Princess Diana’s sheep jumper just sold for $1m – but you can still buy the original for £270
The Warm & Wonderful knit is the most expensive item of Diana’s to auction
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Princess Diana is an enduring fashion icon. Synonymous with flawless style, her most memorable looks continue to influence the way we dress – from cycling shorts and a Gucci bamboo bag to that black revenge dress.
But among the couture gowns, delicate tiaras and pearl chokers, one look in particular has gone down in style history: a certain sheep patterned knit 19-year-old Diana plumped for at a polo match in 1981.
Now, the original knit has sold for $1.1 million at Sotheby’s in New York – the most any item from Diana’s wardobe has auctioned for.
Created in the late 1970’s by British knitwear brand Warm & Wonderful, the “black sheep” style was discontinued in 1994. But after Emma Corrin wore a replica of the piece in The Crown, renewed interest led to the design being reissued – meaning you can now buy the sweater for a slightly more acceptable £225.
An iconic piece to own for winter, here’s where to buy the updated version of Princess Diana’s Warm & Wonderful “black sheep” jumper.
Warm and Wonderful women’s fitted “Diana Edition” sheep sweater: £270, Warmandwonderful.com
The knitwear brand’s 2021 update to the original Seventies’ sweater is designed to be lightweight and breathable thanks to the 100 per cent cotton crafting. Finished with the historically accurate “black sheep” print characterising Diana’s version, the regular silhouette features a crew neckline with ribbed cuffs and hemline.
Coming in XS-XXXL, the brand says the sweater fits true to size. The handmade knit (each piece takes up to six hours to make) is available to pre-order for the upcoming season and will earn you serious style kudos for winter 2023.
Whether layered over a collared white shirt with matching white jeans à la Diana or styled with a black mini skirt, the Warm & Wonderful knit will effortlessly elevate your ensembles – and you don’t even have to fork out millions for it.
Voucher codes
For the latest discounts on fashion offers, try the links below:
Looking for more winter fashion suggestions? Sienna Miller’s M&S collection is full of staples