A bidder paid $800,000 (CAN) for a gown that Princess Diana memorably wore when she spun around the dance floor with actor John Travolta at a White House state dinner in 1985.

The midnight blue velvet off-the-shoulder Victor Edelstein-designed gown, which had a high estimate of $1 million, was the top lot among 14 dresses owned by the late Princess of Wales offered at Waddington's auction house in Toronto on June 23.

Another highlight was a lilac silk embroidered ball gown with a matching bolero by Catherine Walker which fetched $340,000.

A cream silk crepe off-the-shoulder gown designed by Catherine Walker, worn for a Mario Testino Vanity Fair shoot, went for $250,000.

Florida businesswoman Maureen Dunkel was the seller. Her collection of Diana dresses was purchased at Christie's 14 years ago, just weeks before the princess died in a car accident at age 36. The gowns have been on tour as part of a foundation set up by Dunkel.