Diana dress carries $300,000 auction estimate

Sotheby’s announced that Princess Diana’s Christina Stambolian off-the-shoulder silk gown will be auctioned in New York on December 9. Diana wore it to a London fundraising dinner in 1994, the evening a television interview with Prince Charles addressed his infidelity. The auction house will give part of the proceeds to charity.

• $150,000–$300,000Sotheby’s estimated sale range — For the silk gown
• 9 DecemberNew York auction date — During Sotheby’s Luxury Week
• 79 dressesDiana’s 1997 charity auction — Including this gown

Q1

Where will the dress be shown?

Sotheby’s will exhibit it in London, Hong Kong and Geneva before a New York display begins on December 2.

Q2

Why had Diana not worn it earlier?

Before wearing it publicly, Diana had considered the gown too daring for public appearances and had set it aside.

Q3

What happened to Diana’s dresses in 1997?

She put 79 dresses up for auction to raise funds for cancer and AIDS charities, and the current owners acquired this gown then.

Q4

Who will receive part of the proceeds?

NHS Lothian Charity will receive part of the proceeds on behalf of Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital, which provides mental-health care.

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