17 1/2″ Porcelain Princess of Wales Portrait Doll by Franklin Mint. The doll came with the following storyline:” A celebration of her legendary beauty and stlye… Crafted in fine porceline and painted by hand to capture the radiant blue eyes and shy smile that touched us all. Dressed in the only authentic replica of the stunning designer gown with bolero jacket that sold at auction with hand beading, just like the original and completely accessorized with a glittering royal tiara, earrings, a clutch bag and a single rose.”
In “Diana: Woman of Style” by Jackie Modlinger, the author goes on to provide the following additional information:” The glittering prize (the dress) was actually commissioned for the Princess’ s official tour of Hong Kong, but Diana obviously could not wait to wear it and jump the gun. The “Elvis Dress”, as it came to be nicknamed by the fashion press, made it’s debut at the British Fashion Awards, at the Royal Albert Hall in Occtober, 1989. One of Catherine Walker”s most spectacular creations, it was one of the hits of the Christie Auction, where it sold for a cool $151,00o, a close second to the “Travolta Dress”.
I purchased the doll in 2023 from the Doll Hospital in Spring, Texas.
