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A DRESS worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, when she danced with John Travolta at a White House State dinner, has been sold for £240,000 to an anonymous bidder – who said he wanted to surprise his wife.
The off-the-shoulder midnight blue velvet gown, designed by Victor Edelstein, captivated the public when Diana was pictured wearing it as she was twirled around the dancefloor by the film star during a visit to the US in 1985.
It was the star lot in a sale of 10 of Diana's dresses at vintage fashion auctioneers Kerry Taylor Auctions in London.
Auctioneer Kerry Taylor said: "It was bought by a British gentleman who said he wanted to buy it as a surprise to cheer up his wife. I hope that the sale has really made someone's day."
She said the new owner of the gown was a "lucky woman".
The garments were originally sold by Diana for charity at Prince William's suggestion.
American Maureen Rorech Dunkel initially bought the dresses as a long-term investment, but after Diana's death in 1997 she exhibited them to raise money for good causes.
The collection, dubbed Fit For A Princess, reached a total of £862,800 yesterday.
