Princess Diana gowns up for auction in US

Four dresses designed for and worn by Britain's late Princess Diana are to go under the hammer in Beverly Hills,

 the auction house organizing the sale said Monday.

Three of the gowns were made by British dressmaker Catherine Walker, Diana's favorite designer and close personal friend, and are expected to fetch between 60,000 and 80,000 dollars each.

The first is an off-the-shoulder petal pink gown embellished with bands of simulated pearls, faceted glass and beadwork. Also on offer is a strapless ivory silk crepe dress and a chartreuse silk georgette gown worn by Diana in 1993.

The fourth, an evening gown created for Diana by Zandra Rhodes, is estimated to sell for 80,000 to 100,000 dollars. The dresses, along with other Diana-related items, will go under the hammer at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills on December 5 and 6. (AFP)