• Sotheby’s New York to auction ball gown worn by Princess Diana.
• Purple velvet, strapless evening gown expected to fetch $80,000 to $120,000.
• Designed by Victor Edelstein for his Autumn 1989 collection.

A purple velvet, strapless evening gown worn by Princess Diana is expected to fetch $80,000 to $120,000 at Sotheby’s New York later this month.

It was worn by the Princess of Wales in a royal portrait alongside King Charles in 1991, and was designed by society dressmaker Victor Edelstein for his Autumn 1989 collection. It has a stiffened tulip-shaped skirt with three paste buttons at the back.

“This dress… is one of the most famous dresses. Also, one of her [Diana’s] most favorite dresses she ever had,” said Sotheby’s Global Head of Fashion and Accessories, Cynthia Houlton. “It was famously photographed in 1997 by Mario Testino as featured in ‘Vanity Fair.’”

Houlton acknowledged in her interview that increased attention for the UK Royal Family as a result of Prince Harry’s media tour can only help sales.

Diana’s ball gown will be included in Sotheby New York’s upcoming auction ‘The One,’ which will feature a variety of objects ranging from antiquity to the modern fashion and entertainment worlds.

“We’re basically looking at excellence in craft, in human endeavor or in achievement,” said Sotheby’s Vice President, Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectives, Brahm Wachter, describing the collection.

The live auction will take place on January 27 in New York.

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