While I was in London, of course I had to make my mandatory trip back to Kensington Palace to take it all in. I know that a lot of people don’t love it- it is busy and a hotspot for tourists. However, I love the Georgian, Victorian, and Windsor history that has happened there, and there is always something new to discover. I was able to catch “Diana: Her Fashion Story” right before it closed, and this red evening gown caught my eye. After doing a little research, I found myself in a hole: Princess Diana’s diplomatic fashion!
I think that at least since the times of Queen Victoria, royals have been making political statements with their fashion. (Probably earlier, if I’m being realistic.) There are so many things that you can say with your clothing. I had originally seen this dress in the Fashion Rules exhibition back in 2013, but hadn’t thought much of it. It stood out much more in this exhibition, so I looked into the designer and history.
Designed by Bruce Oldfield, a British designer, Diana, Princess of Wales wore this evening gown on a state visit to Saudi Arabia in 1986. Oldfield started designing for the Princess in 1981 and continued to design pieces for her until her death. I find that when people discuss Diana’s fashion choices, they either view it as lens to her rocky relationship with Prince Charles, or her connection to a celebrity. However, I think that this is a fantastic example of Diana promoting British fashion, while adhering to local cultural norms.
I love the amount of detail that you can see on this gown- the beading work on the silk is immaculate. I could be wrong, but I think that this dress wouldn’t look too out of place if you wore it today! I will be sharing more from my visit to the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition, after I do a bit more of a dive into her diplomatic choices.
What do you think of Princess Diana’s diplomatic fashion?
Cheers,
The Historian
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I would be interested to know if the color red means something in the middle eastern world. For instance, in some eastern cultures red is for mourning, whereas in the west red is generally viewed as a sign of happiness or celebration, or worn when one wants to “stand out” in a crowd.
That is a good question. In a lot of cases, I think Diana chose colours more to stand out than for their specific connotation, but I am going to do some research now!!
What a gorgeous red that is! Xx
Right?? It is just so striking and gorgeous!