Princess Diana’s timeless elegance and humanitarian spirit continue to captivate the world, long after her passing. Her fashion choices, often blending glamour with approachability, have become highly sought-after collector’s items. In recent years, several of her dresses have fetched extraordinary sums at auction, reflecting her enduring cultural legacy as both a style icon and a global figure of compassion. Many of these pieces, designed by favorites such as Jacques Azagury, Victor Edelstein, and Catherine Walker, have sold for hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars.
Here are ten of Princess Diana’s most expensive dresses sold at auction, with prices including buyer’s premium (rankings based on reported sales, primarily from Julien’s Auctions and Sotheby’s):
- 1985 Jacques Azagury Evening Dress — $1.148 million (December 2023, Julien’s Auctions)
This ballerina-length velvet gown features a black bodice embroidered with celestial starry patterns in metallic thread and a two-tier royal blue organza skirt accented by a large sash and bow. Diana debuted it during a 1985 trip to Florence, Italy, and wore it again in 1986 on a royal tour of British Columbia. The piece shattered previous records, selling for more than 11 times its $100,000–$200,000 estimate and setting a new benchmark for any Diana garment at auction. - 1987 Victor Edelstein Magenta Evening Dress — $910,000 (June 2024, Julien’s Auctions)
A striking off-the-shoulder gown crafted from magenta silk and lace. Diana wore it in January 1987 and again during a visit to Hamburg, Germany. Victor Edelstein is also renowned for designing Diana’s famous “Travolta dress,” which she wore while dancing with John Travolta at the White House in 1985. - 1986 Murray Arbeid Midnight Blue Star Gown — $780,000 (June 2024, Julien’s Auctions)
This strapless midnight blue gown is adorned with sparkling diamanté stones. It made its debut at the 1986 premiere of The Phantom of the Opera and was later reworn at other notable events, including performances at the Royal Opera House. - 1989 Victor Edelstein Aubergine Ball Dress — $604,800 (January 2023, Sotheby’s)
Known as the “Infanta-style” dress, this deep purple velvet gown features a dramatic tulip-shaped skirt. It appeared in a 1991 official portrait with Prince Charles and in Vanity Fair photographs. For a time, it held the record as the most expensive Diana dress sold at auction. - Catherine Walker Black Velvet Evening Gown — $571,500 (June 2024, Julien’s Auctions)
A romantic black velvet piece detailed with delicate lace from the shoulders to the bodice. Notably, this gown was never publicly photographed during Diana’s lifetime, adding to its mystique and appeal for collectors. - 1991 Catherine Walker Black and Jade Asymmetrical Gown — $571,500 (September 2023, Julien’s Auctions)
This elegant design includes a faille bodice and silk-crepe skirt with a back slit. Diana wore it during the final royal tour with Prince Charles and their sons in October 1991, shortly before their separation was announced. - Bellville Sassoon Floral “Caring Dress” (1988) — $520,000 (June 2025, Julien’s Auctions)
A vibrant silk floral day dress that Diana wore on multiple hospital and charity visits, particularly with children—earning it the affectionate nickname “Caring Dress.” She reportedly selected it for its bright colors that appealed to young patients. The buyer was Renae Plant, who had met Diana as a child while the princess was wearing the dress in Australia. - Catherine Walker Black and Ivory Strapless Gown — $508,000 (September 2023, Julien’s Auctions)
A refined strapless design with a hidden zip closure, embodying a sense of understated “quiet luxury.” It was worn at a private event. - 1986 Catherine Walker Falcon Evening Gown — $455,000 (Julien’s Auctions)
This cream-colored, long-sleeved gown features gold embroidered falcon motifs and a sweeping train. Diana wore it during the 1986 royal tour of the Gulf states, where falcons hold cultural significance. - 1995 Catherine Walker Navy Pinstripe Coat Dress — $455,000 (Related sales around June 2024/2025, Julien’s Auctions)
A tailored wool pinstripe ensemble worn in January 1995 in New York when Diana received the United Cerebral Palsy Humanitarian of the Year award. Similar styles have since been embraced by later royals, including Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Note: Auction prices can vary slightly depending on reporting and inclusion of premiums, but these figures represent the standout results from major sales. In 1997, Diana herself consigned nearly 80 dresses to a Christie’s auction, raising over $3 million for cancer and AIDS charities—demonstrating her commitment to using her wardrobe for good.
The Iconic “Black Sheep” Sweater
While not a dress, Diana’s famous red knit sweater by Warm & Wonderful—featuring a black sheep among white ones—sold for approximately $1.1 million (or up to $1.143 million in some reports) at Sotheby’s in September 2023. Worn at a 1981 polo match, it briefly held the record as the most expensive Diana item ever auctioned and remains the highest price paid for any sweater at auction. The playful design resonated as a symbol of her relatable, humorous personality.
These remarkable sales underscore how Diana’s wardrobe represents more than fashion: it embodies personal history, cultural moments, and philanthropic legacy. Values have soared in recent years, driven by major auctions at Julien’s, which have featured record-breaking collections of her pieces. Many gowns were reworn multiple times or carried sentimental value, further enhancing their allure among collectors and museums.
Diana’s style continues to influence contemporary fashion and royal wardrobes alike, proving that her impact remains as vibrant today as it was decades ago.
About The Author
