When items from the late Diana, Princess of Wales’ wardrobe come up for auction, they always raise record prices. It’s unsurprising, really, when you consider not only her impeccable sense of style, but also her enduring legacy, plus the fondness the public still feel for her. Previous items to have broken auction records include a Jacques Azagury ballerina-style evening dress from 1985, which sold for an eye-watering $1.14 million at Julien’s Auctions in LA earlier this year.
Now, you have the opportunity to get your hands on pieces not exactly worn by the princess herself, but by the Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki, who portrayed her in the fifth and sixth series of The Crown (and won a Golden Globe for it). Pieces donated by the actress include two pairs of earrings, an Escada jumper, and a Duran Duran t-shirt (pictured above) – one of the princess’ favourite bands. In addition, Debicki is also donating two of her personal Dior handbags: a black Saddle bag and a Lady Dior 95.22.
Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana
The donations are going to Women for Women International’s annual Car Boot Sale, #SheInspiresMe, which raises funds to provide urgent care to women in urgent need, such as in Gaza. It will be hosted by Alex Eagle at the Selfridges Oxford Street car park, with other pieces donated by the model Cara Delevingne and the actress Sophie Turner. Previous sales have raised over £280,000 for women in need globally.
It comes a few months after a sale of The Crown’s costumes and props at Bonhams raised £1.67 million. Pieces on offer included the Coronation gown worn by Clare Foy as Queen Elizabeth in series one, a tulle butterfly ball gown worn by Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret in series two, and a replica of the Golden Stage Coach.
For more information on the sale, visit womenforwomen.org.uk