Prepare to unleash your royal bidding prowess!
Princess Diana enthusiasts have a chance to possess a significant piece of fashion heritage as the renowned black sheep sweater worn by the late royal is set to be auctioned in August, according to the recent announcement by Sotheby’s.
The highly coveted Warm & Wonderful sweater, adorned with a whimsical pattern, will take center stage as the flagship item in the auction house’s inaugural “Fashion Icons” sale this autumn. Interestingly, the sweater’s discovery was a delightful accident.
In a press release, Warm & Wonderful designers Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne shared their serendipitous encounter: “While rummaging through the attic in search of an old pattern this past March, we stumbled upon a small box,” they revealed to Sotheby’s.
Nestled beside a cotton bedspread, an unexpected treasure awaited inside the box—a remarkable find unfolded as Princess Diana’s original red sheep sweater from 1981 was revealed.
The vibrant red crewneck had graced Princess Diana’s presence during one of her husband Prince Charles’ polo matches, igniting curiosity and fascination. Sotheby’s highlights the significant attention received by the media, fashion critics, and the public, as they meticulously dissected the symbolism of the black sheep adorning the sweater.
Undoubtedly, the solitary black sheep captured the collective imagination, symbolizing Princess Diana’s perceived sense of being an outsider within the royal family.
Diana paired her cherished Warm & Wonderful jumper with jeans and striking red pumps, complemented by a stylish white pie-crust-collar blouse layered underneath.
In an intriguing revelation shared by Sotheby’s on Instagram, it was disclosed that Diana had sent her beloved sweater back to the label for repairs after sustaining damage. However, to her surprise, the label knitted an entirely new sweater and returned it to her.
Embracing her fresh knit creation, Diana adorned it once again for a polo match in 1983. This time, she was accompanied by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, as they both exuded elegance. Diana effortlessly styled her new sweater with white trousers and a playful tie-neck top, adding a touch of flair to her ensemble.
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