Princess Diana’s iconic black silk gown, known colloquially as the “revenge dress,” was unveiled in London ahead of its upcoming auction, highlighting the late royal’s use of fashion as a form of personal expression. The dress, designed by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, gained widespread attention when Diana wore it in 1994 during a gala at the Serpentine Gallery in London.

The timing of the appearance was significant: it coincided with a televised interview in which Prince Charles publicly acknowledged his infidelity. Aware of the forthcoming disclosure, Diana chose the figure-hugging, off-the-shoulder gown to make a statement. Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, Morgane Halimi, described the dress as a “beautiful and powerful outfit” that symbolized the princess’s reclaiming of her narrative in the face of personal adversity.

“Diana used fashion not only as a means of self-expression but also as communication,” Halimi said, noting that the dress’s bold style conveyed Diana’s resilience and confidence on a night marked by emotional upheaval. The outfit diverged from traditional royal dress codes with its black color, plunging neckline, and hemline above the knee, elements that attracted considerable public and media attention at the time.

The dress is now being displayed to the public at Sotheby’s premises in London, where it will remain on view until September 24. It is slated for auction in New York this December, with estimates suggesting it could sell for more than £220,000. The exhibition and sale underscore the lasting cultural and historical significance attached to the dress, which continues to symbolize Diana’s influence on fashion and her ability to shape public perception during a pivotal moment in her life.