Los Angeles, US, (EFE).- A beloved silk dress worn by Princess Diana, known for its bright floral design and compassionate symbolism, sold for 520,000 dollars at a United States auction on Thursday, more than doubling its estimated value.
The piece, a blue floral dress by Bellville Sassoon, was affectionately dubbed the “compassion dress” due to its frequent use by Diana during hospital visits and humanitarian engagements.
According to Julien’s Auctions, which hosted the event, the dress was worn at least nine times, including on visits to Australia, Spain, and several African countries.
“She wore it in hospitals, where children loved the bright colors. It made her more approachable, less intimidating,” said Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, in an interview with EFE.
Record-breaking prices across the Royal Collection
The auction, titled Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection, featured 327 lots, 140 of which belonged to Princess Diana. Many pieces shattered expectations.
A navy wool pinstripe coat dress designed by Catherine Walker and worn by Diana during a 1995 visit to New York sold for 455,000 dollars, well above its pre-sale estimate of 30,000 dollars to 50,000 dollars.
Two standout items, a black Lady Dior handbag used by Diana during an official visit to Argentina and a fuchsia ski suit she wore frequently between 1985 and 1992, each sold for 325,000 dollars.
“The Lady Dior and ski suit were items I thought we’d never see at auction,” Nolan noted.
“She wore the ski suit while skiing with her husband and young sons in Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland. Diana often repeated outfits, and this one, in particular, has sentimental value.”
Fashion as a statement of kindness and individuality
Diana’s fashion legacy is marked by her refusal to strictly adhere to royal dress codes. “She followed her heart, not the rulebook,” said Nolan. “She was kind, caring, compassionate, and also a global style icon.”
Other highly sought-after pieces included a pale peach straw hat by John Boyd, which fetched 26,000 dollars, and a black cocktail dress by Catherine Walker that sold for 260,000 dollars.
A sky-blue gown by Gianni Versace sold for 227,500 dollars, while a two-piece yellow silk floral ensemble by Bruce Oldfield, worn by Diana at the Royal Ascot in 1987, reached $260,000.
Royal memorabilia draws global interest
Beyond Diana’s wardrobe, the sale included royal memorabilia linked to King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Princess Margaret.
Diana’s personal Christmas cards sold for up to 3,250 dollars, signed portraits reached 5,200 dollars, and original designer sketches fetched over 19,000 dollars in some cases.
Julien’s Auctions described the event as a tribute not only to Diana’s fashion but also to her enduring global influence.
“She connected with people in a way few royals ever have,” Nolan said. EFE
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