Whatever happened to Diana's Christina Stambolian's 'Revenge Dress'?

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In my quest to track down Diana's auctioned dresses to the current owners, I've started running into details I did not consider. Such is the case with this dress.

The Christina Stambolian isn't just any dress. It is famous as Diana's 'Revenge Dress.' She famously wore it in June 1994, on the night her husband confessed adultery on television. What should have been his moment to set a record straight, became the perfect moment for Diana to shine.

When the dress was designed, it was a one-and-only, special, made-to-measure for Diana. She had purchased it late summer 1991, but it would be three years before she wore it on that fateful night. At the time she was against black. Because the dress was so daring, she considered having it made in ivory, but she thought it would be too virginal. The short black, silk jacquard, off-the-shoulder dress with vee bodice falling onto a chiffon skirt, was made with Italian fabrics from Como. Paired with black tights, high heels and her famous sapphire, diamond and pearl choker, the dress was a showstopper.

The original dress was lot #2 at the 1997 Christie's auction. It was sold to Graeme and Briege Mackenzie of Gourock Scotland, for $74,000.  The couple have used the dress to raise funds for Scottish charities. On Christina Stambolian's website, she confirms he purchased it. One article mentions he keeps the dress in a bank vault and brings it out as a big draw for major Scottish charity fundraisers. But he bought the dress over 20 years ago. Does he still own it? If not, where did it go from there?

I was excited when I tracked it down to the Museum of Style Icons and Newbridge Silver Museum in Kildaire, Ireland where it is on permanent exhibit. Or did I? As mentioned in previous posts, several of Diana's dresses have been auctioned multiple times, frequently by Kerry Taylor. The Revenge Dress is clearly labelled a 'replica,' in the March 17, 2011 Kerry Taylor auction catalogue. William Doyle, CEO of the museum, acquired the dress on display around the same time.

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What is known, in 2010 Christina Stambolian created an exact replica of the revenge dress using the same material and Diana's measurements. Given the dress is identical, the Diana connection is there, whether she wore it or not. The replica comes with a letter of authenticity from the designer that this version and the one worn by Diana, are the only two in existence and she has no intention of producing more.

I have found little media coverage of Graeme's MacKenzie's ownership. You would think there would be more news about the whereabouts, especially if it has been used to raise funds for charity. One would think the charity would at least have some mention of its presence at an event, or amounts raised because of it, but I haven't found anything. This is not the case with other owners, who are happy to publicize how their dresses have been used for good. Many have been loaned to Kensington Palace fashion exhibits. The Museum of Style Icons and Newbridge Silverware lent their replica dress for the Passion for Fashion 300 years of style exhibit at Blenheim Palace in 2017. One thing that makes me think it is still in Mr. Mackenzie's possession is, given the historic significance, it would cause a great stir if the original ever came up for auction.

But it is hard to know for sure. No media coverage mentioned it was a replica when it was auctioned in 2011. So, does Mr. Mackenzie still own the original Revenge dress? For now that remains a mystery.

© Marilyn Braun 2020

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Sources

Christina Stambolian - My Story
Newbridge Silverware welcomes two of Princess Diana's most iconic garments
Princess Diana's Revenge Dress Dubbed 'Too Revealing' Auctioned for This Much Money
Newbridge Silverware - Princess Diana Style Icon
Princess Diana's famous Revenge Dress comes to Kildaire
Remembering Princess Diana: Her Fashion Legacy
Diana: Woman of Style by Jackie Modlinger
Dresses from the collection of Diana, Princess of Wales auction catalogue