Princess Diana’s iconic Black Sheep sweater, once worn by Lady Diana Spencer during a polo match in June 1981, has made a triumphant return to the spotlight.
Rediscovered by Joanna Osborne and Sally Muir, co-founders of the British luxury knitwear brand Warm & Wonderful, this beloved garment recently found its way into the prestigious Sotheby’s Fashion Icons auction. The results were nothing short of remarkable, as the sweater surpassed all expectations by fetching an astonishing $1.1 million. This remarkable achievement not only established a new auction record for clothing worn by Princess Diana but also marked it as the most valuable sweater ever sold at auction.
The Sweater’s Soaring Journey
The journey of Princess Diana’s Black Sheep sweater at the Sotheby’s Fashion Icons auction was a captivating spectacle. It garnered a total of 44 bids, driving the final price to a staggering 14 times its initial estimate of $80,000. As the bidding reached its crescendo, a 15-minute battle ensued, propelling the bid from $190,000 to its ultimate selling price of $1.1 million.
This achievement eclipses the previous record of $604,800 set by Princess Diana’s “Infanta” Style Ball Gown, designed by Victor Edelstein, which was auctioned at Sotheby’s New York earlier this year. Additionally, another piece of Princess Diana’s history, the amethyst and diamond “Attallah Cross,” worn by the late Princess on multiple occasions, was sold for $197,453 to none other than Kim Kardashian. This cross, previously worn exclusively by Princess Diana, had remained hidden from the public eye until its appearance at Sotheby’s London Royal and Noble sale.
Comments from Sotheby’s and Warm & Wonderful
Cynthia Houlton, Sotheby’s Global Head of Fashion & Accessories comments on the result of the sale: “These striking garments and accessories belonging to and worn by some of the most celebrated individuals across the worlds of fashion, film, music and politics each possess a unique narrative in the wide-spanning history of fashion. Sotheby’s is immensely privileged to showcase these treasures to the world, catering to the passions and enthusiasm of fashion aficionados and collectors alike.”
Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, Warm & Wonderful Co-Founders, share: “Since stumbling upon the sweater in March of this year, we have been reliving the fond memories of Princess Diana appearing on the front pages of every newspaper in 1981, wearing our very own sweater. While we are forever indebted to her for the impact this had on our business, our deepest appreciation lies in the knowledge that she shared a unique connection to the black sheep design. We are thrilled that this cherished sweater has now found a new home, carrying with it the enduring legacy of Princess Diana.”
The Fashion Icons Sale
The Black Sheep sweater took centre stage in Sotheby’s inaugural Fashion Icons sale, which is part of the biannual Luxury Edit sales series held in New York.
The success of the inaugural Fashion Icons sale extended beyond Princess Diana’s sweater. The historic auction garnered global attention from bidders in 12 countries, with an impressive 90% of the lots finding new owners. Notably, another item with a royal connection, the Murray Arbeid Evening Gown, worn multiple times by Princess Diana, ignited international bidding fervour. This famous gown received 21 bids and was eventually sold for $381,000, exceeding its pre-auction high estimate of $120,000 by more than threefold.
The auction also featured the Vintage Taxidermied Bird of Paradise Headpiece, famously worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in her beloved role as Carrie Bradshaw. This headpiece made appearances in both “Sex and the City: The Movie” and HBO’s “And Just Like That,” the reboot of the classic series. It found a new home for $25,400, adding another remarkable chapter to its storied history.
In conclusion, Princess Diana’s Black Sheep sweater’s astounding success at the Sotheby’s Fashion Icons auction serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and historical significance of fashion items associated with iconic figures. This remarkable event has not only set records but also reignited the world’s fascination with Princess Diana’s timeless style.
Images: Sotheby’s
