If I can take up this open platform to let you in on a secret, then it would be to profess my admiration for Princess Diana. Far more than her iconic style that ushered in major sartorial waves (even to date), the People’s Princess remained in tandem with the royal protocol. Proof? None of the rules made her stop veering towards prints and vibrant colours. And while she harboured the Royal traits in her, she sure knew how to use fashion as an act of revenge.
Making an appearance on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in an ivory silk taffeta wedding dress by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, little did she know that she will go on to become the most photographed woman in the world. Her closet hid the best of British fashion—a secret that she often showcased during errands, taking flights and on red carpets alike. From Catherine Walker, Belville Sassoon, Donald Campbell to Victor Edelstein, Princess Di struck a balance between luxury and raging trends. And rightly so. Cycling shorts and sweatshirts? She nailed the combo way before it became ‘the thing’ in fashion. Or perhaps, oversized blazers with denim? Yeah, that one too.
While I know that millions worldwide are devout pilgrims of her fashion, style, and personality, as a lover of Lady Di—I am okay with it. And when some of India’s most celebrated designers come together to pick their favourite Princess Diana look, it gets even better.
Manish Malhotra: This look is timeless, classic and is minimal but holds maximum impact. And above all, it’s glamorous. It flaunts her silhouette without saying too much.
Falguni Shane Peacock: Princess Diana is arguably one of the greatest fashion icons of her time. So, there were quite a lot of her looks that we feel are classic. But it’s this red cape gown of hers that is the most iconic one, according to us. It’s royal and makes a powerful fashion statement. We love how this ensemble that she wore so many years ago is so relevant even today!
Neeta Lulla: These are my favourite looks because it showcases the slow transition of Princess Diana from a sweet, country girl to a woman who fell in love and got married. She was a woman who felt the gap between the relationship that she had and how she transformed herself into a powerful woman. You can gradually see the transition through her life. I think she carried the black dress with a great sense of style and elegance despite the fact that Royalty didn’t wear clothes of those sorts at that time. For me, the entire power woman aspect and the transition of a romantic look entirely spelt the graph of her life. I feel that she emulated her personality through her clothes.
Invalid slider id. Master Slider ID must be a valid number.Nachiket Barve: This look is a prime example of how fashion is a signifier of the self. Here, she epitomises a modern woman who is her own person, and someone has stepped out of the strict dress codes of the traditional Royal Family. She looks exquisite effortless and individualistic.
Photographs: Getty Images, Instagram
