One of Diana, Princess of Wales’s most famous outfits is going on show at the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition at Kensington Palace later this month.
For the first time ever, members of the public will be able to see the flak jacket, shirt and Armani chinos worn by the princess during her high-profile trip to the landmines field in Angola in 1997.
The iconic outfit will be the centre piece of the exhibition which is on display from 26 April. Diana: Her Fashion Story traces the evolution of the Princess’s style, with a range of well-known outfits going on display. A number of the items are on loan from The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
The new additions to the exhibition, including a Victor Edelstein evening gown worn for an official portrait by Terence Donovan, shows the ever-changing requirements of the princess’s wardrobe. Her style illustrates how she used clothing to connect and inspire people as well as ensuring she focused media attention on the causes close to her heart.
Among the collection of exclusive items joining the exhibition this month will be a floor length gown by Yuki which was designed for the Prince and Princess of Wales’s visit to Japan. A tartan dress by Caroline Charles worn to the 1982 Braemar Games in the Scottish Highlands will also be on display.
Gowns created for Diana, Princess of Wales’s public engagements are also on show at Kensington Palace for the first time. This shines a light on how she considered the requirements of each engagement when working with her designers, such as David and Elizabeth Emanuel that helped create her early image.
The exhibition not only charts the impact of the Princess’s unique public role on her wardrobe, but also her impact on British and global fashion. Eleri Lynn, exhibition curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said:
“Diana, Princess of Wales was one of the most photographed women in the world, and it’s no coincidence that so many of her outfits are now among the most easily recognisable in fashion history.
“Through Diana: Her Fashion Story we explore the evolution of a young woman who had to first learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, then master the art of creating her own signature style.”
Diana: Her Fashion Story opened in February 2017 and brings together 28 garments worn by the Princess. After a sell-out opening year, the exhibition continues throughout 2018 at Kensington Palace which was her home for 15 years.
