Nearly thirty years after her death, Princess Diana continues to be talked about. This Thursday, September 14, 2023, the famous sheep wool sweater of the mother of princes Harry and William was sold for 1.1 million dollars during an unexpected auction. According to the Sotheby’s auction house, this sale set an auction record for an object worn by the late princess. In the final 15 minutes of the two-week auction, the highest bid rose from $190,000 to its final price of $1.1 million.
Lady Diana Spencer made headlines 40 years ago when she wore this garment, which features a black sheep among rows of white sheep, to one of then-Prince Charles’ polo matches in June 1981, a few months after their engagement.
Designed by brand Warm & Wonderful, the sweater was one of the first pieces created by co-founders Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne and “quickly took the world by storm, creating a huge viral and cultural moment,” according to Sotheby’s. By carefully dissecting the symbolism of the sweater and why it resonated so deeply with Diana, the sweater found itself at the heart of international debates by fashion critics and, of course, the general public. on in the auction house’s description of the knitwear.
A million dollar sweater…found in an attic
The sweater is accompanied by two letters from Buckingham Palace to Joanna Osborne. In the first correspondence, dated July 16, 1981, Diana’s private secretary Oliver Everett sent the sweater to Warm & Wonderful for repair or replacement after Osborne agreed to examine the garment. The second letter thanked her for repairing the sweater. “I know that Her Royal Highness will be very happy to find this sweater and will be very grateful to you for having made it again”we read in the letter of September 28, 1981.
The famous red wool sweater decorated with sheep, worn by Princess Diana in 1981 shortly after her engagement to Prince Charles, was sold for more than $1.1 million on Thursday at Sotheby’s after a fierce battle during internet auctions #AFPpic.twitter.com/lKAW0zbQeS
— Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) September 14, 2023
We also note that the designers Osborne and Muir of Warm & Wonderful were rummaging in their attic when they came across a small box containing Princess Diana’s original sheepskin sweater. “Since we came across the sweater in March this year, we have been reliving fond memories of Princess Diana appearing on the front pages of every newspaper in 1981, wearing our very own sweater.” they declared in a press release. “While we are eternally indebted to her for the impact it had on our business, our deepest gratitude lies in knowing that she shared a unique connection with the black sheep design. We are delighted that this much-loved sweater has now found a new home, carrying with it Princess Diana’s enduring legacy.”. Earlier this year, Kim Kardashian got one of Princess Diana’s personal belongings namely a pendant called “the amethyst and the Attallah Cross diamond”, all for $197,453.
ES