Di's wedding dress designer apologises for stolen gown accusation

London, Jan 22 : The designer who made Princess Diana's wedding dress has been compelled to issue an apology after accusing a London shop of selling a stolen gown.

Elizabeth Emanuel called Alfie's Antiques Market in Marylebone in order to complain about the illicit sale of a 580-pounds dress from 1989 by the vintage and antiques clothing outlet Heaven of Gowns.

However, the shop's owner Lady Alexandra Sareh told Emanuel that she had bought the dress legally at auction.

"It is amazing that the world renowned Elizabeth Emanuel would accuse a seller of possessing a dress that she believes to be stolen without approaching us, the seller, first and instead contacted the manager of our premises," the Daily Express quoted Lady Alexandra, as saying.

But when Emanuel, whose clients have included Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins and Helena Bonham Carter, asserted that the garment must be returned, Lady Alexandra called Kerry Taylor Auctions to confirm her story.

Fortunately, she discovered that the auctioneers had just spoken to Emanuel and verified they sold the dress to her.

"They explained how forgetful Elizabeth can be and also said she was very naughty to have done that," Lady Alexandra said, adding that the dispute has now been settled.

"Elizabeth Emanuel has now remembered the sale of the dress and apologised. She was very nice and even invited me to come over to her studio to view some more dresses that I might like to buy," she said.

Elizabeth said: "Everything has been resolved and there is no problem between myself and Heaven of Gowns."

ANI