Diana’s style is storming the headlines again with a not-to-be-missed exhibit at Kensington Palace – cue the fashion frenzy
Words by Jess Wood
From the moment Shy Di was first snapped, shapely legs outlined in the sunshine through a (slightly-too-sheer) skirt as a young nursery assistant, she was total style dynamite. Obviously, the great minds of Kensington Palace and the fashion world have been thinking alike. The SS17 catwalks overflowed with leg-of-mutton sleeves and one-shouldered cocktail frocks – and on the 24th February 2017, a fashion-lovers’ heaven is opening at the palace in the form of a hot new exhibition, Diana: Her Fashion Story.
The extensive collection will trace the style evolution of one of the most-photographed women ever – from the Sloaney tie-neck blouses of her early 80s ‘future Princess of Wales’ period, to the bold, structured power suits designed by Catherine Walker.
Curator Eleri Lynn says: ‘Every fashion choice Diana made was closely scrutinised. Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, and in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers.’
When Diana danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985, she and her Victor Edelstein gown made global headlines. When she made a glamorous public appearance on the night Prince Charles admitted his adultery on national TV, it was her plunging Christina Stambolian ‘revenge dress’ that had the world talking. In a pre-Instagram era, every look she wore had an influence around the world – via that old chestnut, the front page. So make sure you circle the 24th February in the diary – we'll see you there!
‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ shows at Kensington Palace, London, from Friday 24th February. For further details, please visit Historic Royal Palaces. To accompany the exhibition, a special temporary planting will be installed in the Sunken Garden, featuring a palette of spring flowers inspired by Diana’s style.