New Delhi: Princess Diana’s legendary 'black sheep' sweater flocks to the centre of the fashion realm after decades. According to a report by CNN, the 'black sheep' sweater was first worn by Lady Diana Spencer at a polo match in 1981 when she was engaged to the now King Charles III. Reportedly, the sweater will be showcased at Sotheby’s Fashion Icons auction in New York and online between August 31 and September 14.
A testament to its appeal and cultural significance, this original sweater is expected to fetch an impressive sum of $50,000 to $80,000 and Sotheby’s plans to showcase it from September 7, alongside the commencement of New York Fashion Week, said the report by CNN.
Cynthia Houlton, Sotheby’s global head of fashion and accessories, in a press release on Monday, said: "This exceptional garment, meticulously preserved, carries the whispers of Princess Diana’s grace, charm, and her keen eye for fashion."
"It’s an honour to offer this historic sweater in our inaugural Fashion Icons auction, placing it in dialogue with other memorable and culturally important items of clothing," she added.
About The Famous 'Black Sheep' Sweater:
The journey of this sweater adds to its undeniable allure. Artists Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, founders of the knitwear label 'Warm & Wonderful', crafted the bold red-coloured, wool, crew neck masterpiece adorned with rows of white sheep and one rebellious black sheep in 1979. When Diana first wore the sweater, it went viral, catapulting 'Warm & Wonderful' into the limelight.
"Much to our amazement, the first we knew of Lady Diana Spencer wearing the sweater was when we saw her on the front page of one of the Sunday newspapers," Muir and Osborne shared in the press release.
"Her influence was impactful almost immediately thereafter, leading to a surge in sales and public awareness of our small label, for which we will be forever grateful," they added.
But, the sweater’s destiny took a turn when Diana damaged her 'sheep' sweater and in an act of regal politeness, Muir and Osborne received the sweater with an official letter from Buckingham Palace, requesting either a repair or a replacement.
Later, Muir and Osborne knitted an entirely new sweater and returned it to Diana. In this new sweater, the black sheep appeared to be on a higher row of white sheep, compared to the original. The royals had sent a letter of gratitude to the designers after that.
The original 'black sheep' sweater, lost and forgotten until this year, was rediscovered by Muir and Osborne in their attic in March.
"This past March as we were rummaging through the attic searching for an old pattern, we spotted a small box," said the 'Warm and Wonderful' designers, as per a report by The Times Of India. "Inside tucked away beside a cotton bedspread was Diana’s original red sheep sweater from 1981.", they further added.
While a version of the sweater graces the permanent collection of London's Victoria and Albert Museum, 'Warm & Wonderful' ceased production of the 'black sheep' style in 1994. However, due to its widespread popularity, the label resumed producing replicas in 2020 which are available for pre-order online at $295, reported CNN.
Notably, the 'black sheep' sweater has transcended its original fame and ventured into the realm of popular culture. A replica was specially created for actor Emma Corrin, who portrayed Princess Diana in the fourth season of 'The Crown', the widely acclaimed Netflix series chronicling the British Royal Family.
As the black sheep sweater prepares to steal the limelight, we eagerly await the outcome of its auction. Beyond its material value, the extraordinary piece holds a deeper significance, perfectly embodying the enigmatic and rebellious spirit of the 'people's princess'.
The press release said that the sweater prompted speculation about whether the princess felt a connection to the lone black sheep because of her complex relationship with the royal family, while others simply interpreted it as a celebration of Britain’s countryside and agricultural history.
Today, it remains an emblem of empowerment and a testament to the enduring power of personal style. It serves as a reminder that fashion can transcend its materialistic façade and become a vehicle for self-expression, social commentary, and cultural revolution. As the original 'black sheep' sweater prepares to take centre stage at Sotheby's Fashion Icons auction, its legacy from obscurity to cultural significance comes to a full circle.