The late Princess Diana's wardrobe has had an everlasting effect on the world. Her iconic sense of style continues to inspire many, more than two decades after her death.
The mother of Prince William and Prince Harry had an innate way of looking effortlessly chic at all times. During her years married to the then Prince Charles, she often wore tailored, regal ensembles with daring twists such as bold colours and directional accessories.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetHowever, when she separated from Charles in 1992, she was no longer bound to conservative royal style rules. Diana came into her own and was finally able to push boundaries with her wardrobe, adding her own stamp to classic looks.
Diana's Dior moment
In 1996, Diana made her foray into high fashion when she memorably attended the Met Gala in New York City, donning a magnificent midnight blue satin slip dress by Christian Dior.
© GettyDesigned by the then-creative director John Galliano, the sumptuous style had a negligée trim and a beautiful, fluid shape. She accessorised with a delicate shawl and a Lady Dior bag - a handbag named in her honour.
© Getty ImagesWhere can I see Diana's Dior dress in 2026?
The dress was a rebellious choice for the royal; not only did it feature a daring, plunging cut, but it gave the illusion of underwear, something royals would never embrace in public.
© @laurasutcliffe_This iconic dress is currently on display in Paris, at the La Galerie Dior, and there it will stay. The building is located at 30 Avenue Montaigne in the heart of the French capital. This permanent exhibit showcases Christian Dior's finest work, and Diana's dress is a glittering highlight. As a fashion editor who specialises in royal style, I was keen to see the dress in all its glory when I visited Paris, and it doesn't disappoint. The dazzling shape is breathtaking - you can see the supreme satin material and sensational craftsmanship up close. It looks streamlined and rather slinky in the flesh, a truly daring piece.
The drama behind the dress
Reflecting on dressing the world's most famous woman, John Galliano remarked in the Vogue: The 90s documentary: "I remember one day we all jumped into this old van, and we went to London, where we met Princess Diana. She'd been invited to the Met, and she would wear one of my dresses."
© GettyThe former creative director of Givenchy added: "It was like a blessing. I mean, wow. We went to Kensington Palace and discussed drawings, and I was trying to push for pink, but she was not having it. 'No, not pink!' That was real, real fun."
Recalling details from the fitting, John explained that a corset was added to the stunning couture creation he designed for her. "So we did the dress and subsequent fittings, and it was beautifully done - you know, very kind of correct. You know, the corset - everything was correct. Fast-forward to the event, and I just remember her getting out of the car. I was like [shock]. I couldn't believe it. She'd ripped the corset out," he explained in 2024.
