Princess Diana's 'fairytale' dress sells for $167,000 with Kerry Taylor Auctions

 

A dress worn by Princess Diana that is described as having a "pretty, fairytale feel to it" has sold through Kerry Taylor Auctions in the UK.

Princess Diana Emanuel dress
Diana chose the actual dress used in the show, rather than have another made for her

 

Selling on December 3, the dress was bought for £102,000 (£167,122) by an overseas museum, despite strong interest from American collectors. The price is a 27.5% increase on the estimate of £60,000-80,000.

"This is the 11th Princess Diana dress that I have sold this year, and I feel very lucky and privileged. It is a beautiful dress, worn by a beautiful woman and deserved to do well," commented Kerry Taylor.

Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the dress is inspired by Leon Bakst's famous costume and stage designs for the Ballets Russes, and is adorned with gold panels, rhinestones and pearls.


Elizabeth Emanuel said that the dress was one of Princess Diana's favourites

 

The princess chose it at a Red Cross benefit fashion show in 1986, and wore it many times, including at the premiere of James Bond film The Living Daylights and a banquet at the German ambassador's house in London.

Kerry Taylor Auctions held a major auction of Diana's dresses back in March, selling the princess' dress that she wore while dancing with actor John Travolta at the White House, known as "The Travolta Dress", for £240,000 ($362,563).

On November 9, Julien's Auctions sold a Catherine Walker dress owned by Princess Diana with a 25% increase on estimate at $75,000.

The increase seen by both the Emanuel and Catherine Walker dresses is testament to Princess Diana's enduring popularity. She continues to be the most collectible recent royal figure, with Kerry Taylor previously commenting:

"She was an important person in British history, and the mother of the future king. I think the tragedy of her early death, of such a young beautiful woman, has added to that appeal."

See our superb collection of Princess Diana memorabilia for sale.

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