Worn at a ball at Althorp, her family's ancestral estate in 1979, there was little to indicate the global star she would become. At the time of her engagement she had 'one long dress, one skirt and one smart pair of shoes.' When Madame Tussauds requested a dress for her wax figure, Diana gave them this one. You can view the figure here. It was not part of the Christie's auction, but it is still interesting to see how Diana's style evolved from Lady Diana Spencer to the fashion icon who continues to intrigue to this day.
This off the shoulder, 'Deb gown' was designed by the Couture House of Regamus. It has a nylon lace overlay, with velvet ribbon detail and a matching scarf. Diana and her mother found this dress in the 'French Room' at Harrods. Regamus was a popular brand for aristocratic ladies making their start in fashionable society.
In 2005, Madame Tussauds auctioned this dress. A bidding war ensued between Kensington Palace and an American nurse, Wendy Rogers-Morris, who is an avid collector of Diana memorabilia. Surprisingly, Kensington Palace lost out. This dress has been exhibited at the Dresses of Inspiration exhibit and at Kensington Palace.
I cannot locate auction information for Ms. Rogers-Morris to the current owners, Museo de la Moda, in Santiago, Chile. If you visit their Instagram, you can see a short clip of them working on the dress.
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