Princess Diana’s Iconic Black Sheep Jumper Goes on Display at Sotheby’s
London, UK – Sotheby’s auction house has unveiled Princess Diana’s iconic black sheep jumper, accompanied by a collection of letters exchanged between Buckingham Palace and the designers of the jumper. The red knitted garment, considered one of the most iconic pieces worn by Diana, will be on view at Sotheby’s London Galleries from July 17-19. It will then be heading to the Fashion Icons Sale in New York on September 7.
The story behind the jumper is as captivating as its design. Diana first wore the jumper to a polo match in June 1981, when it was one of the first creations by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne for their label Warm & Wonderful. The outing helped launch Warm & Wonderful into the public eye, sparking a surge in sales and brand recognition.
However, as with many cherished possessions, this jumper had its fair share of wear and tear. The garment was later damaged, potentially from catching on Diana’s engagement ring. Warm & Wonderful replaced the damaged jumper, but Diana continued to hold the original close to her heart. Cynthia Houlton of Sotheby’s emphasized that Diana’s decision to wear the replacement jumper in public again in 1983 reflects its immense significance to her.
Remarkably, this is the first time the jumper has ever been available on the market. Its rarity, combined with its association with the late Princess, adds to its allure and value. Warm & Wonderful stumbled upon the original jumper in their attic in March of this year, igniting excitement among Princess Diana enthusiasts and fashion aficionados.
Notably, this design gained renewed recognition in 2020 when it was reissued in collaboration with Rowing Blazer. Emma Corrin, who played Diana in the popular Netflix series The Crown, wore the recreated jumper. Additionally, a sweater of the same design is proudly showcased in London’s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum.
Sotheby’s has a history of handling valuable Princess Diana items. The auction house holds the record for the most valuable Diana dress ever sold and also previously sold Diana’s Attallah Cross to Kim Kardashian. Cynthia Houlton, the global head of fashion and accessories at Sotheby’s, described the jumper as carrying the whispers of Princess Diana’s grace, charm, and keen eye for fashion.
This extraordinary display at Sotheby’s allows admirers of Princess Diana to get closer to a beloved piece of her fashion legacy. The black sheep jumper stands as a testament to Diana’s role as a fashion icon and her enduring influence on the industry. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this legendary garment firsthand before it embarks on its journey to the Fashion Icons Sale in New York.
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