Diana: Her Fashion Story

Nearly 20 years ago, as most Australians were going to lunch, a bright light went out across the other side of the world.

It was 3.45am on August 31, 2007 when Princess Diana’s life support was switched off in a Paris hospital after an horrific car crash.

The announcement of her death released world-wide mourning and a week later her funeral saw the British television audience peak at 32.10 million, one of the United Kingdom’s highest viewing figures ever while millions more watched the event and shed still more tears around the world including Australia.

Many events and ceremonies are planned to mark the anniversary next year starting with an exhibition of some of Diana’s stunning gowns in London in February next year.

Earlier this week Kensington Palace announced a new exhibit featuring Princess Diana’s extensive wardrobe would go on display on February 24.

Titled “Diana: Her Fashion Story”, the show was commissioned to celebrate Diana’s life 20 years after her death.

According to a press release from the Palace, the exhibit will include a range of looks “from the more romantic outfits of her first public appearances to the glamorous ones she embraced in later life as she became ever more confident about her style.

Some of the pieces confirmed for the show include the Emanuel blouse Diana wore in her 1981 engagement portrait and the Victor Edelstein gown she wore to a White House visit in 1985 where she was pictured dancing with John Travolta.

Curator Eleri Lynn said style plays a crucial role in telling Diana’s story.

“Every fashion choice she made was closely scrutinized,” Lynn said in a statement.

“Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers.” 

Tickets and booking

Entrance to ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ will be included in the palace admission price. Tickets for March 2017- 2018 will be available to buy online from 1 December 2016.

Photo Credit: Rex Features