Lot 18 – Blue Lace Gown

The long-sleeved eggshell blue lace chiffon gown designed by Catherine Walker had a double life starting when Diana wore it first in Portugal, then on several other occasions including a visit to Qatar and a state dinner in Munich, Germany. It featured a low-hung demi-train, hugging the hips around to the back, where it was wrapped over itself above a knee-high back-slit. It was accessorized in various ways, usually the Cambridge drop pearl earrings, a diamond necklace with the Prince of Wales’ feathers brooch suspended as a pendant, the aquamarine drop earrings (below) and the Spencer tiara framing a rare up-do.

It was then altered to a strapless gown which Diana wore twice in 1990 including for an official visit to Nigeria. The gown retained all other essential features. The accessories continued to rotate and a multi-strand pearl bracelet was added to the mixed once the sleevectomy revealed arm skin. It was purchased for nearly $37,000 at the Christie’s auction by the Great American Doll Company who promised to create a doll that would “knock everyone’s socks off.” (Don’t get me started.) Diana’s gown ended up on eBay a few years later and was then sold privately, not having reached its reserve.

I’ve never understood why so few replica makers have attempted this one, unless it perhaps the lace fabric, however the ones I’ve seen have done a stellar job.

Only Ashton Drake used the long-sleeved version on a doll, and they made it pink. What? What I’d have thought someone would do (and what I wanted to buy for a long time!) is a copy of the original sleeved version of the gown. I commissioned a custom copy of this in the long-sleeved version from Miricreations (left). It's very pale and nicely done.