'Keep It Away From Kim Kardashian!' Fans Rally To Protect Princess Diana's Iconic Revenge Dress as It Goes up in Auction

Princess Diana's legendary 'Revenge Dress' is heading back to auction, and fans are already joking, and pleading, over who should be allowed anywhere near the historic garment.

The iconic black Christina Stambolian dress will be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York on 9 December 2026, nearly 30 years after it was last sold. The dress is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000 (£111,000 and £222,200), but online discussion has quickly shifted from its enormous cultural significance to one particular celebrity: Kim Kardashian.

Princess Diana's Revenge Dress Returns To Auction

The black silk, off-the-shoulder dress became one of the most recognisable outfits in modern royal history after Diana wore it to a party at London's Serpentine Gallery on 29 June 1994.

The appearance was particularly significant because it came on the same day that Prince Charles publicly acknowledged his infidelity during their marriage in a televised interview.

Diana had owned the Stambolian creation for several years but had previously considered it too daring to wear publicly. On the night she eventually chose it, however, she stepped out in the figure-hugging dress with a pearl choker, red lipstick and bold red nails.

The result became an unforgettable fashion moment and helped establish the phrase 'revenge dressing' as a cultural phenomenon.

Fans Are Already Worried About Who Might Buy It

News of the auction immediately triggered speculation among fashion and pop-culture fans about its potential buyer.

On Reddit, one highly upvoted comment simply said, 'Someone keep the Kardashians away from this dress,' while another user responded that it was their 'first thought too.' Other commenters similarly joked that Kim Kardashian could attempt to acquire the piece.

Still, the reaction is understandable given Kardashian's history with famous fashion artefacts.

Kardashian's Marilyn Monroe Controversy Is Still Fresh

Much of the concern appears to stem from Kardashian's controversial appearance in Marilyn Monroe's famous 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress at the 2022 Met Gala.

Kardashian borrowed the historic garment and wore it on the red carpet, prompting criticism from conservationists and fashion historians over the decision to put such a fragile piece of clothing on a modern celebrity.

The controversy has remained part of online discussions about Kardashian's relationship with historical fashion pieces, with some fans now worried about a repeat if she were ever to acquire Diana's dress. Reddit discussions about the auction have repeatedly referenced the Marilyn Monroe dress.

However, the Revenge Dress is not currently linked to Kardashian in any official capacity, and there is no evidence she is pursuing it.

The Dress Has Already Made History Twice

Diana never publicly wore the dress again after that famous 1994 appearance.

In 1997, shortly before her death, she included it among 79 dresses sold at a charity auction to raise money for cancer and AIDS charities. It was purchased for $65,000 (£48,000) by its current owners and has remained privately held ever since.

The upcoming sale will continue that charitable connection, with part of the proceeds benefiting NHS Lothian Charity on behalf of the Royal Hospital of Edinburgh.

Why Diana's Dress Still Means So Much

The fascination with the Revenge Dress goes far beyond its plunging neckline or famous photographs.

It represents a moment when Diana appeared to take control of her own image at a time when her private life was being scrutinised around the world. Rather than retreat from the spotlight following Charles' admission, she stepped into it wearing one of the boldest looks of her public life.

That symbolism is precisely why fans are so protective of the garment today.

For now, the dress is simply heading to auction, with exhibitions planned before its December sale. But if the online reaction is anything to go by, fans already have one message for potential buyers: admire Diana's iconic dress, just don't ruin it.