Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
She was one of the most beloved figures in British history, but also one of the most tragic. Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997, at the age of 36. She left behind three children: Prince William, Prince Harry, and Princess Charlotte. She also left behind a legacy of style and grace that still inspires millions today.
One of her most iconic outfits was her engagement dress, which she wore when she announced her engagement to Prince Charles on November 27, 1981. The dress was designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, who were known for creating glamorous gowns for celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Cher. The dress was made from a fabric that had been damaged by a client who left a mascara stain on it. The Emanuel sisters salvaged the fabric and used it for Diana’s engagement portrait taken by Lord Snowdon.
The portrait showed Diana wearing a ruff-collared blouse with satin ribbons tied under her collar. She looked radiant and happy as she smiled at the camera. She wore matching gloves and shoes to complete her look. The portrait was published in several magazines and newspapers around the world.
The dress became an instant sensation when it was revealed to the public. It captured Diana’s personality: elegant but down-to-earth; sophisticated but playful; confident but humble. It also reflected her relationship with Charles: romantic but complicated; traditional but modern; serious but fun.
The dress became one of Diana’s signature pieces over the years. She wore it again for other occasions: for her wedding reception at St Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981; for her official portraits with Charles; for her visits to charities and causes; for her travels around the world.
The dress also became one of Diana’s most cherished possessions after her death. She kept it in her closet along with other items from her wardrobe that were donated to Kensington Palace after she passed away. Some of these items were displayed in exhibitions that celebrated her life and legacy.
Now, some of these items are going up for auction next month at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills. Among them is Princess Diana’s engagement dress, which is expected to fetch up to $100,000. It is one of several items from Diana’s wardrobe that will be sold online between December 14 and December 17.
Other items include:
A ruff-collared blouse worn by Diana for an engagement portrait taken by Lord Snowdon. It is expected to sell for up to $1000.
A black velvet ballgown worn by Diana at an event at the White House in November 1985. It is expected to sell for up to $2000.
A carriage clock once owned by Marilyn Monroe. It is expected to sell for up to $400.
A yellow wool Givenchy coat worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie “Charade” . It is expected to sell for up to $5000.
A yellow wool Givenchy coat worn by Audrey Hepburn in another movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” . It is expected to sell for up to $6000.
A yellow wool Givenchy coat worn by Audrey Hepburn in yet another movie “Sabrina” . It is expected to sell for up to $7000.
These are just some examples of how Princess Diana’s engagement dress became an icon that transcended time and space. They are not only beautiful pieces of clothing; they are pieces of history that tell stories about our culture; our society; our emotions.
