Princess Diana – fondly known as ‘The People’s Princess’ was and still is one of the most loved Royals. She broke rules, voiced herself and stood for what was right. This lovely Princess always wanted to be someone in the public eye and indeed she ended up being one, even though it came to her with a series of tragedies that continued to follow to her last day.
Apart from the beautifully tragic life she lived, her fashion choices were a power play in themselves. It is said that the clothes you wear become your voice when you are unable to express and that is true too. Fashion is a very powerful tool, artwork and expression.
Here we have compiled for you 5 fashion choices by Princess Diana made in the 90’s that are ‘Chique’ forever.
So, the next time when you feel beaten up by life: get up, put on one of these and show to the world who you were, who you are and who you will be!
Polka Dot Top
1980
Our beautiful princess loved wearing polka dots dresses, tops and maxis. She wore them to every peppy event – polo races, exhibitions, fashion shows. It is said that she was a huge fan of puffy sleeves because they made her more joyful.
This pattern originated in Germany in the mid-19th century. But America was the one to introduce this patter to the world in 1900’s. They came in to limelight when Miss America of 1926 wore a polka-dotted bathing suit. Fashion designer Christian Dior designed a whole collection of dresses made with polka dot patterns and it is primarily then, when this pattern craze grew like a wildfire.
One Shoulder Dress
1983
Princess Diana wore this dress as a part of her Royal Tour to Australia. Even though she caught everyone off guard, this was a major revival moment for one shoulder dresses in the history of the fashion world.
In the ’70s, during the disco era, designer Roy Halston created the one-armed jungle dress look. His style eventually evolved into twirling gowns with one sleeves which are now known as One Shoulder or Strapless dresses.
Black Dress – Also known as The Revenge Dress
1994
The black Christina Stambolian gown is considered the most powerful fashion statement that had been made by the princess. She wore to the Serpentine Gallery summer party in 1994. It was the same night when Prince Charles confessed to his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles in a documentary release. Sadly, the princess knew about it, but rather being trodden down, she chose to show up with raging confidence, therefore the name ‘Revenge Dress’ stuck with people.
The origins of the ’little black dress’ trace back to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel and Jean Patou. They intended to create a fashion piece for success orientated women. Coco Chanel personally loved black as it portrays confidence. Coco Chanel said, “Every woman should have a classic, little black dress”
Power suit
1997
This outfit was worn when Princess Diana went our for a lunch with her stepmother Raine Spencer. It was the first time a female royal had worn trousers to an evening function. She knew how to use the language of clothes to express something she felt strongly about. This was the onset of her ‘revenge dress’ era when more power depicting clothes came into play.
The Chanel suit of the 1920s can be given credits for the power suits. The Chanel suit came with button-up jacket, with braid trim, metallic buttons and fitted sleeves. This suit was a turning point in the way how women dressed. It was the very first professional suit for women, making them look both modern and feminine. It included masculine fitting to give a very authoritative appearance, specifically designed to help women adapt to the changing lifestyle during and after the World War I.
Sweatshirt and Biker Shorts
1997
Princess Diana’s go-to choice of active-wear were biker shorts paired with a sweatshirt. She started wearing them for casual walks, working out and when shopping with her sons.
‘Athleisure’ as they are commonly addressed, made its way to stores because of the off-duty style. This trend was actually started by Princess Diana unknowingly as she was spotted a couple of times wearing athletic wear. First taken notice of in the early 1990’s, it eventually evolved to one of the most dominant street styles.
