Royal Fashion Icon: Diana's Legacy

Diana, Princess of Wales: A Fashion Icon for the Ages

It’s impossible to ignore Diana, Princess of Wales’s ongoing impact on the world of fashion. The royal, who would have turned 60 this year, remains an inspiration to millions for her philanthropic work and distinctive personal style. Diana’s looks are so famous they come with special names and stories of their own. In fact, they’re some of the most talked-about outfits of all time. The revenge dress, the Travolta dress, that fairytale, David- and Elizabeth Emanuel-designed wedding dress, each stands out as a distinct pop culture moment.

Embracing 80s Fashion Trends 

Diana’s rise to prominence during the 1980s meant embracing some of the decade’s key trends. The era of big shoulder pads and shapeless suits was a fashion challenge for all who lived through it, but for royals, it was especially tough. Modern princesses can dress in runway fare from McQueen and Givenchy and—occasionally—test out daring styles. Protocols against short skirts, bare legs, and cleavage are still intact, but their enforcement was stricter in Diana’s day. Still, she was able to cultivate a look that felt unique to her. Pre-fame, she stuck to “Sloane Ranger” staples like preppy sweater vests, printed midi-dresses, and equestrian boots. Once she became a princess, Diana switched gears and began to rely on trusted designers like Catherine Walker, Anya Hindmarch, and Murray Arbeid to create exquisite custom pieces.

Photo: Getty Images 1981

Unleashing Her Style after Separation

It’s telling that Diana’s style truly bloomed once she was freed from royal restrictions. After her separation from Prince Charles in 1992, she found herself with a wealth of new options and plenty of designers eager to dress her. The woman who dared to wear a Dior slip dress to the Met Gala in 1996 or body-con turquoise Versace at the Heart Foundation Ball that same year wasn’t the same Shy Di who hid behind baggy sweaters. Confident and entirely in control of her destiny, this era was her best.

Photo: Getty Images: 1995 

The ongoing influence of Diana: From TikTok to Runway

Twenty-five years after her death, Princess Diana’s wardrobe continues to inspire new generations. From TikTok users painstakingly recreating her workout outfits to fashion fans sourcing cult items worn by the late royal, her style remains as influential as ever, sparking magazine photoshoots, designer runway collections and reissues of her beloved pieces.

Getty Images: Hailey Bieber 

 
Recent movies and TV shows such as “Spencer,” “The Crown” and the HBO Max documentary “The Princess” (HBO Max is owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery) have reignited interest in Diana, introducing her – and her story – both to millennials, some of whom may be too young to remember her, and Gen Zers, who were born after her death in 1997. With “The Crown” in particular, costume designer Amy Roberts’ painstaking attention to detail went as far as consulting with David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the original designers of her iconic wedding gown.