Top 10 Most Expensive Dresses In The World
Joseph D'Souza
Updated · Feb 26, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- History Of Expensive Dresses
- Types of Dresses
- Factors Making Dresses More Expensive
- Top Brands of Expensive Dresses
- Top 10 Most Expensive Dresses In The World
- #1. The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur
- #2. Martin Katz and Renee Strauss Wedding Dress
- #3. Red Diamond Abaya
- #4. Hany El Behairy Wedding Dress
- #5. Queen Letizia of Spain’s Royal Wedding Dress
- #6. Yumi Katsura White Gold Diamond Dress
- #7. Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Subway’ Dress
- #8. Marilyn Monroe’s Happy Birthday, Mr President Dress
- #9. Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Ascot’ dress
- #10. Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscars Dress
- Conclusion
Introduction
Top 10 Most Expensive Dresses: Fashion is not just about wearing clothes; it is also a sign of luxury, creativity, and status. Some dresses are so high in price that only the wealthiest people in the world can afford them. These expensive gowns are made with rare fabrics, diamonds, pearls, and expert craftsmanship. Many of them are worn by celebrities at red carpet-events, royal gatherings, or fashion shows.
Some are even designed by world-famous brands like Chanel, Dior, and Alexander McQueen. Every expensive dress has its own unique story of elegance and exclusivity, making it priceless for those who own it. In this article, we will look at the top 10 most expensive dresses ever made and what makes them so special.
History Of Expensive Dresses
- 1860s: Charles Frederick Worth, often called the father of haute couture, designed luxurious gowns for European royalty.
- 1907: Mariano Fortuny introduced the Delphos gown, a finely pleated silk dress inspired by ancient Greek art.
- 1920s: Sonia Delaunay, a French artist, created vibrant, abstract-patterned dresses.
- 1940s: Madame Grès was celebrated for her Greco-Roman-inspired couture gowns.
- 1965: Yves Saint Laurent’s Mondrian Collection featured dresses inspired by artist Piet Mondrian.
- 1985: Princess Diana’s midnight blue velvet gown, worn during a dance with John Travolta at the White House.
- 1997: Princess Diana’s Jacques Azagury velvet evening dress, worn in Florence and Vancouver.
- 2006: Designer Yumi Katsura crafted a wedding gown adorned with over 1,000 pearls, a five-carat white gold diamond, and an 8.8-carat green diamond valued at USD 8.3 million.
- 2006: Couturier Renée Strauss and jeweller Martin Katz designed a wedding dress embellished with 150 carats of diamonds, valued at USD 16.2 million.
- 2009: Malaysian designer Faiyzali Abdullah unveiled “The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur,” a dress valued at USD 30 million.
- 2011: Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress from “The Seven Year Itch” sold for USD 5.6 million at auction.
- 2011: A sheer dress worn by Kate Middleton during a university fashion show fetched USD 125,000 at auction.
- 2016: Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, designed by Jean Louis, sold for USD 4.8 million.
- 2024: Princess Diana’s Jacques Azagury velvet evening dress sold at auction for a record-breaking £900,000 (USD 1.14 million).
- 2024: Jackie Kennedy’s Valentino ensemble from her wedding to Aristotle Onassis sold for USD 24,320.
Types of Dresses
| Type | Key Features |
| Tunic |
Simple, knee- or ankle-length garment with short sleeves. |
|
Houppelande |
Long, flowing robe with wide sleeves often belted at the waist. |
| Mantua |
Loose-fitting gown with a train, worn over a petticoat. |
|
Robe à la Française |
An elegant gown with a fitted bodice and pleated back. |
| Empire Waist Dress |
High waistline just below the bust, flowing skirt. |
| Flapper Dress | Knee-length, straight-cut dress with fringe or bead embellishments. |
| A-line Dress | Fitted at the hips and gradually widens towards the hem. |
|
Mini Dress |
Hemline above the knees, often mid-thigh. |
| Maxi Dress |
Ankle-length dress, often with a relaxed fit. |
|
Bodycon Dress |
A tight-fitting dress that hugs the body’s contours. |
Factors Making Dresses More Expensive
- Luxury Fabrics: Materials like silk, cashmere, or high-quality wool are pricey.
- Handmade Details: Dresses with beads, crystals, or lace take extra time and skill to make.
- Complicated Designs: Unique shapes or detailed stitching require more effort and expertise.
- Famous Designers: Well-known brands charge more because of their reputation.
- Custom Fit: Dresses made to your exact size need extra work and fittings.
- Ethical Production: Brands that use fair wages and eco-friendly materials have higher costs.
- Limited Supply: Rare or exclusive designs are priced higher.
- Import Fees: Dresses from other countries may include extra taxes.
- Luxury Branding: High-end brands keep prices high to stay exclusive.
- Trendy Styles: Popular designs cost more because people want them.
Top Brands of Expensive Dresses
- Chanel: Founded by Coco Chanel in 1910, this French fashion house is renowned for its timeless elegance and classic designs.
- Valentino: Established in 1960 by Valentino Garavani, this Italian brand is celebrated for its sophisticated and glamorous dresses.
- Givenchy: Founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy, this French luxury brand is known for its chic and modern designs.
- Balmain: Since its inception in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, this French fashion house has been recognised for its bold and opulent creations.
- Prada: Originating in 1913, this Italian brand is acclaimed for its innovative and high-quality fashion pieces.
Top 10 Most Expensive Dresses In The World
- The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur: USD 30 million
- Martin Katz and Renee Strauss Wedding Dress: USD 16.2 million
- Red Diamond Abaya: USD 16 million
- Hany El Behairy Wedding Dress: USD 15 million
- Queen Letizia of Spain’s Royal Wedding Dress: USD 10.7 million
- Yumi Katsura White Gold Diamond Dress: USD 8.5 million
- Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Subway’ Dress: USD 5.6 million
- Marilyn Monroe’s Happy Birthday, Mr President Dress: USD 4.8 million
- Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Ascot’ dress: USD 4.5 million
- Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscars Dress: USD 4 Million
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#1. The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur
(Source: trillionairecelebritydiamonds.com)
- Made from luxurious crimson silk and taffeta fabric.
- Decorated with over 750 diamonds, weighing more than 1,000 carats in total.
- The highlight of the dress is a stunning 70-carat pear-shaped diamond.
- The design takes inspiration from the Persian poem The Rose and the Nightingale by Hafiz, written in the 14th century.
- First revealed at the STYLO Fashion Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur in April 2009.
- Worn by actress Kavita Sidhu during its first appearance.
- Part of the sale proceeds were meant to support the Gaza humanitarian fund.
- Designed by Faisal Abdullah, a fashion designer from the Malaysian brand Jendela.
- The diamonds used in the dress were provided by the luxury jeweller Mouawad.
#2. Martin Katz and Renee Strauss Wedding Dress
(Source: pinimg.com)
- Designers: Renée Strauss, a top bridal dress designer, teamed up with jeweller Martin Katz.
- First Appearance: The dress was first shown in 2006.
- Event: It was displayed at the Luxury Brands Lifestyle Bridal Show at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, California.
- Fabric: Made from high-quality silk.
- Decorations: The dress is decorated with 150 carats of real diamonds.
- Purpose: Created to showcase luxury in bridal fashion.
- Current Status: It is still available for purchase, as no one has bought it yet.
- Record: Guinness World Records recognised it as the most expensive wedding dress when it was introduced.
- Special Feature: The diamonds are carefully sewn into the fabric, making the dress look even more elegant.
#3. Red Diamond Abaya
(Source: hauteliving.com)
- The centrepiece is a rare natural red diamond worth USD 7.4 million.
- The design includes 50 flawless white diamonds (2 carats each) and 50 flawless black diamonds (2 carats each).
- In total, the piece features 2,000 precious stones, including 1,899 small diamonds.
- Every diamond is carefully set in platinum.
- The stitching is done by hand, with over 200,000 stitches using 14-carat white gold thread.
- This masterpiece was first shown to the public at Raffles Dubai in March 2013.
- The design blends traditional abaya fashion with modern couture techniques.
- The use of black diamonds is a signature element of Wingham’s unique style.
#4. Hany El Behairy Wedding Dress
(Source: egypttoday.com)
- The dress sparkles with over 120 carats of diamonds.
- The veil has a star pattern, making the gown look like a piece of the night sky.
- It takes more than 800 hours of careful work to complete this masterpiece.
- Made from the finest modern fabrics, it offers both luxury and comfort.
- The gown has a timeless shape, blending classic beauty with modern style.
- Hand-stitched embroidery adds rich detail and texture.
- A long, flowing train extends several feet for a dramatic effect.
- The bodice shines with delicate beadwork, adding elegance.
- Sheer, decorated sleeves give the dress a graceful and stylish touch.
#5. Queen Letizia of Spain’s Royal Wedding Dress
(Source: pinterest.com)
- The dress is made from natural silk in a soft, off-white colour.
- It has a high-standing collar that opens into a V-shaped neckline.
- The sleeves are long and fitted, with a slight flare at the ends.
- The train is about 4.5 meters (15 feet) long and decorated with gold embroidery.
- The embroidery features gold-thread designs of fleur-de-lis and wheat, symbols from the Prince of Asturias’ crest.
- The veil is made of ivory silk tulle, measuring three meters long and two meters wide, with hand-stitched floral patterns.
- The tiara is the Prussian Tiara, a diamond piece that Queen Sofia also wore on her wedding day.
- The shoes were specially designed by Pura López.
#6. Yumi Katsura White Gold Diamond Dress
(Source: pinterest.com)
- Yumi Katsura, a famous Japanese fashion designer, creates Japanese wedding dresses made from top-quality silk-satin fabric, which gives them a smooth and luxurious feel.
- The dress is decorated with beautiful hand-stitched zari embroidery.
- A total of 1,000 cultured pearls are carefully placed to add elegance.
- The centrepiece of the dress is a rare 8.8-carat green diamond.
- It also includes a special 5-carat white gold diamond, one of only two in the world.
- The design blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern high fashion.
- This is one of the most expensive wedding dresses ever made.
#7. Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Subway’ Dress
(Source: animalia-life.club)
- Designed by William Travilla.
- Made from ivory-coloured fabric.
- Features a halter neckline with a deep V-cut.
- The bodice is pleated and fits snugly at the waist.
- The skirt is pleated, flows beautifully, and falls to mid-calf length.
- A thin, self-tied belt highlights the waist.
- The back has a zipper on the bodice and small buttons on the halter strap.
- First appeared in a 1955 film during the famous subway grate scene.
- Sold for over USD 5.6 million at an auction in 2011.
- A timeless symbol of Hollywood glamour from the 20th century.
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#8. Marilyn Monroe’s Happy Birthday, Mr President Dress
(Source: newatlas.com)
- Designer: Jean Louis made the dress using Bob Mackie’s early sketches.
- Fabric: It was made from a sheer, skin-toned marquisette fabric to give a “nude” effect.
- Decorations: Around 2,500 rhinestones were sewn on by hand.
- Fit: The dress was so tight that Marilyn Monroe didn’t wear anything underneath.
- Famous Moment: She wore it on May 19, 1962, at President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday party at Madison Square Garden.
- Original Price: The dress was custom-made for her and cost USD 1,440.33 in 1962.
- Auction Sales: It sold for over USD 1.26 million in 1999 and later for USD 4.8 million in 2016.
- Current Owner: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! bought it in 2016.
- Recent Event: Kim Kardashian briefly wore it at the 2022 Met Gala.
#9. Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Ascot’ dress
(Source: blogspot.com)
- Designer: Cecil Beaton created this dress and won an Oscar for Best Costume Design.
- Material: Made from white lace, giving it a soft and elegant look.
- Style: Designed in a mermaid shape with a tight bodice and a skirt that slightly flares at the bottom.
- Sleeves: Long and fitted, adding to its classy style.
- Decorations: Has black and white striped ribbons and two bows—one on the chest and one near the bottom of the skirt.
- Hat: Comes with a large hat that matches the dress, decorated with red and pink flowers and white feathers.
- Accessories: Worn with white gloves and a lace parasol.
- Film Scene: Featured in the Ascot Racecourse scene when Eliza Doolittle steps into high society.
- Auction: Sold in 2011 for more than USD 4.4 million.
#10. Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscars Dress
(Source: celebmagnet.com)
- Designed by Christian Dior Haute Couture.
- Color: A soft, pale pink shade.
- Style: A strapless ball gown with a classic, elegant look.
- Material: Made from luxurious silk fabric for a rich and smooth feel.
- Skirt: A full, voluminous skirt that created a striking, dramatic effect.
- Train: Featured a long, flowing train for extra elegance.
- Bodice: The fitted bodice hugged the waist, highlighting her figure.
- Accessories: Styled with Chopard jewellery for a touch of sparkle.
- Shoes: Finished the look with Brian Atwood heels.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, expensive dresses are more than just clothing; they represent luxury, unique style, and skilled craftsmanship. Made from top-quality fabrics with intricate designs, these dresses can take weeks or even months to create. Many celebrities wear them at major events, making them even more special and admired.
While not everyone can afford them, they often influence fashion trends and highlight creative design. Some also carry cultural or historical significance. Although their price is high, people appreciate them for their elegance and beauty. In the end, expensive dresses are valued not just for their cost but for the artistry and effort behind them.
Sources
FAQ.
Are expensive dresses better than affordable ones?
Expensive dresses are not always better. Affordable ones can be stylish, comfortable, and well-made, depending on quality and design choices.
Who buys expensive dresses?
Rich people, celebrities, and fashion lovers buy expensive dresses for events, parties, or to show style and status in society.
Can I rent an expensive dress?
Yes, many stores let people borrow expensive dresses for special events or parties.
How can I take care of an expensive dress?
Keep your expensive dress clean, store it properly, avoid sunlight, use gentle washing, and dry it carefully to maintain its beauty for longer.
Can I wash my expensive dress at home?
You can wash your expensive dress at home, but check the label, use gentle detergent, and wash carefully to avoid damage.
Joseph D'Souza
Joseph D'Souza started Coolest Gadgets in 2005 to share his love for tech gadgets. It has since become a popular tech blog, famous for detailed gadget's reviews and companies statistics. Joseph is committed to providing clear, well-researched content, making tech easy to understand for everyone. Coolest Gadgets is a trusted source for tech news, loved by both tech fans and beginners.
