Listen to the article
On August 31, 1997, the world was in shock. Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, tragically died in a car accident in Paris at just 36 years old. Twenty-seven years later, the woman affectionately known as “Lady Di” or the “People’s Princess” continues to fascinate and inspire with her style, humanity and extraordinary fate. This is evidenced by the recent exhibition of six of her iconic outfits in Hong Kong, ahead of a highly anticipated auction on June 27, expected to generate keen interest and reach record sums, proof of the undiminished aura of the late princess.
Born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961, in Sandringham, Diana had a childhood marked by shyness and her parents’ tumultuous divorce. Despite these wounds, young Diana managed to keep smiling and led a peaceful life surrounded by her siblings.
But Diana’s fate changed dramatically in 1981 when, at just 20 years old, she married Prince Charles, who was 12 years her senior, in a highly publicized “fairytale wedding.” Alas, appearances were deceptive. Diana suffered from her husband’s infidelities, as he was in love with Camilla Parker Bowles. Hurt, she fell into depression and bulimia.
Despite these trials, Lady Di won the hearts of the British and people worldwide with her style, her elegance and, above all, her humanity. A true fashion icon, she established a timeless style blending femininity and modernity, which still inspires today. Her iconic outfits, like the famous “revenge dress” she wore following Charles’ infidelity confessions, made a lasting impression.
Beyond her appearance, it was her empathy and commitment to numerous causes that made her the “People’s Princess.” A pioneer in the fight against AIDS, she broke taboos by embracing patients. She also campaigned against landmines, daring to venture into minefield territories in Angola to raise awareness. Her generosity was also expressed through charity sales of her outfits.
Her divorce from Charles in 1996 and her relationship with Dodi Al-Fayed kept her in the limelight. Hounded by paparazzi, she met a tragic end in Paris on August 31, 1997. The shock was global, the mourning immense.
While “Dianamania” may belong to the past, the bright memory of the People’s Princess remains undimmed. Her story, blending fairy tale and tragedy, continues to captivate.
And this fascination is also reflected in the ongoing keen interest in items that belonged to her, as evidenced by the exhibition of six iconic Princess Diana outfits in Hong Kong, before their auction on June 27. Among these pieces, a distinctly 80s yellow suit worn during her trip to Hong Kong in 1989, as well as a midnight blue star-embellished tulle gown she wore to the 1986 London premiere of Phantom of the Opera. The latter is expected to fetch $400,000 at auction, proving that Diana’s outfits hold immeasurable sentimental and emotional value.
Visitors at the Hong Kong exhibition marveled at these fashion pieces, now true relics, showcasing the princess’s inimitable style. But beyond fashion, it is Diana’s aura that shines through these dresses. As a 65-year-old shopper noted, “Diana was charismatic, caring, and devoted to charity. That’s why many in Hong Kong respected her.” A respect and affection that went beyond mere fascination with the British royal family.
For Diana was much more than a princess. She was a woman of heart, a humanist who touched people with her sincerity and empathy. As Martin Nolan, the director of American auction house Julien’s Auctions, perfectly summed up, “People are still in love with Diana as if she were with us today, and that’s what’s amazing about her.”
This auction in Hong Kong, 27 years after her passing, proves that Diana’s aura has not faded. Her dresses are not just fashion items, but “tangible assets and great conversation pieces,” still stirring emotions and reviving memories.
Last year, one of Diana’s evening gowns sold for a record $1.14 million, confirming collectors’ undiminished interest. And even among younger generations who did not know Diana during her lifetime, the princess holds a unique place in pop culture, notably propelled by the success of Netflix series The Crown.
Princess Diana will forever remain an icon, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of empathy whose memory will never fade. And this auction in Hong Kong, 27 years after her death, is a resounding proof of that. For through these dresses, a bit of Diana’s soul continues to live and move us. A generous, sincere, and deeply humane soul, transcending eras and borders to forever reside in our hearts.
With AFP
