A sweater once adorned by Princess Diana, depicting a black sheep standing out among several white sheep, has fetched a staggering $1.14 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. This was a significant jump from its opening bid, which remained below $200,000 until the climax of the auction. Sotheby’s initial valuation had pegged it at between $50,000 and $80,000.
The identity of the successful bidder is not disclosed. This seemingly humble knit dress, found in an attic earlier this year, has now outsold many of Diana’s other associated items sold recently. For example, Diana’s Ford Escort car was auctioned for $806,000 in 2022. In addition, celebrity Kim Kardashian acquired an often-worn Attallah Cross with amethyst for just $203,000 this January.
The jumper’s distinctive design has often been interpreted as a reflection of Diana’s unique position within the royal fold. However, fashion experts believe that Diana’s intention in 1981, shortly before her wedding to Prince Charles, was not to convey any symbolic message. Rather, it was emblematic of the “Sloane Ranger” trend, which Diana was instrumental in popularizing. Captured by the newspapers, the image of Diana in this warm and wonderful knitwear led to its immense popularity, stimulating similar designs.
An interesting tidbit from the royal history books mentions that Buckingham Palace contacted Warm and Wonderful, claiming that the original bridge was damaged. The company quickly sent a replacement, which Diana wore to a polo event in 1983. Adding layers to the provenance of the auctioned item, Sotheby’s also presented a letter from the palace to the knitwear company, accompanied of a note of thanks for the substitution. In addition, a small hole in the sweater served as a testimony of its authenticity.
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