Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’ could fetch $300,000 at auction

Princess Diana's iconic "revenge dress" is scheduled to return to the auction scene nearly three decades later. The striking black silk gown, designed by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, will be up for sale by Sotheby's in New York on December 9, 2026. The dress is anticipated to fetch an estimated price between $150,000 and $300,000, according to reports from CNN.

Diana wore the daring off-the-shoulder, figure-hugging gown during a Vanity Fair gala at London's Serpentine Gallery on June 29, 1994. The event took place on the same night her husband, who would later become King Charles III, admitted to infidelity in a televised documentary. The dress made headlines due to its bold and unconventional choice for a royal family member, featuring black, traditionally associated with mourning, paired with a pearl choker and scarlet nails.

This memorable appearance solidified Diana's status as a fashion icon, showcasing her confidence and independence. Before the upcoming New York auction, the dress will be exhibited in London from September 18 to 24, followed by a tour of Hong Kong and Geneva. Last sold in June 1997, the gown was part of a collection Diana auctioned to raise funds for breast cancer and AIDS charities.

Proceeds from the upcoming sale will be donated to NHS Lothian Charity on behalf of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Over the years, the dress has transcended its original context, becoming a lasting symbol of Princess Diana's confidence, resilience, and use of fashion as a potent means of self-expression.