“I don’t go by a rule book… I lead from the heart and not the head.”
— Princess Diana, BBC Panorama, 1995
Princess Diana’s charisma remains unmatched, considering her unique blend of grace, compassion, and relatability. She connected effortlessly with people across all walks of life, from royalty to everyday citizens. Her humanitarian work, including advocacy for AIDS patients, landmine survivors, and children’s charities, showcased her genuine warmth and authenticity the public had never seen in a royal figure. These efforts, paired with her modern approach to royal life, made her beloved around the world.
Couture with a Conscience
Diana’s ability to balance high glamour with genuine approachability set her apart. Whether she stepped out in a showstopping gown or a casual sweatshirt, her style resonated with both the masses and the elite.
Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have carried on her legacy, weaving her values into their own humanitarian missions and reminding the world of the woman behind the crown.
What Makes Diana’s Style So Iconic—and Evergreen?
Diana’s fashion sense was a defining aspect of her legacy. Her style evolved from youthful “Sloane Ranger” chic to sophisticated elegance, blending royal tradition with modern flair. She was known for her ability to “read the room,” choosing outfits that were appropriate yet impactful for every occasion.
You don’t need a crown to appreciate why Diana’s wardrobe has become the stuff of legend. She combined:
- Approachability: She was never afraid to repeat outfits or wear something relatable.
- Intentionality: Her clothing choices were statements, whether championing local designers or softening royal protocol.
- Simplicity with Impact: Clean lines, bold colors, and perfect tailoring made her look feel both regal and modern.
Her Favorite Designers and Their Iconic Offerings
Princess Diana collaborated with some of the most renowned designers of her era—visionaries who understood her desire to blend tradition with modernity. Their creations didn’t just define her style; they became part of cultural history.
Catherine Walker:
Her trusted couturier for over 16 years, Walker crafted iconic pieces, including the white beaded “Elvis Dress” worn in Hong Kong in 1989, known for its high collar and pearl embellishments, which sold at Christie’s in 1997 for $81,000. She also designed elegant coat dresses and evening gowns that balanced sophistication with approachability.
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Bruce Oldfield:
Known for dramatic glamour, he created a stunning silver gown worn by Diana at a 1985 charity gala, showcasing her ability to command attention with timeless elegance.
Gianni Versace:
Designed sleek, contemporary pieces like the blue sleeveless shift dress, which sold for $230,000 at the 2025 Julien’s Auction, reflecting Diana’s modern ’90s style.
Jacques Azagury:
Creator of the striking ballerina-style evening dress—embellished with blue silk and metallic embroidery—that sold for a record-setting $1.14 million in 2023, becoming the most expensive Princess Diana dress ever auctioned.
Bellville Sassoon:
Crafted the beloved “Caring Dress,” a soft floral day dress worn on hospital visits and charity engagements between 1988 and 1992, which was recently sold for a record-breaking $520,000, symbolizing her enduring humanitarian legacy.
Elizabeth Emanuel:
Best known for designing Diana’s historic 1981 wedding gown—a voluminous confection of ivory silk taffeta that became an instant icon.
Victor Edelstein:
Designed the legendary Travolta Dress, a black velvet gown Diana wore when she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985.
Christina Stambolian:
The mind behind the legendary “Revenge Dress,” a black off-the-shoulder cocktail dress Diana wore in 1994, the same night Prince Charles publicly confessed to infidelity. Its daring elegance redefined power dressing overnight.
Accessories That Stand Out As Lasting Symbols of Her Style
- Pearl earrings became her signature style, a soft and elegant choice.
- Her Lady Dior handbag, gifted by Bernadette Chirac, was so legendary that it inspired the name of the bag and one sold for $325,000 at the June 26, 2025, auction.
- She frequently carried bags from Gucci and other storied luxury houses, blending sophistication with an approachable edge.
Why Diana Chose to Auction Her Dresses
Diana’s commitment to using her wardrobe for good began in 1997 when she auctioned 79 gowns at Christie’s to support her cherished charities.
In June 1997, just weeks before her untimely passing, Princess Diana made a remarkable decision: she personally arranged the sale of 79 of her most famous gowns at Christie’s in New York. Her reasons were heartfelt and visionary, reflecting her compassionate spirit:
- To Help Others: Diana believed her wardrobe could do more good in the world than gathering dust. The auction proceeds supported causes she cared about deeply—cancer research, AIDS charities, and organizations for the most vulnerable.
- To Turn the Page: The sale symbolized her fresh start. After stepping away from royal duties and finalizing her divorce, Diana was ready to close one chapter and embrace a new, independent life.
- To Give Her Clothes New Meaning: Rather than keeping her gowns as static memorabilia, she wanted them to inspire and benefit others. She saw the dresses as part of her story—but not the end of it.
In her own words:
“The dresses were part of my past life. I am not going to need them anymore.”
This gesture captured her essence—compassionate, modern, and unafraid to challenge convention.
The June 26, 2025 Auction: A Record-Breaking Tribute
Nearly three decades later, Diana’s vision of using her wardrobe for good continues to inspire, as seen in the record-breaking Julien’s Auctions event on June 26, 2025. Hosted at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection featured over 300 items from her public and private life, including dresses, accessories, and personal artifacts. From the iconic “Caring Dress” to handwritten letters, the event raised over $5 million, showcasing the global devotion to her legacy.
Auction Highlights: Items Sold and Prices
The auction showcased a remarkable collection of Diana’s wardrobe, each piece carrying historical and sentimental value. Below is a table of key items sold, their estimated starting bids (where available), and final bids:
From Diana’s Closet |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item Description | Category | Why is it Iconic | Estimated Start Bid | Final Bid |
| Floral Day Dress by Bellville Sassoon (“Caring Dress”) | Clothing | Worn in the 1988 hospital visit, it is a symbol of her warmth and humanitarian spirit. | $200,000 – $300,000 | $520,000 |
| Coat Dress by Catherine Walker | Clothing | Signature tailored elegance, Diana favored for public engagements. | Not available | $455,000 |
| Cream Silk Evening Gown by Catherine Walker | Clothing | Exemplified diplomatic dressing with drama during official tours. | Not Available | $455,000 |
| Lambskin Dior Handbag (Gift from Bernadette Chirac) | Accessory | A personal gift from France’s First Lady, Diana, helped make Lady Dior globally iconic. | $100,000–$150,000 (approx.) | $325,000 |
| Blue Sleeveless Shift Dress by Gianni Versace | Clothing | A rare collaboration with Versace, showing Diana’s shift to sleek, modern glamour in the ’90s. | $80,000–$120,000 | $230,000 |
| Yellow Floral Two-Piece by Bruce Oldfield | Clothing | Worn at Royal Ascot 1987—classic Diana summer tailoring. | $100,000–$150,000 | ~$260,000 |
| Three-Piece Escada Power Suit | Clothing | Reflects Diana’s embrace of bold, confident suiting in the late ’80s. | $40,000–$60,000 | ~$120,000 |
| Black Taffeta Evening Gown by Elizabeth Emanuel | Clothing | Echoes Diana’s early ’80s style—Emanuel designed her wedding dress. | $80,000–$120,000 | ~$185,000 |
| Scarlet Nylon Ski Suit | Clothing | Captures Diana’s sporty side and influence on casual luxury. | $20,000–$30,000 | ~$85,000 |
| Oversized Sweatshirt (British Lung Foundation Logo) | Clothing | Proof that Diana’s influence extended beyond gowns, worn frequently off-duty. | $10,000–$20,000 | ~$221,000 |
| Wedding dress sketches | Personal Item | Original hand-drawn designs of Diana’s 1981 wedding gown by Elizabeth Emanuel | $20,000–$40,000 | $73,000 |
| Honeymoon Hat | Personal Item | Navy straw wide-brimmed hat by John Boyd, worn during Mediterranean honeymoon | $6,000–$8,000 | $26,000 |
| Signed Letters | Personal Item | Handwritten and signed correspondence to charities and personal contacts | $2,000–$4,000 (per letter) | $5,500–$12,000 each |
| Signed Letters (Lot of 3) | Personal Item | A collection of three letters in a single lot | $6,000–$10,000 | $29,000 |
| Candid Photographs (Single) | Personal Item | Unpublished candid images, some with handwritten notations | $1,000–$2,500 (per photo) | $3,500–$8,000 each |
| Candid Photographs (Complete Sets) | Personal Item | Larger sets of unpublished images | $5,000–$8,000 | Up to $19,000 |
Disclaimer Note: Prices are sourced from Julien’s Auctions and media reports (e.g., CNN, People). Some final bids are approximate, as exact hammer prices were not fully disclosed. Original purchase prices are unavailable, as items were pre-owned by Diana.
The Moment That Defined the Auction
Among all the headline-grabbing figures, nothing captured the world’s attention like the winning moment for the “Caring Dress.”
Renae Plant, founder of The Princess Diana Museum, was determined to bring the silk floral dress “home” to her collection. When her winning bid was announced, she was so overwhelmed she fell to the floor, sobbing with relief and joy.
She later told reporters, “I felt Diana’s spirit in that moment. It was bigger than any of us.”
If you needed proof that clothes can carry meaning far beyond fabric and seams, there it was—played out on a Beverly Hills stage in real-time.
Why the Auction Was a Resounding Success
The auction’s success can be attributed to several factors:
- Diana’s Enduring Popularity: Nearly three decades after her tragic death in 1997, Princess Diana remains a global icon. Her fashion and humanitarian legacy continue to captivate audiences, drawing collectors and fans eager to own a piece of her history.
- Exclusivity of Items: Many items, such as previously unseen dresses and personal artifacts, were new to the market, adding to their allure. The inclusion of items like the Dior handbag gifted by Bernadette Chirac heightened interest.
- Media Attention: Major outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair, covered the event, amplifying its reach. Pre-auction exhibitions in Seattle and Ireland further generated buzz.
- Charitable Impact: A portion of the proceeds supported Muscular Dystrophy UK, aligning with Diana’s commitment to philanthropy and attracting buyers who valued her humanitarian legacy.
- Real Emotions, Real Connection: Renae Plant’s fainting spell encapsulates how Diana’s wardrobe isn’t just fabric—it’s an emotional legacy, a personal memory, and a human connection. Moreover, items like her sweatshirts and notes paint a portrait of a relatable, grounded icon—someone people still feel they’re friends with.
Martin Nolan, co-founder of Julien’s Auctions, told Vanity Fair, “People have a love affair with Princess Diana, especially. They’re looking to own a piece of royal history.”
Why Investing in Diana’s Pre-Owned Items Is a Smart Choice
Investing in Diana’s pre-owned items is a wise decision for several reasons:
- Historical and Cultural Value: These items are not just fashion pieces but artifacts tied to a global icon. Besides, Royals’ wardrobes are increasingly seen as alternative investments, following in the footsteps of art, wine, and classic cars.
- Scarcity & Provenance: Over 300 items rarely surface; authenticity and provenance are rock solid (photos, catalog documentation)
- Enduring Demand: Diana’s popularity shows no signs of waning as new generations continue to discover her story through the media and her sons’ work. This sustains the demand for her belongings.
- Proven Appreciation: Previous auctions, such as a 2023 sale of a Jacques Azagury gown for $1.14 million, demonstrate the potential for significant returns. The $5 million total for the 2025 auction further underscores this trend.
Owning History, Wearing Legacy @ The Luxury Closet
As Diana’s legacy continues to inspire the world, her pieces remain some of the most sought-after collectibles—proof that true style never fades. They aren’t just garments; they’re chapters of history and symbols of a life lived with purpose.
As she once said in her unforgettable 1995 Panorama interview:
“I’d like to be a queen of people’s hearts, in people’s hearts.”
Take, for example, the Lady Dior bag. First gifted to Diana by Bernadette Chirac, France’s First Lady, the handbag quickly became a global icon. Diana carried it so often that it was renamed in her honour—and to this day, it remains one of the most coveted designs in fashion history. Whether pre-owned by Diana herself or simply treasured by another collector, every Lady Dior carries that same legacy of the Princess’s elegance and sophistication.
At The Luxury Closet, we believe that all pre-loved pieces deserve that same respect and care. So you can treasure them, make them your own, and proudly carry their stories forward.
Explore authenticated pre-owned designer fashion that stands the test of time. Shop iconic pieces, invest in timeless elegance, and keep history alive—only at The Luxury Closet.
