Princess Diana's Dresses: The Auction, a one-off documentary delving into the wardrobe of one of the most photographed women in the world, Princess Diana, will be aired on Channel 4 later this month.The hour-long programme will focus on an auction which took place in March 2013, where ten of the Princess of Wales' dresses fetched for more than £800,000. Kerry Taylor, whose fashion-specialist auction house hosted the sale, provides commentary for the documentary. "When I unpack the dresses, it is tinged with sadness because Diana is no longer with us," said Kerry, speaking to HELLO! Online before the auction. "I am mindful of that. Diana was such a wonderful person, a fantastic humanitarian and a great mother, as well as being a style icon."
The late Princess's wardrobe aides will lift the lid on some of her most recognised dresses, including the one she wore for her famous Mario Testino portrait. The programme will also analyse the story behind the dresses sold at the auction.
One of the highlights of the documentary is Diana's iconic midnight blue Victor Edelstein dress, which fetched for £240,000 at the auction. Diana wore the gown to a state dinner at the White House where she enjoyed a dance with John Travolta. "We attracted bidders from across the world," said Kerry. "They included three important museums so we are hopeful that now people will actually get to see some of the dresses that belonged to the People’s Princess."
The documentary will also include never-before-seen interviews and footage of Diana from the royal archives. "Diana was one of the greatest style icons of the 20th Century and her dresses and choice of clothes spoke volumes," said Channel 4 commissioning editor Anna Miralis.
Shortly before her death, Diana sold 79 of her couture dresses to raise money for her favourite charities. She credited her son Prince William with inspiring her to sell them.
"For the first time, this film offers a fresh insight into the life of a princess who was so effortless and successful in using fashion as a means of power. "The programme is being aired as the new Fashion Rules exhibition goes on display at Kensington Palace. The collection is now open until summer 2015 and features dresses worn by Diana, as well as rare ensembles worn by the Queen and Princess Margaret.