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Sotheby’s announced this Saturday that Princess Diana’s iconic “Black sheep” sweater will be up for auction at the end of August. The renowned red sweater, adorned with white sheep and a single black sheep, was worn by Diana Spencer in 1981 following her engagement to Prince Charles.
The fashion and auction world is buzzing as Princess Diana’s famed “Black sheep” sweater is set to go under the hammer online through the esteemed auction house Sotheby’s. This iconic piece, estimated between $52,300 and $91,600, will be the centerpiece of an auction dedicated to fashion icons, scheduled from August 31 to September 14.
The sweater, with its charmingly naive design reminiscent of childlike drawings, is the creation of stylist duo Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. These designers launched their brand, “Warm and Wonderful,” just three years before Diana captured the world’s attention in their creation.
It wasn’t just the sweater’s style that enthralled the public but its intriguing backstory. A few weeks after the princess was famously photographed wearing it, an unexpected letter from Buckingham Palace arrived. The missive disclosed that the soon-to-be Princess of Wales had inadvertently damaged the sweater, inquiring whether it could be mended or replaced. In response, Muir and Osborne meticulously crafted a new piece, a gesture that earned them heartfelt gratitude from the young princess’s private secretary. In 1983, showcasing her innate elegance, Diana paired the sweater with a pair of chic white jeans
The magic of this sweater has spanned decades. Jack Carlson, founder of the contemporary brand Rowing Blazers, recently sought a partnership with the original designers and secured a patent for the iconic design, keen to revive it within his own line. The market’s response was resounding, an undeniable testament to Diana’s enduring impact on pop culture and fashion.
As for the initial damaged sweater? A recent discovery has turned heads. While searching for an old pattern in her attic in March 2023, Joanna Osborne stumbled upon a box holding the famed sweater. After meticulous examination and detailed comparison with 1981 photos, Sotheby’s authenticated the garment as the original worn by Princess Diana.
“This is the Princess Diana item that has garnered the most attention,” states Cynthia Houlton, head of fashion at Sotheby’s. At the auction, the item’s price is expected to fetch a value between 40,000 and 70,000 sterling pounds.
This auction is set to captivate audiences worldwide, further underscoring the timeless fashion legacy of Diana, a style legend with an unbreakable heritage.
With AFP
