In December, Princess Diana’s iconic engagement garment went up for grabs. In her engagement photos, captured by Lord Snowden in 1981, she wore a blush pink blouse, and it hit the auction block at Julien’s Auctions. The shirt was expected to go for a whopping $100,000. So how much did it sell for in the end?
Own a Piece of Royalty
The garment, with a ruffled collar, satin ribbon, peasant-style sleeves, and ruffled cuffs, was set to make history at an auction happening from December 14 to December 17, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. The blouse worn by Princess Diana was not only featured in the engagement portrait but was also connected to her wedding dress designers, the legendary David and Elizabeth Emanuel.
In Elizabeth’s book, A Dress for Diana, she tells of how a mishap during a fitting left one of the designers’ dresses with a mascara smudge, prompting the resourceful duo to salvage a piece of the fabric. The rescued treasure transformed into the iconic blouse that captured Diana’s heart at first sight.
The Blouse’s Journey
After being worn by Diana in that iconic photo shoot, Elizabeth held onto the cherished blouse until its sale in 2010. The journey of this item didn’t end there; it made triumphant returns in 2017 and 2019, captivating audiences at Kensington Palace during exclusive exhibitions showcasing Diana’s wardrobe.
In addition, another piece from Diana’s wardrobe was available at the auction. Designed by Jacques Azagury, it’s an evening dress with a black velvet bodice adorned with stars, a dropped waist, padded shoulders, and a stunning blue skirt. With an anticipated price of up to $200,000, this regal ensemble, only worn twice by Princess Diana in public, was also expected to sell well.
The Results of the Auction
The auction also featured memorabilia from Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson, and Barbara Streisand. From Hepburn’s iconic yellow wool Givenchy coat from the 1963 movie Charade to Monroe’s carriage clock with a price tag of up to $4,000, the collection was a treasure trove of star-studded history.
In the end, Diana’s evening gown was auctioned off for a whopping $1.1 million, which was not only the highest price ever paid for one of Princess Diana’s dresses, but also more than 10 times the estimated amount! The pink engagement blouse ended up selling for $381,000, which is three times the estimated price. It just goes to show that to this day, people around the world still love Princess Diana and carry on her legacy.