How many pearls were on Lady Di’s shoes?
Learn more about the Princess of Wales' wedding shoe designs by Clive Shilton that are being auctioned in our Luxury Items & Interior Design Auction in May
30/04/2020 DESIGNER HANDBAGS & COUTURE
A timed online auction of designer clothing and shoes includes a momento of a little-seen but key part of Princess Diana’s wedding day outfit. Her shoes.
The man chosen to create Diana’s footwear was celebrity accessories designer Clive Shilton. He famously told the media: “Her main concern was that she wouldn’t appear taller than Prince Charles, and because she was very tall - 5ft 10in - the shoes would have to have a low heel.”
The shoes Shilton designed involved more than 500 sequins, over 100 seed pearls, satin and lace. The arches of her shoes were adorned with the letters ‘C’ and ‘D’, with a heart between them. A spare pair was sold in 2011 for over $50,000.
Sworders’ souvenir of Diana’s wedding shoes is a tad more affordable with an estimate of £100-150. Included in the lot are a photo copy of the design, press information relating to the production of the slippers and two Clive Shilton postcards with a sample of the lace that was used in the production process. The items comes for sale from a vendor who previously worked for Clive Shilton and had been given them as a gift.
The sale will be held online from 22-31 May.
RECEIVE AN EMAIL WHEN THE CATALOGUE GOES LIVE
For more information please contact Claire Hayter
clairehayter@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Recent News
From Hive to Home | Sworders Honey 2025
Our Stansted Mountfitchet site is the proud home to three beehives, that have generously provided copious amounts of honey this year. Jars of raw honey have been offered in return for donations towards 'Red Kite Support', our charity of the year.
17 September 2025
The Legacy of the Euston Road Group and Camberwell School of Art
Our October Modern & Contemporary Art auction features a curated selection of artworks, including a single-owner collection, that celebrates the influential legacy of the Euston Road Group and Camberwell School of Art.
12 September 2025
Isolation Depicted | Carel Weight's 'Despair'
As part of her work experience with Sworders, Clara Middleton takes a closer look at the emotionally charged and psychologically complex paintings of Carel Weight. Alongside the monumental Despair (1969), a collection of eight works by the artist are offered in our upcoming Modern & Contemporary Art auction on Tuesday 7 October.
12 September 2025