackenzie for approximately $64,000. The anticipated sale price ranges from $150,000 to $300,000, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting NHS Lothian Charity. Morgane Halimi remarked that Diana 'reclaimed the narrative for herself.'
Key facts
- The 'revenge dress' will be auctioned at Sotheby's on December 9 during Luxury Week in New York.
- Diana first wore the dress on June 29, 1994, to a Serpentine Gallery party in London.
- The dress was designed by Christina Stambolian and features an asymmetrical hemline, pleated bodice, side train, and off-the-shoulder neckline.
- Diana paired the gown with Manolo Blahnik heels, a pearl-and-sapphire choker, and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.
- The dress is expected to sell for $150,000 to $300,000.
- Briege and Graeme Mackenzie bought the dress for about $64,000 and used it for charity fundraising in Scotland.
- A portion of proceeds will go to NHS Lothian Charity on behalf of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
- Before the auction, the dress will be exhibited in London, Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York.
Entities
Artists
- Diana, Princess of Wales
- Charles III, King of England
- Christina Stambolian
- Paul Burrell
- Jonathan Dimbleby
- Georgina Howell
- Morgane Halimi
- Briege Mackenzie
- Graeme Mackenzie
- Amy B. Wang
- Sarah Kuta
- William, Prince of Wales
- Harry, Duke of Sussex
- Lady Diana
- Prince Charles
- Camilla Parker-Bowles
- Prince William
- Anna Harvey
- Queen Mother
- Rachel Cormack
- Diana
- Princess Diana
- Campbell Addy
- Elizabeth Debicki
- King Charles III
Institutions
- Sotheby's
- Serpentine Gallery
- Manolo Blahnik
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Buckingham Palace
- NHS Lothian Charity
- Royal Edinburgh Hospital
- Vogue
- Washington Post
- Smithsonian Magazine
- Netflix
- The Crown
- Valentino
- Robb Report
- HuffPost
- Concrete Playground
- LeJournaldesArts.fr
- Le Journal des Arts
- Sotheby’s
- Galerie Magazine
- Vanity Fair
- Royal Hospital of Edinburgh
- Christie's
- Collingwood
- Serpentine
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Hong Kong
- China
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- Scotland
- Paris
- France
- Longmont
- Colorado
- Australia
- Breuer Building
- Edinburgh
- Kensington Gardens
- Greece