Iconic collection of Princess Diana’s gowns go to auction

24^th February 2013

B Finney

B Finney

24 February 2013

Ten of Princess Diana’s most famous dresses go on sale at the upcoming Kerry Taylor auction. Included will be pieces by Zandra Rhodes, Victor Edelstein, Bruce Oldfield and Catherine Walker, the latter of who was a favourite designer of the princess, creating many wonderful gowns for her.

The velvet green dress by Edelstein worn in 1985 is said to be blemished with a small hand-print, possibly a  vestige of William and Harry’s boyhood.

In June 1997 Diana arranged a charity sale in New York where businesswoman Maureen Dunkel originally purchased the collection, just a few months before her death later that year. According to a spokeswoman from Kerry Taylor Auctions, the collection is said to be worth over £600,000, with some pieces having been worn at key events and snapped by some of the most famous photographers of the day.

Princess Diana was not just a fashion icon, but also a hugely charitable and much loved individual. From the late 1980’s she was the President of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, alongside her other commitments to those suffering from illness. She became patroness of many charities in her fight against homelessness, AIDS, Leprosy, drug addiction and many other afflictions.

Her good eye for fashion is world-renowned, and although she initially acquieced to the guidance of her royal advisors, she quickly developed her own interest in contemporary fashion. Her flair for putting together perfect and demure casual looks never went unnoticed.

Her innate style and knack for adorning perfectly matched accessories is still remembered fondly, aside from her admirable work with various charities and her often turbulent time in the limelight.

The Kerry Taylor auction featuring all ten pieces will take place at 3pm on the 19^th March in Bermondsey, London.

Elizabeth Finney