Princess Diana's iconic 'revenge dress' is returning to the auction block nearly three decades after it was last sold, with the legendary black gown expected to fetch up to £220,000 when it goes under the hammer in New York this December.
The Christina Stambolian dress, worn by Diana for a Vanity Fair fundraising dinner at London's Serpentine Gallery on 29 June 1994, will be auctioned by Sotheby's on 9 December. The gown is estimated to sell between $150,000 and $300,000, or approximately £110,000 to £220,000.
The dress became one of the most recognisable outfits in royal fashion history after Diana wore it on the same night that Prince Charles' televised interview, in which he acknowledged infidelity during their marriage, was broadcast.
Now, as the famous garment prepares to change hands once again, its return to auction is putting one of the Princess of Wales' most powerful fashion statements firmly back in the spotlight.
Diana's 'Revenge Dress' Returns To Auction
Diana stepped out at the Serpentine event in the daring black, off the shoulder silk dress, paired with sheer tights, black heels and a statement necklace.
The appearance quickly became one of the defining fashion moments of her life, with the striking ensemble later earning the nickname 'revenge dress'.
Designed by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, the dress had been commissioned by Diana in 1991. She had reportedly considered the design too daring before finally choosing to wear it at the high profile London event.
Its significance was heightened by the timing of Diana's appearance. Rather than retreating from the public eye amid the fallout surrounding her marriage, she appeared confident and glamorous, turning the dress into a lasting symbol of independence.
Diana later included the gown among 79 dresses sold during her 1997 charity auction. The sale raised millions for charitable causes, including organisations supporting cancer and AIDS patients.
The dress was purchased by Scottish couple Briege and Graeme Mackenzie and has remained in their collection since then.
Almost 30 years later, it is once again being offered to collectors.
Fans Warn Kim Kardashian To 'Leave It Alone'
While the auction has renewed interest in Diana's fashion legacy, some fans online have already brought Kim Kardashian into the conversation.
Comments on Reddit's r/popculturechat referenced Kardashian's controversial history with another famous historic dress, after she wore Marilyn Monroe's iconic Jean Louis gown at the 2022 Met Gala.
'Please Kim don't,' one fan wrote.
Another commented: 'She can't fit in this one neither. LEAVE IT ALONE', while a third said: 'Keeps it away from Kim and Ripley's Believe It or Not...'
There is no indication that Kardashian is planning to bid for Diana's dress. The comments are fan speculation, with the comparison appearing to stem from her decision to wear Monroe's historic gown.
Kardashian borrowed the dress from Ripley's Believe It or Not!, which owns the garment, for the Met Gala in May 2022. Monroe famously wore it while singing 'Happy Birthday' to US President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
Kardashian wore the original gown for part of her appearance before changing into a replica. The decision sparked criticism from conservationists and fashion historians over the handling of the fragile historic garment, although Ripley's said the dress was returned in the same condition in which it was loaned.
That history explains why fans are now making the comparison, with some jokingly calling for Diana's dress to be kept away from Kardashian and Ripley's.
For now, however, there is no evidence that Kardashian has expressed interest in the auction.
The focus remains firmly on Diana's extraordinary legacy, as her most famous fashion statement prepares for another chapter under the hammer.
