BOSTON, MASS.- Princess Diana's Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt will be auctioned by Boston-based
RR Auction.
Diana's go-to workout wear that was given to her by business magnate Richard Branson, which Diana later presented to her longtime personal trainer, Jenni Rivett.
The dark blue cotton/polyester sweatshirt, no size but likely medium/large, features a screen-printed image of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Lady logo with white cursive text: Fly Atlantic. Included with the sweatshirt is a small 4 x 2.75 gift tag bearing an a note signed from Princess Diana, which reads: Dearest Jenni, Lots of love from, Diana, x.
The recipient of the sweatshirt, Jenni Rivett, served as the personal trainer to Princess Diana for over seven years. In a 2018 interview with the Yahoo! series The Royal Box, Rivett recounted Dianas decision to simplify her workout outfits: Every single session all the media were outside camped with their stepladders, and cameras and lenses and everything. For her she just found it so incredibly, 'why are they so interested in me when there is more important things to worry about in the world. It wasn't her that asked for all this. I remember one of her strategies was that she was going to wear the same Virgin Active sweatshirt every single session.
The sweatshirt is accompanied by two letters of provenance from Rivett, with one reading, in part: This sweatshirt was given to HRH by Sir Richard Branson. It became her most worn top on her regular visits to the gym. She felt there were far more important issues to focus on in the world then her gym attire and therefore decided that wearing the famous Virgin sweatshirt to every session, would be a good way to stop the media frenzy!
A few months before her untimely death she called me to say she had left a few sweatshirts for me. Amongst them, this onewhich I have now decided to part with.
Additional highlights include:
Bono's Emporio Armani sunglasses worn by U2 frontman. The extremely rare Emporio Armani 9592 sunglasses feature star emblem hinges with a salmon-tinted mask-style lens. Includes the original red Emporio Armani sunglasses case, which has been signed in black felt tip, "Bono, 2010." In fine condition. Consignor notes that these sunglasses were originally obtained at the Ripple of Hope Gala Auction held on November 17, 2010. Handsome, high-end sunglasses worn and owned by one of rock's biggest starsBono has won 22 Grammy Awards and has been nominated for two Oscars and the Nobel Peace Prize. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his management firm, Principle Management.
Dee Dee Ramone's Ray Ban Sunglasses worn by the original and longtime bass-player for punk rock legends The Ramones. From the personal collection of Vera Ramone King, who notes that Dee Dee wore these while shooting the video for 'Funky Man.
Dee Dee Handsome two-button single-breasted black suit jacket that features notched lapels and two front flap pockets, with collar tag indicating that the blazer was made in France. Accompanied by a photo of Dee Dee wearing the blazer as he poses with his wife Vera, Joey Ramone, and Joey's girlfriend at the time, Linda.
Dee Dee Ramones handsome two-button blazer. The single-breasted black suit jacket that features notched lapels and two front flap pockets, with collar tag indicating that the blazer was made in France. Accompanied by a photo of Dee Dee wearing the blazer as he poses with his wife Vera, Joey Ramone, and Joey's girlfriend at the time, Linda.
The Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction from RR Auction will conclude on July 10, at 7:00PM Eastern.