In a historic auction at Sotheby’s, Princess Diana’s emblematic black sheep sweater was sold for an unprecedented $1.143 million. The sweater, worn by Diana in 1981 just before her much-publicized wedding to Prince Charles, fetched the highest auction price ever paid for an item of her attire, shattering previous records.
Princess Diana first sported the iconic red sweater, adorned with a solitary black sheep design among white sheep, at a polo match only a few weeks ahead of her nuptials with Prince Charles. Originally available for a mere $50, its value soared to the million-dollar mark, largely owing to Diana’s enduring legendary status and the symbolic meaning behind the design. This unique design was a reflection of Diana’s sentiments, signifying her sense of feeling like an outsider within the confines of the royal family.
Interestingly, the sweater’s creation can be attributed to the British label, Warm & Wonderful. Its designers had stumbled upon it in storage earlier this year, unaware at the time of the creation of its eventual iconic status. The red jumper, characterized by its 12 white sheep motifs, made a noteworthy appearance during the Fashion Icons auction at the prestigious New York Fashion Week.
Going into the auction, expectations were set at a range of $50,000-$80,000. However, the final bid of $1.1 million, inclusive of fees, exceeded all pre-auction estimates, marking the sweater as not only one of Diana’s most emblematic pieces of attire but also the highest-valued. The symbolism of the sweater and its association with Diana’s feelings toward her position in the royal establishment contributed significantly to its immense value.
Princess Diana’s distinct sense of style and her ability to communicate through her clothing choices have always made her a fashion icon. The black sheep sweater is a testament to this legacy. Its appearance at a polo match in 1981 garnered considerable media attention. Photographs from the event aided in propelling the sweater’s popularity, turning it into an instant fashion sensation. Following the polo match, the damaged sweater was sent back to its designers, ensuring its preservation and eventual rediscovery.
The sale of the sweater underscores the enduring allure of Princess Diana and her unique fashion sense, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether it was the allure of owning a piece of royal history or the resonance of the design’s metaphorical significance, bidders were drawn to this unique artifact from Diana’s life, ensuring its place in the annals of fashion history.