Princess Diana's 'revenge dress' heads to auction and could top $300,000: The night that gave the dress its name

Thirty years after Princess Diana donned the black dress that would become iconic, the garment is set to go under the hammer. Sotheby’s will present the infamous "revenge dress" in New York on December 9, with an anticipated value ranging between $150,000 and $300,000. Before the auction, the dress will tour various locations globally.

Crafted by Greek-born designer Christina Stambolian, the dress is an off-the-shoulder black silk evening gown, complete with a chiffon train, ruched bodice, and a figure-hugging skirt. The asymmetric hem and side sash add to its distinctive silhouette, while a sweetheart neckline and above-the-knee finish complete the ensemble. The dress was estimated to have cost £900 to produce.

Diana accessorized with black silk Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Salvatore Ferragamo envelope clutch, and sheer black tights. She also donned a sapphire necklace and bright red nail polish, a stark contrast to the all-black outfit.

Diana had owned the dress for several years prior to the famous night in 1994. She purchased it from Stambolian's boutique in 1991, expressing her desire for a unique piece for a special event. A biographer mentioned that Diana initially intended to wear the dress to a Vanity Fair fundraising dinner for the Serpentine Gallery on June 29, 1994.

However, she later decided to wear it, despite initial reservations. The dress's association with the black evening gown and the subsequent media frenzy led to the nickname "revenge dress" being coined by The Sun.

The dress was put up for auction in June 1997, alongside 78 items from Diana's wardrobe, to raise funds for charities supporting cancer and AIDS. It sold for £39,098 to a couple who subsequently utilized the funds for charitable purposes in Scotland. The wider sale raised over $3.25 million. Unfortunately, Diana passed away just weeks later.

The dress is currently on display at Sotheby's London until September 24 before embarking on a journey to Hong Kong, Geneva, and finally New York for the auction on December 9. The consignor's wife stated that they were aware of the dress's significance and that the sale is a final chapter in its history. The proceeds from the upcoming auction will benefit the NHS Lothian Charity on behalf of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

Sotheby's has not disclosed the identity of the family selling the dress. Despite its association with Diana, the dress remains influential, with replicas appearing in films and tributes by Diana's twin nieces at fashion events.