THE SEXIEST DRESS DIANA EVER WORE
HER LIFE IN FASHION PULLOUT
Catherine Walker, 1994
EFFORTLESSLY sexy, this may break fashion rules with its thighhigh split and daring neckline to show off both legs and décolletage — but boy, does it work!
Finally free to spread her wings after officially separating from Charles in 1992, this is the Princess at the peak of her power and beauty. And she cannot hide the delight she feels at having the world at her feet.
‘I have learned much over the last years,’ she said. ‘I no longer want to live someone else’s idea of what and who I should be. I am going to be me.’
The new devil-may-care Diana had this gown made for her in beaded silk crepe for a UNESCO event at the Palace of Versailles in December 1994.
On catching sight of Diana, couturier Pierre Cardin said: ‘This is the home of the Sun King of France, now we have the Sun Princess of Versailles.’
The outfit was such a hit that she wore a similar version of it for her Vanity Fair shoot with Mario Testino in 1997, made from luxurious black silk velvet.
‘This is black-tie dressing down to a fine art,’ says the Dinah van Tulleken. ‘An effortlessly elegant backless dress in silk, velvet and beading.
‘The halter-neck style creates the illusion of curves. With the thigh-high slit, it’s the perfect mix of sex and sophistication.
‘ She teamed it with eyecatching accessories and striking red nail varnish — the perfect way to lift a black dress.’
It was recently sold after its owner, a Florida businesswoman, went bankrupt, for £108,000.