Following her divorce from then-Prince Charles in August 1996, Princess Diana started her post-royal life anew. The worldwide humanitarian and vogue icon raised her public profile, attending vital occasions on the heart of cultural conversations, typically as a strategy to highlight her philanthropic endeavors.
In 1996, Princess Diana joined celebrities and different notable attendees on the Met Gala. The occasion marked a departure for Princess Diana from her former royal life to her new place as a humanitarian and public determine.
Right here, WWD breaks down all the small print behind Diana’s look, the 1996 Met Gala and extra.
When did Princess Diana attend the Met Gala?
Princess Diana
Richard Corkery/NY Every day Information by way of Getty Photos
Princess Diana attended the Met Gala on Dec. 9, 1996, on the Metropolitan Museum of Artwork in New York Metropolis. The occasion was co-chaired by Anna Wintour’s British Vogue successor, Liz Tilberis, who introduced the well-known former royal to the occasion as her visitor. The 1996 Met Gala’s theme centered on feting the work of Christian Dior. The French luxurious vogue home and LVMH served as sponsors for the occasion.
What did Princess Diana put on to the Met Gala?
Princess Diana
Richard Corkery/NY Every day Information by way of Getty Photos
Princess Diana wore an inky silk John Galliano for Dior slipdress, that includes a lace negligée-inspired trim and a coordinated dressing-gown fashion gown on the 1996 Met Gala. The gown was loosely impressed by Galliano’s first assortment with the French luxurious vogue home. The slimming, lingerie-inspired maxidress was accessorized with items from the late Princess of Wales’ jewellery trove and a Girl Dior bag.
Diana wore her sapphire and diamond earrings and her sapphire and pearl choker, that includes seven delicate strands of pearls. Kate Middleton has since inherited the sapphire and diamond earrings.
Diana’s pearl and sapphire choker was additionally worn by the late royal throughout her go to to Washington D.C. in November 1985, when she danced with John Travolta. The sapphire and peal choker featured a brooch gifted to Diana by Queen Elizabeth II. Diana additionally famously wore the choker together with her “revenge gown” in June 1994.
What was the which means behind Princess Diana’s Met Gala look?
Princess Diana
Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan by way of Getty Photos
Identical to her Christina Stambolian-designed “revenge gown,” Princess Diana’s 1996 Met Gala look signified a departure from her life as a senior royal in The Agency. The gown married a unfastened silhouette with sensuality, a extreme juxtaposition from the conservative, buttoned-up apparel often worn by Diana throughout her time as an lively member of the Home of Windsor.
The gown additionally demonstrated Diana’s continued vogue savvy. Galliano was, on the time of the 1996 Met Gala, among the many hottest international designers. To decide on the Galliano design meant Princess Diana was seemingly sending a two-pronged message — that of a liberated lady and a pointy, trendy public determine.
Produce other British Royal relations attended the Met Gala?
Princess Beatrice attends the Met Gala on Might 7, 2018.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Photos
Since Princess Diana’s now-famous exhibiting on the 1996 Met Gala, only some royals have attended the high-profile occasion. Among the many British contingent of worldwide royalty, Princess Beatrice made her Met Gala debut in 2018, greater than 20 years after the late Princess of Wales.
Princess Beatrice, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, attended the Heavenly Our bodies: Style and the Catholic Creativeness Met Gala event sporting a flowing purple gown. The flowing Alberta Ferretti robe featured sheer sleeves and shimmering particulars close to the neckline.
