A red wool sweater once worn by the late Princess Diana has shattered auction records, selling for an astounding $1.1 million. The sweater, which features a whimsical pattern of white sheep with a single black one, was a standout piece in Sotheby’s online Fashion Icons sale.
The final price far exceeded its initial valuation of $50,000 to $80,000, setting a new record for an item owned by the beloved royal.
The auction concluded after two weeks of bidding, with a dramatic final 15 minutes that saw the price skyrocket from $190,000 to its final seven-figure sum. The winning bidder has not been publicly identified, but their purchase now holds the record for the most expensive piece of Princess Diana memorabilia ever sold.
The previous record had been set at $604,800 for a Victor Edelstein-designed ballgown auctioned earlier in the year.
The sale also set a new benchmark for the most expensive sweater ever auctioned. Previously, the record belonged to the green cardigan worn by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain during the band’s iconic MTV Unplugged performance, which sold for $334,000 in 2019.
Diana first wore the striking red sweater in June 1981, just months before her wedding to Prince Charles. She was photographed wearing it at a polo match, a moment that quickly cemented her status as a global fashion icon. The playful yet bold design, featuring a lone black sheep among a sea of white, became an instant sensation.
The sweater was created by designers Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne for their small knitwear brand, Warm & Wonderful. The image of Lady Diana Spencer donning their creation catapulted their brand into the spotlight, bringing unexpected attention to their work.
Shortly after Diana was first seen in the sweater, Buckingham Palace reached out to Muir and Osborne, requesting a repair or replacement. The original garment had suffered damage, possibly from catching on her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Instead of fixing it, the designers chose to knit a brand-new version for her.
Diana wore the replacement sweater again in 1983, pairing it with white jeans and a black ribbon tie, further solidifying its status as an unforgettable piece in fashion history. Meanwhile, the damaged original was tucked away and forgotten—until Osborne stumbled upon it in an attic earlier this year.
The rediscovery led to its historic sale at Sotheby’s.
Princess Diana’s relationship with the sweater’s design has sparked speculation over the years. Some have interpreted her fondness for the black sheep motif as symbolic of her own struggles within the British royal family.
As a modern and independent woman, Diana often challenged royal traditions, and her journey was marked by public scrutiny and personal hardships.
Her influence on fashion and culture remains undeniable. The black sheep sweater gained renewed popularity when it appeared on Netflix’s “The Crown,” worn by actress Emma Corrin, who portrayed a young Diana.
Warm & Wonderful continues to produce replicas of the design, keeping the legacy of the sweater alive for new generations.
Following the auction, Muir and Osborne expressed their gratitude for Diana’s lasting impact on their brand. “While we are forever indebted to her for the impact this had on our business, our deepest appreciation lies in the knowledge that she shared a unique connection to the black sheep design,” they said in a statement.
They also celebrated the fact that the sweater had found a new home, where it would continue to be treasured as a piece of fashion and royal history. “We are thrilled that this cherished sweater has now found a new home, carrying with it the enduring legacy of Princess Diana.”
Diana’s life continues to inspire admiration around the world. As the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry, she remained a symbol of compassion and authenticity until her untimely death in a car accident in Paris in 1997.
Her personal belongings, from dresses to handwritten letters, often become highly sought-after collectibles, with each auction reinforcing her lasting influence on fashion and culture.
This latest record-breaking sale is yet another testament to Diana’s timeless appeal. Whether viewed as a bold fashion statement or a deeper reflection of her identity, the black sheep sweater remains one of the most recognizable pieces ever worn by the princess. Its sale for over $1 million is a powerful reminder of her continued significance, decades after her passing.
