A red sheep-patterned sweater that Princess Diana wore in 1981 after her engagement to Prince Charles has been auctioned for a staggering $1.1 million, Sotheby’s auction house in New York announced. The sweater, known as the “Black Sheep” because of the black sheep that stood out among the white sheep in her design, became one of the most iconic garments worn by Princess Diana, who tragically died in 1997.
The auction attracted a flurry of last-minute bidding, taking the garment’s price from $190,000 to $1.1 million in just 15 minutes. This impressive price sets a new record for a garment that belonged to Princess Diana, surpassing the $604,800 paid for her “Infanta”-style ball gown at a previous auction. It also marks the highest price ever paid for a sweater at auction.
The sweater was designed by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, founders of the knitting company “Warm and Wonderful,” and was worn by Lady Diana Spencer shortly after her engagement. This event catapulted the designers to fame and set a trend in royal fashion that continues to this day.
The auction also included letters from Buckingham Palace related to the sweater, which added additional value to the piece. The successful sale of this historic garment underlines the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s fashion and her continuing influence on fashion today.
This red sheep-themed sweater not only represents a fashion icon but also a piece of royal history that has endured throughout the years.