Strapless gown that cemented Princess Diana’s spot as a fashion icon way before that ‘revenge dress'
Princess Diana's iconic style has weathered the test of time...
Princess Diana’s fashion sense, signature blonde locks and famous outfits including her black revenge dress have remained popular for decades.
But did you know, before Diana made headlines for rocking that famous Christina Stambolian dress, she had already worn a striking number that was very similar? And it’s safe to say that look solidified her spot in the fashion hall of fame…
Princess Diana wore another iconic black dress
Diana sported a little black dress in an appearance at an official engagement alongside her then fiancé, Prince Charles.
In May 1981, the then Lady Diana Spencer, 19, rocked a taffeta gown to a charity recital at Goldsmiths’ Hall.
The low-cut strapless dress was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The same duo who would later create her wedding gown.
Diana reportedly visited the husband and wife designing team’s studio to request an outfit for a “posh” evening function prior to the night out.
Diana was said to have tried on a black, low-cut, silk taffeta bodice that was on display, where the trio discovered it complemented her complexion, blue eyes and blonde hair.
Princess Diana fashion ‘faux-pas’
However, one aspect of the dress was concerning for the young princess – it had a strapless silhouette that could reveal too much skin.
Because of this, David created a matching black wrap to drape over Diana’s shoulders in an effort to protect her modesty.
In an interview with Today, David recalled: “That evening, when we switched on the news, this limousine pulls out, out got Prince Charles and there was this girl, and I said, ‘That’s the girl! That’s her! That’s the one we’ve just done the frock for!'”
Although Diana’s outfit undoubtedly stole the show, she later shared it wasn’t an idyllic evening.
In recordings for Andrew Morton’s biography Diana: Her True Story – In Her Own Words, Diana spoke of her anxiety that evening.
“I didn’t know whether to go out of the door first,” she admitted.
She went on to explain: “I didn’t know whether your handbag should be in your left or right hand. I was terrified, really – at the time everything was all over the place.”
Diana stated: “I remember that evening so well. I was terrified – nearly sick.”
Diana also admitted that she was even more uncomfortable because she felt her dress was “two sizes too small,” and inappropriate for the occasion.
The late Princess of Wales’ meeting with Princess Grace of Monaco
According to Morton, Diana felt self-conscious throughout the evening. So much so, it was even noticed by Princess Grace of Monaco.
Apparently, Princess Grace took Diana aside in the ladies room where Diana confessed to suffering feelings of loneliness, paired with anxiety about her future.
Grace reportedly patted Diana’s cheeks and said: “Don’t worry, it’ll only get worse.”
This heart-wrenching moment happened just 18 months before Princess Grace’s untimely death in a car accident.
How old was Diana when she wore the revenge dress?
As we know, Diana would go on to wed Charles, with their union sadly resulting in divorce.
Diana would go on to sport a black Christina Stambolian in an outing to a gallery party, following Prince Charles’ 1994 televised admission to infidelity during his marriage to the Princess of Wales.
Where is Princess Diana’s revenge dress now?
This dress was described as Diana’s revenge dress. Many believed she chose the outfit as it would show Charles her confidence in the face of his unfaithfulness.
The princess was just 33 years old when she wore the famous dress.
Diana tragically died in a car crash in 1997, just months after her divorce from the then Prince of Wales.
Diana’s famous dress was sold at auction in July 1997 for £39,098 to a Scottish couple who intended to use the money for children’s charities.
The dress was later exhibited in the Museum of Style in Newbridge, County Kildare in their 2017 exhibition Diana: A Fashion Legacy.
It was described as “the most important exhibit”.
Read more: Princess Diana’s childhood home Althorp House targeted by ‘vandals’ as her brother ‘stunned’
So, what do you think? Do you like Princess Diana’s black dress? Which do you prefer? Her 1981 gown or her revenge dress? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page.
