DATE: Thursday, September 4, 1997           TAG: 9709040428

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A17  EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 

DATELINE: RICHMOND                          LENGTH:   34 lines

DIANA'S FULL-LENGTH BALL GOWN WILL BE DISPLAYED IN RICHMOND

A symbol of Princess Diana's extensive work with charities will go on display in Virginia next month.

At a royal dress sale in New York in June, Richmond resident Fontaine Minor bought a custom-made evening dress worn by Diana. The collection of 80 gowns and cocktail dresses raised $3.26 million for AIDS and cancer charities at the auction, which drew dignitaries and dressmakers from around the world.

Minor paid $25,300 for a full-length ball gown of white silk and organza with gold sequins, simulated pearls and a matching headband. She plans to display the gown at an Oct. 23 fashion benefit for the Richmond Ballet.

The gown also is scheduled for display at the Valentine Museum Oct. 25-26.

Diana died Sunday in a Paris car crash. Minor said it was appropriate to display the gown to continue Diana's legacy of charity work.

``Princess Di just inspired us to give to others,'' Minor said. ``Our goal is to do as much as we can to help charities as Diana did.''

Minor said she was at home when a friend called her about the crash. ``It took me five minutes just to turn on the TV,'' she said. ``I couldn't face the idea.''

She recalled a brief conversation with the princess at a gala and viewing before the auction.

``We are very grateful for the gift of Diana to the world,'' she said. ``The sparkle in our lives will be diminished forever.''

Bill Martin, director of the Valentine Museum, said the exhibit at the Valentine will raise funds for a new textile and costume gallery. Visitors can pay $5 to see the gown.

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