Today is a somewhat notable day in modern royal history- it would have been the late Princess of Wales’ 61st birthday. (And it is also Canada Day!) To this day, she is widely remembered for her sartorial choices. I have to admit, I find her fashion very “of its time”. You look at photos of her or surviving pieces and you are immediately in the 1980s/1990s, and I’ve more of a classic/timeless preference myself. However, you cannot deny the hold that she still has over fashion, more than two decades after her death. In honour of her birthday, I will be looking at Princess Diana*’s falcon dress!
*Yes, I know that she is technically “Diana, Princess of Wales”. However, the internet works on search terms that are commonly used, and “Princess Diana” wins by miles.
Diplomatic Dressing
Like all of the women in the House of Windsor over the last 70+ years, Diana employed diplomatic dressing. When visiting a new country on tour, royal women will often choose local designers or styles to show respect. The Queen, Princess Margaret, The Countess of Wessex, and The Duchess of Cambridge all have employed this at various points, and it works well. Diana worked with her favourite designers to make them specifically “fit” the nations that she was visiting.
Princess Diana’s Falcon Dress (Catherine Walker)
Unsurprisingly, Diana turned to one of her favourite designers for a 1986 trip to Saudi Arabia, Catherine Walker. (The label might sound familiar, The Duchess of Cambridge frequently wears pieces.) The cream silk crepe gown features embellished sequined falcons- it looks ever so slightly-pink in person, and incredibly luxurious.
According to exhibition information,
The Princess carefully selected her look to honour host nations on official visits. Catherine Walker embellished the dress with falcons, the national bird of Saudi Arabia, when the Princess visited there. The high neckline and long sleeves also respected local customs.
And if you want more Diana fashion, you can visit my post on the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition!
Have you seen Princess Diana’s falcon dress in person?
Cheers,
The Historian
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