Yesterday would have been the late Princess of Wales’ 60th birthday. While she sadly was not here to celebrate, her family finally unveiled a new statue of her to commemorate her. (You can find it in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.) With the Royal Style in the Making exhibition recently open at Kensington, I just shared some of my favourite pieces from the Fashion Rules exhibition. However, I knew I wanted to share something of Diana’s this week. So, today I’m featuring one of my favourite pieces, Princess Diana’s green gown, shown in 2019!
Note: Yes, her official title was Diana, Princess of Wales. However, “Princess Diana” is the more commonly used form- I’ve used that here for simplicity.
Victor Edelstein
Victor Edelstein, a former British designer, was one of Diana’s favourite couturiers in the 1980s. Now working as a painter, when he was designing, he focused on a luxurious and elegant style. He was described as the “Master of the English thoroughbred look”, and the English Oscar de la Renta. And yes, if you are wondering, Edelstein designed “the Travolta dress“!
The Gown…
This gown was absolutely one of the standout pieces in Diana: Her Fashion Story. The lustrous silk satin shines beautifully, and the draping is impeccable. While the 80s aren’t my cup of tea, fashion-wise, I love that Edelstein’s work draws on the past for inspiration. According to the exhibition, “[o]ften inspired by historic fashion this dress features an elaborate Victorian style bustle. The Press dubbed it ‘Princess style’.”. (The silhouette was named for Alexandra of Denmark, Princess of Wales!) Diana wore this gown twice, once in a 1986 official portrait, and again in 1987 at the Anglo-Spanish Ball in London. While it might not stand out to everyone, it absolutely does for me!
And if you haven’t visited my post on the full Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition, you can find it here!
What do you think of Princess Diana’s green gown? Are you a Victor Edelstein fan?
Cheers,
The Historian
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