Princess Diana’s Iconic Sweater Auction
Princess Diana’s renowned ‘black sheep’ sweater, which holds symbolic meaning, is set to be auctioned in August-September, according to Sotheby’s. The late princess first wore this iconic sweater at a polo match in 1981 when she was engaged to King Charles III. Sotheby’s Fashion Icons auction in New York and online, taking place between August 31 and September 14, will feature the famous sweater. Sotheby estimates it could sell for as much as $80,000.
Designers Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne from Warm & Wonderful, the knitwear label, shared their discovery of Diana’s original red sheep sweater from 1981. They found it tucked away alongside a cotton bedspread while searching the attic for an old pattern.
The sweater, created by Muir and Osborne in 1979, features rows of white sheep and a single black sheep in the front. The black sheep is believed to symbolize Diana’s feeling of being an outsider in the royal family. Her unconventional fashion choices and revolutionary actions, such as openly interacting with AIDS patients in the ’80s, had raised eyebrows.
Cynthia Houlton, Sotheby’s global head of fashion and accessories, expressed admiration for the historic garment, noting its association with Princess Diana’s grace, charm, and fashion sense. The auction will provide an opportunity to showcase this remarkable sweater alongside other culturally significant clothing items.
–Re-reported from the article originally published in Hindustan Times.
