Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress Returns to Sotheby’s Auction in December
Princess Diana wore a famous black dress in 1994.
She wore it to a party on the same night that Prince Charles admitted on television that he had been unfaithful.
The dress was designed by Christina Stambolian and had a bold, dramatic shape.
People later nicknamed it the “revenge dress.”
Diana sold it in 1997 with 78 other dresses to raise money for charities.
It was later used at charity events and displayed at Paisley Museum in Scotland.
Sotheby’s will auction it in New York on December 9, 2026.
Experts think it could sell for as much as $300,000, and some money will support NHS Lothian Charity.
Sotheby’s will auction Princess Diana’s black Christina Stambolian dress in New York on December 9, 2026.
The gown is estimated to sell for $150,000 to $300,000, or about £110,000 to £220,000.
Diana wore the dress at a June 29, 1994, gala after Prince Charles admitted infidelity on television.
She sold it with 78 other gowns in 1997 to raise money for breast cancer and AIDS charities.
The dress will tour London, Hong Kong and Geneva, with some auction proceeds benefiting NHS Lothian Charity.
- Who
- Sotheby’s is auctioning a black silk dress designed by Christina Stambolian and worn by Princess Diana.
- What
- Diana’s famous “revenge dress” is returning to auction as part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week.
- When
- The auction is scheduled for December 9, 2026; Diana wore the dress on June 29, 1994, and sold it in 1997.
- Where
- The auction will take place in New York, with exhibitions planned for London, Hong Kong and Geneva.
- Why
- The dress is being resold by an anonymous consignor, while part of the proceeds will benefit NHS Lothian Charity.
- Auction house
- Sotheby’s
- Auction date
- December 9, 2026
- Estimated price
- $150,000–$300,000 (£110,000–£220,000)
- Designer
- Christina Stambolian
- Diana’s wearing date
- June 29, 1994
- Previous sale
- Diana sold the dress in 1997 with 78 other gowns
- Charity beneficiary
- NHS Lothian Charity, on behalf of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital
