In the 25 years since her tragic passing, much has been written about the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales. Her involvement in charities, taboo topics, the press and, of course, her style. Known in the 1980s for her stunning, and often over-the-top, ballgowns and her 1990s love of athleisure. She helped to set many a trend, bringing Dior’s ‘Lady Dior’ to it-bag status and her signature short hairstyle.

There is not much new that can be written about Di’s sense of style, other than that she left a lasting impact. However, you may not be aware of, or simply have forgotten, the epic auction she held for charity in 1997.

In the summer of 1997, not long before her death, Diana put 79 of her dresses on auction with Christie’s in New York, the proceeds of which were to be spread between multiple charities. These 79 dresses included some of the most famous of her life! The reason for the auction made total sense. Christie’s creative director at the time Meredith Etherington-Smith said that when she went to view Diana’s dresses at Kensington Palace she was taken aback by a large room being so jammed full with gowns. ''The Princess said, 'You can see my problem,' '' Ms. Etherington-Smith said. ''I said, 'I certainly can.' ''

The auction brought in $3.25 million for charity! That averages out at $41,000 per item sold.

The revenge dress, named so as she wore it after the televised admittance of her husband’s adultery, was perhaps the hottest item available. Designed by Christina Stambolian, Diana wore the iconic black mini dress in 1994 at the Serpentine Gallery. It sold for a whopping $74,000.

Another well-known gown from that period in Di’s life, a grey halter-neck dress designed by Catherine Walker with delicate beading, was purchased for $77,300. It was then placed on display in New York, Milan and London.

A gown, which was recreated for season 4 of Netflix hit The Crown, sold for $70,000. The ethereal pale blue chiffon Catherine Walker piece was worn by Diana several times.

A sweet pale blue tulle evening gown, with clear late 18th-century inspiration, with embroidery and pearl sequins, went for $27,600. The dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel, the pair before Diana’s famous wedding gown.

A black velvet, highly refined evening gown, worn by Diana for an official portrait by Lord Snowdon and designed by Bruce Oldfield was sold for $36,800.

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