princess-diana-s-gown-handbag-up-for-auction

An auction of Diana memorabilia, including a midnight blue tulle dress and a flamenco-style lace-up number that were sold months before her death, will take place in California this week.

 

The auction will feature nearly fifty pieces, such as gowns, shoes, handbags, and hats, and will be held in Beverly Hills.

 

"Princess Diana's Elegance & A Royal Collection," brings together some of the style maven's favourite designers, including Victor Edelstein, Murray Arbeid and Catherine Walker.

 

Arbeid's blue diamante ball gown, worn by the princess to the London premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" in 1986, and a magenta lace dress by Edelstein are among the highlights.

 

Julien's Auctions, the auction house handling the sale, estimates that both pieces could sell for up to $400,000.

 

"We are here celebrating Princess Diana's elegance," said Gabriela Schwartz, of the auction house.

 

"We have some really standout pieces... that Diana wore with a lot of pride and (which are) really emblematic of her style."

 

In 1981, Diana and Britain's future King Charles were wed in a lavish ceremony that was observed by millions worldwide.

 

The romance turned sour in the subsequent years, and their tumultuous relationship provided material for newspapers and gossip magazines, fueling the rapid growth of celebrity culture in the 1990s.

 

The couple, who had two sons - Princes William and Harry, ended their marriage amidst widespread media coverage and reports of infidelity.

 

The year following their divorce, Diana lost her life in a car crash in Paris while attempting to evade the paparazzi with her lover.