Princess Diana, known for her significant impact on fashion and style, made an unforgettable appearance at the Met Gala in 1996, just months before her divorce from Prince Charles. This event marked her only attendance at the prestigious gala, where she stood out among a gathering of fashion icons rather than members of royalty.
Diana opted for a striking midnight blue slip dress designed by John Galliano, which was part of his inaugural couture collection for Christian Dior. The garment featured delicate lace trim along the straps and a daringly low back, encapsulating a sense of rebellion and elegance that contrasted sharply with her traditional royal attire. Completing her look, Diana paired the dress with a seven-strand pearl necklace that showcased a striking sapphire at its centre, sapphire and diamond earrings, a matching navy Dior handbag, tights, and pointed heels.
However, behind the glamour, there were personal concerns that weighed on Diana's mind. Reports from various publications indicate that she hesitated to wear the revealing dress out of fear that it might embarrass her son, Prince William, who was 14 at the time. The Daily Mail noted that she was apprehensive about the gown's racy nature, feeling that it might cause discomfort for her son. At only 35 years old herself, Diana was navigating the complexities of parenting a teenager while stepping into the spotlight in a garment that challenged royal fashion norms.
John Galliano later reflected on the design of the slip dress in a 2018 interview with WSJ Magazine. He revealed that the original concept included an interior bustier intended to maintain Diana's modesty, but she chose to remove it, which symbolised her growing sense of liberation.
At the gala, Diana was accompanied by her close friend and late editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, Liz Tilberis, and together they drew attention and admiration, solidifying Diana's status as a fashion icon. The Met Gala that year celebrated the legacy of Christian Dior, and Diana's attire played a significant role in honouring the influential designer while also affirming her unique position within the fashion world.
Through her choice of clothing, Princess Diana not only celebrated haute couture but also navigated the intricate balance between royal duties and personal expression, leaving an indelible mark on fashion history.
Source: Noah Wire Services