Princess Diana, popularly known as Lady Di or people’s princess, has always been a humanitarian we look up to. But apart from her philanthropy, what stole our heart has been her absolutely game-changing fashion sense. She has been known as one of the pioneers of power suiting trend for women in the ‘80s and the ‘90s. Some of her outfits were so gutsy for her time that they remain iconic still. Wedding Affair shortlists some of the iconic outfits by Lady Di that set her apart as a fashion phenomenon. Now since retro fashion is back, Lady Di’s style is the perfect wardrobe inspiration. Isn’t it?
The Magnificent Wedding Gown
Declared the ‘most closely guarded secret in fashion history’, the wedding dress was a complete mystery until its dramatic unveiling on Princess Diana’s wedding day. Designed by husband-and-wife team David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Princess Diana’s Alexander McQueen ivory taffeta gown was intricately embroidered with sequins, frilled lace, and 10,000 pearls, putting the value of the gown at an estimated $115,000. A stunning display of style and grandiosity, the gown has sparked multiple copycat dresses over the years and remains one of the most coveted royal gowns. (Source: Town & Country Mag)
The Power Suit Trendsetter
Lady Di was the leader, rather than a follower, of fashion was the striking navy, double-breasted power suit she wore to a concert in aid of the Prince’s Trust on April 29, 1990. The outfit made history as the first time a female royal had worn trousers to an evening function. With its silk lapel detailing, square metallic buttons and tapered legs, it was masculine tailoring at its best. Naturally, Diana put her own feminine twist on the ensemble adding a matching blue clutch with subtle gem detailing and a pair of blue velvet court shoes. While it’s not known whose handiwork was behind this now-iconic piece of fashionwear, we do know that one of Diana’s most favoured fashion houses – Catherine Walker – was an exponent of the androgynous look. (Source: Woman and Home)
The John Travolta Dance
This dance was so iconic that her dress came to be known as the ‘Travolta Dress’. Diana wore the midnight-blue, off-the-shoulder, velvet gown by Victor Edelstein. It was when she danced with Hollywood actor John Travolta. This was during a state banquet at the White House given by US President Ronald Reagan in 1985. (Source: Daily Mail UK)
The Revenge Dress
In June 1994, Princess Diana wore a dress not so fit for a princess — an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting black silk dress. Despite being estranged and separated from Prince Charles since 1991, Diana still embodied an elegant radiance. Although even if the slinky number broke royal protocol. The iconic dress was soon dubbed the “revenge dress”. It was because of a huge confession that was heard around the world that very same night. (Source: rd)
The Cannes Film Festival Gown
Perhaps one of her most famous looks ever was her flowing chiffon blue ballgown at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, where she attended the film event with Prince Charles by her side. By this time, the couple had been married for over seven years and, as far as the public were aware, their relationship was going along swimmingly. It was the early days of Diana’s history within the royal family when she was referred to as “Shy Di”. She was famed for her doe-eyed and demure look and her subtle, quiet appearance at events. But despite her shyness, the Princess was already clearly smart in her fashion choices. (Source: Woman’s Own)
