Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’ to be auctioned by Sotheby’s

Princess Diana’s iconic ‘revenge dress’ is set to go under the hammer at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on December 9, 2026. The black silk crepe garment, designed by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, was famously worn by the Princess in 1994 at the Serpentine Gallery in London, shortly after Prince Charles publicly admitted to infidelity.

Before the auction, the dress will embark on an international tour, with exhibitions scheduled in London, Hong Kong, and Geneva. The piece is estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000. The sale will also include a copy of a 1997 auction catalogue signed by both Princess Diana and Stambolian.

While often viewed as a symbol of defiance, experts note the dress represented empowerment and confidence. Although Diana had owned the bold design for approximately three years, she initially considered it too daring for public wear before choosing it for the high-profile Vanity Fair reception.