Zandra Rhodes' dress worn by Diana sells for £10k

Jadzia Samuel
BBC News, South East
PA Media and Zandra Rhodes Foundation Princess Diana poses in a white dress. Next to her is a copy of that dress on a manequinPA Media and Zandra Rhodes Foundation
The late Princess Diana wore this Zandra Rhodes creation in 1985

Fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes has sold 92 pieces from her personal collection at an auction in London.

Among them was was a white dress, emblazoned with pearls, that Princess Diana tried on in Rhodes' shop in 1985, which sold for £10,400.

The Princess later wore a custom replica of the dress, with Ms Rhodes saying she asked for a "bigger wrap".

Dame Zandra, who was born in Chatham, Kent, and studied at the Medway College of Art, described the auction as "like the whole of one's life going on display".

The items on sale were all designed between 1960 and 2010.

"There are gorgeous caftans and pleated chiffon that I was known for, so I'm really thrilled that they're going to be exposed to the public," she said.

Dame Zandra is known for her extravagant patterns and vibrant colours.

"I think our lives need colour!" she said.

"You can go [to the auction] and get a wonderful Chanel in very tasteful tones, but if you want an evening out that will be remembered forever… they're all there for you to choose from."

Zandra Rhodes Foundation A model poses in a blue sparkly dress and another poses in a white dress with a red patternZandra Rhodes Foundation
Nearly 100 pieces from the designer's personal collection have been sold

The sale collection was curated by auctioneer Kerry Taylor.

"What's very special about Zandra is the fact that the textiles themselves are so incredibly beautiful," Taylor said.

"They're beautifully hand-printed, they're sometimes embroidered, they're sometimes beaded.

"They're just joyous, really."

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