Princess Diana's iconic 'revenge dress' to go on sale for first time in nearly 30 years

It is expected to fetch up to $300,000 when it goes under the hammer on December 9. Diana wore the striking dress on June 29, 1994, the same day her then-husband, now-King Charles III, publicly admitted in a television documentary that he had been unfaithful.

Rather than retreat from the public spotlight, Diana attended a party at London’s Serpentine Gallery in the daring, shoulder-baring silk dress. She paired it with black heels, a clutch, bold red nails and a jewelled choker featuring an antique diamond and sapphire brooch given to her by the Queen Mother.

The outfit quickly became known as the “revenge dress” and helped reshape Diana’s public image. “Fashion can be a language when words fail or are simply not enough. Princess Diana understood that instinctively,” said Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s head of handbags and fashion.

At the time, black was traditionally associated with mourning and was considered appropriate for members of the royal family mainly at funerals. Diana’s choice therefore challenged royal conventions. Stambolian later revealed that the dress had remained in Diana’s wardrobe for three years because she feared it was “too daring”.

Her stylist, Anna Harvey, said Diana wanted to “look a million dollars” when she stepped out that evening. The dress was last sold in June 1997, when Diana auctioned 79 outfits to raise money for breast cancer and AIDS charities.

It later appeared at charity events in Scotland and was eventually displayed at Paisley Museum. The anonymous consignor who purchased it in 1997 said the dress was “something special”, recalling that Diana appeared completely composed despite the turmoil surrounding her.

“Princess Diana was walking into the worst night of her life and you would never know it to look at her,” the consignor said. The dress has since become a lasting symbol of confidence and self-possession, inspiring fashion collections, television portrayals and countless social media tributes.

A catalogue from the original 1997 sale, signed by Diana and Stambolian, will also be included. The gown will be unveiled at Sotheby’s London on September 18 and displayed until September 24. It will then travel to Hong Kong from October 1 to 15, Geneva from November 6 to 11 and New York from December 2 ahead of the auction.

Some proceeds will benefit NHS Lothian Charity.