An iconic red sweater donned by a young Princess Diana, featuring a whimsical pattern of white sheep and one black sheep, has achieved a remarkable sale price of $1.1 million at Sotheby’s online Fashion Icons auction. This staggering amount far exceeded its initial valuation of $50,000 to $80,000, making it a record-breaking sale for any item associated with the late Princess. The winning bid came from an undisclosed buyer after intense bidding over two weeks, with the sweater’s price skyrocketing from $190,000 to $1.1 million in the final moments of the auction.

The sweater’s significance lies in its historical connection to Lady Diana Spencer, who wore it at a polo match in June 1981 shortly after her engagement to Prince Charles. This moment catapulted Diana into the realm of style icons, significantly boosting the profile of designers Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, who crafted the garment for their knitwear label Warm & Wonderful. The sweater’s journey also included an official letter from Buckingham Palace requesting repairs, as it had been damaged during its time with Princess Diana, perhaps due to her engagement ring. This extraordinary sale underscores the enduring fascination with Princess Diana’s fashion legacy and her timeless impact on the world of style.