Byline: Eva Hartman, Los Angeles Times, (TNS)
Twenty-six years after the death of Princess Diana, her spirit — and style — are as influential as ever.
That much was proved true on June 27 at the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles, where Julien's Auctions sold more than 50 of the philanthropist's personal items, ranging from glittering gowns and heels to handwritten notes discussing her young children. It was the largest collection of the princess' clothing for sale since an auction for charity she held herself at Christie's in 1997. Auction items fetched more than $1.5 million.
The collection sold, "Princess Diana's Elegance & A Royal Collection," was so extravagant that it went on its own royal world tour, making stops in Hong Kong, New York, and Ireland before the items found new owners in Beverly Hills.
"The Princess Diana exhibition and auction are not only a celebration of her enduring legacy but also a testament to the power of fashion, art, and personal objects to evoke emotions, spark memories, and connect people across generations," Julien's wrote on its website. A portion of the proceeds benefited Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity Diana was involved with.
The highlights were undoubtedly the gowns — in particular, a 1987 Victor Edelstein magenta silk and lace evening dress that sold for a jaw-dropping $910,000, making it the second most-expensive piece of the princess' wardrobe ever sold. Diana wore the gown twice in 1987, first on January 25 in London and then November 6 in Hamburg, Germany.
The second showstopper was a Murray Arbeid gown made of cascading blue tulle accented by glittering stars. It was reportedly one of Diana's favorites, and she wore it repeatedly — including at the world premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in London on October 9, 1986, a dinner for King Constantine of Greece on July 6, 1986, and later a ballet on December 17, 1987. The dress was valued at $200,000 to $400,000, but bids soared to $780,000.
Also available were several of Diana's personal notes, cards, photographs, and letters, one of which discussed her being pregnant with Prince Harry. The three-page letter sold for the highest amount in the category, going for more than $44,000.
The public's enduring obsession with the princess has been revived in full force in recent years, with popular shows such as Netflix's The Crown and the film Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart, exploring Diana's upbringing, chaotic marriage to now-King Charles III, prolific philanthropic work and tragic death at 36.
As the current royal family struggles through controversies — King Charles' "serial killer" portrait, Kate Middleton's bungled announcement that she was stepping away from royal duties for cancer treatment, and revelations surrounding Prince Andrew's unsavory acquaintances — love for Lady Di seems to endure.
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