Princess Diana’s style to be celebrated with exhibition

Kensington Palace is to host a special exhibition in 2017 celebrating the style of Princess Diana to mark 20 years since her death.

‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ will trace the evolution of Princess Diana’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life.

The exhibition will bring together a number of her favourite outfits including evening gowns worn on engagements in the 1980s, to the Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ in the 1990s. The exhibit will also explore her relationship with her favourite designers featuring some of the original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process.

Highlights will include the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for Diana’s engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in 1981, and Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink blue velvet gown, famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. In addition, the blue tartan Emanuel suit, worn by Diana for an official visit to Venice in the 1980s, will go on display in public for the first time.

To coincide with the exhibition, Kensington Palace, which was home to Diana for over 15 years, will also create a temporary White Garden, planted with flowers and foliage inspired by memories of the Princess Diana’s life, image and style.

"Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most photographed women in the world, and every fashion choice she 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, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers," said Eleri Lynn, curator of the exhibition. "We see her growing in confidence throughout her life, increasingly taking control of how she was represented, and intelligently communicating through her clothes. This is a story many women around the world can relate to, and we hope many visitors will join us next year, to get a closer look at some of Diana’s most iconic outfits, on display in her former home."

‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ at Kensington Palace in London opens February 24, 2017.