Princess Diana | Three Royal Dresses

Julien's Auctions and  @TurnerClassicMovies are honored to bring a collection of three rare and important garments owned and worn by Diana, Princess of Wales to the auction block during our Legends | Hollywood and Royalty auction taking place September 6th, 7th, and 8th in Beverly Hills, California.

In partnership with The Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Julien's own Co-Founder and Executive Director Martin Nolan and Museum of Style Icons Curator Aisling Burke highlight their new exhibition called “Princess Diana – Fashion from the Wardrobe of The People’s Princess” and highlight three Diana dresses that haven't been up for auction since 1997.

The first featured dress...

PRINCESS DIANA | PREMIERE WORN BRUCE OLDFIELD SILK GOWN

A scarlet metallic jacquard chiffon gown, designed by Bruce Oldfield, was worn by Princess Diana on several occasions, including twice in 1989 and once on November 18, 1991, to the world premiere of Hot Shots in London.

Princess Diana and her fashion always captivated a worldwide audience, who were mesmerized by both her and her gowns, especially this custom Bruce Oldfield design. Oldsfield's design is light as well as tailored, with its loose hand-gathered bust, sloped shoulders, and fitted ruched bodice from under the bust to below the hips. The pleats of the bodice are horizontal, fanning out from the center seam, and extending to the back closure. The bodice hugs past the hips, going into an open skirt; the hem floats delicately to the floor. A label that reads “Bruce Oldfield, Custom Made, London" is present.

Princess Diana wore this gown to the premiere of Hot Shots at the Odeon Leicester in November 1991 with President Arpad Gonz of Hungary and his wife Szusza in attendance.  

The second featured dress...

PRINCESS DIANA | GALA DINNER WORN CATHERINE WALKER EVENING GOWN

A Catherine Walker bi-color gown worn by Princess Diana to a gala dinner on October 26, 1991, in Toronto, Canada.

This Catherine Walker gown displays clean lines and fluidity with a structured black faille bodice that sits elegantly off-the-shoulders, going into an asymmetrical waist and draped jade silk-crepe skirt. The asymmetric waistline dips at the left hip where the skirt is gathered and drapes effortlessly into a floor-length hemline. The fringe sash adds texture to the design to create a complementary contrast to the structured bodice. The back of the skirt features a slit past the knee at the left leg, exposing an emerald green satin lining, a subtle glimmer to the gown’s matte exterior.

Two days before the gala, Diana was famously photographed rushing to greet and embrace her two sons, William and Harry, when they joined Diana and Charles in Canada for the royal tour. The gown’s well-crafted design and silhouette show why Princess Diana was photographed mostly in Catherine Walker gowns and dresses. Walker started The Chelsea Design Company in 1977. Her skills in pattern cutting, fitting, and sewing made her a triple threat in the design world. The designer first met the princess when she designed a series of maternity dresses for Diana. Their partnership turned into a friendship that lasted until Princess Diana’s passing in 1997.

The third featured dress...

PRINCESS DIANA | CATHERINE WALKER BLACK AND WHITE STRAPLESS GOWN

A Princess Diana custom-made ivory gown with black velvet accents, designed by British designer Catherine Walker, worn to a private event/function.

A fitted-strapless-hourglass gown of ivory silk crepe with black silk velvet at the bust and waistline. The hem is asymmetric, lifted at the front then goes into a short train at the back. The godet pleat at the back allows for more freedom and movement, a subtle contrast to the fitted bodice and hips. The color-blocking works well to contour Diana’s figure and streamline her silhouette with the asymmetry of the velvet bands. The design is understated elegance, featuring a hidden zip closure and lining, crafted with all the luxuries for a gown fit for a princess. A Catherine Walker label is present, reading "Catherine Walker, London.".

Catherine Walker created some of Diana’s most iconic looks such as “The Elvis Dress.” Walker designed gowns as well as an entire wardrobe for royal tours. The designs Walker created showcased clean lines but offered design details that could be picked up on camera and stand out. Walker was one of Princess Diana’s favorite designers and created custom designs for her for over 16 years.

For more information and to register and bid, please visit the website below and don't miss out on the opportunity to take one of these incredible pieces home.

https://juliensauctions.com/about-auc...