Diana: Her Fashion Story

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Diana, Princess of Wales met her untimely end, and how the (global) shock and outpouring of grief at her death almost brought Britain to a standstill. She made an impact on so many levels: as a mother, by modernising the royal family, and campaigning for charities as diverse as children’s hospitals, HIV and landmines. But perhaps, above all, she is remembered for her iconic personal style, becoming the ultimate trendsetter years before the current crop of social media stars. From her very first appearance as a shy nursery teacher in 1981, her every outfit was scrutinised and discussed, and as she developed her fashion sense, she became the world’s most photographed woman.

Elegant Kensington Palace is particularly associated with the Princess, as she lived there after her separation from Prince Charles and loved the it very much. So to celebrate her life and the 20^th anniversary of her death, Historic Royal Palaces is unveiling a new exhibition. Diana: Her Fashion Story traces the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the wardrobe of a demure young woman to a glamorous international fashionista. The pieces in the exhibition range from beautiful 1980s evening gowns to smart daywear suits from the 1990s, backed up by original fashion sketches from some of her favourite designers, created for her during the design process.

Exhibition highlights include the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for Diana’s engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in 1981, and Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink blue velvet gown, worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta in 1985.

Curator Eleri Lynn says, “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. We see her growing in confidence throughout her life, increasingly taking control of how she was represented, and intelligently communicating through her clothes. This is a story many women around the world can relate to.”

And that’s not all. Diana loved the Palace’s gardens and often stopped to chat with the gardeners. In her honour, the Sunken Garden will be converted to a White Garden, planted with flowers and foliage inspired by memories of the Princess’s life, image and style. The garden will be ready for spring, when planting will include an elegant palette of tulips and scented narcisii through a carpet of forget-me-nots. In the summer, pots of classic English white roses will surround the reflective pool in the centre of the garden and the planting will become more exuberant, with glowing ornamental grasses weaving through Cosmos daisies and billows of graceful Gaura. What a fitting way to celebrate the life of the People’s Princess.