The influence of the dearly departed Princess Diana extends far beyond British politics and into the worlds of philanthropy, public service and fashion with the Princess Diana dress auction. Both during her reign and in the wake of her death, the iconic styles of the fallen princess were always in the spotlight. More beautiful than the dresses themselves is the grace and poise with which she sported them. The endless photographs and media footage of Diana's always-admired fashion made every one of these styles not just iconic, but timeless.
An extraordinary collection of Princess Diana's frocks, which are just clothing ensembles, but historical monuments, can now be yours thanks to the Princess Diana dress auction. The 14 dresses up for auction belong to Maureen Rorech Dunkel, who purchased them at an auction just weeks before Di's fatal car crash in Paris. Today and tomorrow, Waddington’s Auction House in Canada will host the highly anticipated sale of fourteen of the dresses which include blue Victor Edelstein velvet dress worn while dancing with John Travolta, and two dresses from the princess's favorite, Catherine Walker, which she famously sported in Vanity Fair. The dresses are expected to go for anywhere between $175,000 to $550,000.
Implications - There are certain cultural icons whose influence on the world is timeless -- even in death. For fans, consumers and appreciators of these icons, what is left of these icons are invaluable, but not priceless. Products from former possessions, iconic styles and commemorative merchandise are consumed by the masses who are eager to hold onto a piece of the fallen icon either as collectables or for profit. The impact of death on consumerism is a substantial one, where the excess of media attention, public buzz and communal grief are all driving forces.
Dearly Departed Dresses
The Princess Diana Dress Auction Features 14 Iconic Frocks
Trend Themes
1. Commemorative Merchandise - The demand for products related to former possessions of cultural icons is high, creating opportunities for creating and selling commemorative merchandise.
2. Historical Fashion Auctions - Auctions featuring historical garments, such as the Princess Diana dress auction, attract attention and provide an opportunity for collectors and investors.
3. Consumerism and Death - The impact of death on consumerism can create a market for products and styles associated with fallen icons, driven by media attention, public buzz, and collective grief.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Collectibles - The fashion collectibles industry can capitalize on the demand for products related to former possessions of cultural icons, offering limited edition items and memorabilia.
2. Auction Houses - Auction houses that specialize in historical fashion auctions have the opportunity to attract collectors and investors by offering iconic garments for sale.
3. Media and Merchandise - The media and merchandise industry can create and promote products and styles associated with fallen icons, capitalizing on the public's fascination and desire to hold onto a piece of their legacy.