DIANA HER LIFE IN FASHION
Glorious photos that reveal so much about her triumphs and tragedies
IN SATURDAY’S Mail, we brought you part one of our exclusive preview of a blockbuster new exhibition tracing the fascinating evolution of Princess Diana’s style — and the woman behind the clothes. Staged 20 years after her death, and on show at Kensington Palace, her former home, it is as poignant as it is beautiful, offering a unique insight into her life. Today, we reveal the secrets behind six more dazzling pieces from the collection …
Lonesome in her ‘Elvis’ dress Catherine Walker, 1989
DUBBED ‘my Elvis dress’ by the Princess, this strapless white silk crepe sheath with its matching high-collared jacket — embroidered with thousands of sequins and pearls — is a work of art.
Worn for an official visit to Hong Kong in November 1989, it was intended as a tribute to the territory, sometimes called the Pearl of the Orient — an example of diplomatic Diana at her best.
Designer Catherine Walker took inspiration from the Elizabethan ruff for the collar of this jacket, which frames Diana’s face beautifully. However Diana herself likened it to one of Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas ensembles.
Diana, who also wore the dress to present the Designer Of The Year Award at the British Fashion Awards that same year, subsequently sent a letter to Walker, who had not been nominated, saying: ‘Thank you, to MY designer of the year!’
Yet this regal outfit — which later sold for more than £100,000 at auction — masked incredible sadness and vulnerability as Diana came to terms with the fact that her marriage, by now loveless, was beyond rescue. At a party the same year, Diana later revealed, she challenged her husband’s long-term love Camilla over their relationship. She said: ‘I know what’s going on between you and Charles and I just want you to know that.’
Here, the Princess wears it with the Queen’s diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara. The heirloom has since been worn by the daughter-in-law Diana would have loved, but never got the chance to meet — Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.