It has been a whirlwind week for fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike as high-profile auctions have taken center stage, offering a glimpse into the personal wardrobes of some of the world’s most iconic figures. From the royal family to legendary designers, the contents of their closets have sparked a frenzy of bidding and excitement.
The highlight of the week was the sale of over 200 items from the late Princess Diana’s wardrobe, which took place at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles. The auction fetched a staggering £4 million, with the most coveted piece being Princess Diana’s black lace magenta silk gown by Victor Edelstein, which sold for an impressive £720,000. Other notable items included a navy gown worn by the Princess to dance with John Travolta, which fetched £264,000, and a floral silk shirt dress by Catherine Walker, which sold for £352,000. The auction was a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of fashion history and pay tribute to the beloved Princess.
Meanwhile, in London, Christie’s hosted a sale of Dame Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe, curated by her husband and Creative Director, Andreas Kronthaler. The auction featured a range of iconic pieces, including a corseted taffeta gown from AW98 and a polka dot dress worn by Westwood to receive her DBE. The sale raised funds for several charities supported by Westwood, including The Vivienne Foundation and Amnesty International. The auction showcased the enduring appeal of Westwood’s designs and the growing interest in fashion as an investment.
In a surprising turn of events, a Yohji Yamamoto silk wrap trench dress owned by the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., sold online at Bonhams for $8,960, quadruple its estimate. The unexpected success of the auction highlights the enduring allure of vintage and designer pieces, especially those with a unique provenance.
Not to be outdone, music legend Elton John also joined the auction frenzy, offering up his „Atlanta treasure trove“ of fashion items for the „Rocket Man Resale“ on eBay. The selection includes pieces from top designers like Gucci and Prada, as well as donations from friends like Donatella Versace and Andy Cohen. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, making it a fashionable and philanthropic endeavor.
Overall, the recent fashion auctions have showcased the enduring appeal of iconic pieces and the growing interest in fashion as a form of investment. From Princess Diana’s elegant gowns to Vivienne Westwood’s avant-garde designs, these auctions offer a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of fashion history and support charitable causes in the process. As the bidding wars continue, it’s clear that the allure of high-profile fashion auctions shows no signs of slowing down.