With her instinctive flair for fashion, Diana, Princess of Wales evolved from a demure young woman with a penchant for romantic flounces and frills, to a super-chic, confident global style icon who rocked the design world and made a dramatic impact with every outfit she wore.
Her influence on the industry was extraordinary and now, as we approach the 20-year anniversary of her death, the Diana look is back on trend. Indeed, this spring, haute couture is having a “Diana moment” as the runways teem with designs reminiscent of the eternally glamorous Princess...
Green goddess
Then
Diana’s love of emerald shone through in her glittering 1986 Catherine Walker gown, with its puff sleeves and daring split, worn at a premiere in 1990 (below); and on a belt seen in 1988 in Bangkok (far right).
Green goddess
Now
Mirroring the same vibrant green and a flash of well-honed pins – with a belt reflecting Diana’s – this dress by Les Copains takes the catwalk by storm (right). Meanwhile, shimmering puff sleeves are back in fashion at Saint Laurent (below left).
A star in stripes
Then
Sporting a Roland Klein blue and white silk blazer,Diana was first past the post at Royal Ascot in 1987 – she wore the jacketagain the following year in Australia (above).
A star in stripes
Now
This Roberto Cavalli blazer (left), with its added floraltwist, brings the look bang up to date.
Sheer romance
Then
Dubbed Shy Di in the early days, she favoured femininefrills – and in this romantic tulle gown by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, wornin 1983 (above right), she was the perfect People’s Princess.
Sheer romance
Now
In a daring take on the traditional tulle ball gown(above), Dior adds a translucent skirt and a cream satin bustier, embellishedwith an embroidered heart.
Silver lady
Then
In a sparkling backless silver lamé gown by BruceOldfield (right), Diana brought a touch of Dynasty-style glamour to the worldpremiere of the film Burke & Wills in Melbourne during her visit to thecity in 1985.
Silver lady
Now
Fast-forward 32 years and Isabel Marant lights up therunway with this shimmering space-age showstopper.