Princess Diana's iconic black sheep sweater is set to be sold at auction between August 31 and September 14, in New York.
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Auction house Sotheby announced on Monday 26 June, that the iconic sweater had been found after being considered lost for about 40 years.
The twists and turns of thehistory of the sweater are sure to be placing the price tag really high.
Diana's beloved black sheep sweater
Princess Diana, debuted the sweater in 1981 a month before her wedding to today's King Charles III. She was 19 years old and already her fashion choices were making noise.
Indeed, the sweater went viral and the company which sold the sweater, Warm & Wonderful, instantly became popular.
In a statement the creators of the brand, Sally Muir and Joanna Osbourne, say:
Her influence was impactful almost immediately thereafter, leading to a surge in sales and public awareness of our small label, for which we will be forever grateful
But this is not why the sweater is a piece of history.
When she wore it at then Prince Charles' polo game, Lady Diana, damaged her sweater. You can see a hole in the sleeve in the pictures used for the auction.
But the not yet Princess loved it so much that she sent a note to the company asking for 'either a repair or replacement.'
Her wish was granted as she was seen wearing it again in 1983.
Read more: You could buy Diana’s engagement gift from Charles this month
Why Diana's original black sheep sweater could sell for a lot
The piece that will be sold this summer is the original sweater. This means that the buyer will get the damaged 1981 sweater.
The fact that the instantly iconic sweater is known to be a piece Diana cared a lot about is sure to be raising the price.
But so is the story of how the piece was found. Indeed, the sweater was only discovered in February 2023, and in the 'attic' of the fashion house. It was 'tucked away in a small box beside a cotton bedspread.'
The sweater just sat there, completely forgotten for over 40 years.
Since Diana was first seen wearing it, a lot of ink has been spilled about its possible meaning. People have speculated for years about a possible hidden message behind the black sheep sweater.
Even the creators of the sweater themselves have their own opinion. They explain:
The first time she was very much a young girl, and I think she thought it was amusing and fun, but the second time she wore it in a much more sassy way with a shirt underneath and a black tie and she looked much more in control
The final reason why this sweater is special is the fact that its production was stopped in 1994. However, in 2020 Warm & Wonderful started making copies of the pattern again that you can buy for $295.
It is currently speculated that the original black sheep sweater could sell between $50K and $80K but prices could go higher.
Read more:Princess Diana's beloved diamond-encrusted jewellery to be sold for up to £11 million
Sources:
CNN: Princess Diana’s famous ‘black sheep’ sweater is going up for auction
People Magazine: Princess Diana's Original Black Sheep Sweater Is Going Up for Auction: All About the Rare Sale
