Princess Diana, the late Princess of Wales, was a true fashion icon whose outfits have left a lasting impact on the world. Similar to her daughter-in-law, the current Princess of Wales, Diana’s fashion choices were closely followed by the public, often leading to mass sellouts of the pieces she wore. While both women share a certain level of influence in the fashion world, Diana was known for being a bit more daring and unconventional with her style, even during her marriage to Prince Charles.
Iconic fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes recently revealed in an interview with Saga Magazine that Diana had a fondness for black dresses, even wearing them as daywear. This was considered unconventional for royals, as black is traditionally reserved for funerals as a color of mourning. Despite this unspoken rule, Diana was not afraid to break the mold and make her own fashion statement. She would visit designers like Rhodes in Mayfair and select black pieces, which were then custom-made in different colors to adhere to royal protocol.
In contrast to Diana’s bold fashion choices, her daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, rarely wears black to royal engagements unless she is in a period of mourning. Known for her colorful and chic wardrobe, Kate consistently follows the unspoken rules of royal fashion etiquette. While Diana may have pushed boundaries with her black ensembles, Kate opts for a more traditional approach to dressing for royal events.
One of Princess Diana’s most famous black dresses was the ‘revenge dress’ by Christina Stambolian, which she wore to the Serpentine Ball in 1994. This daring choice made a bold statement and solidified Diana’s status as a fashion icon. Additionally, early on in her relationship with Prince Charles, Diana turned heads in a black gown by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who later designed her iconic wedding dress. Despite criticism from Charles about her choice of color, Diana continued to defy expectations and establish her own unique sense of style.
Throughout her public appearances, Princess Diana demonstrated that black is indeed a timeless and stylish choice. From charity events to hospital visits, Diana’s black dresses always exuded sophistication and elegance. Whether it was a Chanel dress for a royal engagement or a custom creation by a renowned designer, Diana knew how to make a statement in black. Despite the unwritten rules of royal fashion, she remained true to herself and embraced the power of personal style.
Overall, Princess Diana’s fearless approach to fashion continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Her legacy as a style icon lives on through the timeless elegance and bold choices she made during her time in the royal spotlight.
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