Fashion is more than just the clothes we wear. That is why I thought my first entry of this blog should be about a woman who used fashion for more than just her personal appearance. The world’s Princess, Lady Diana of Wales. Was not only a fashion icon but a dedicated mother who used fashion to open doors and gain support for charitable causes she endorsed. While still being the humble People’s Princess. In her word’s, “Clothes make the woman. I know they certainly helped make me.”
In my research I was privileged to a Private showing of Princess Diana, Dresses of Inspiration. At The Von Liebig Art Center of Naples, Florida.
This exhibit was a collection of dresses that were originally purchased at Christie’s auction in 1997, to benefit her favorite charities. Diana’s philanthropic mission continues today as the various private owners from around the world, came together to loan these dresses to the museum. The funds raised were on behalf of the not for profit charity Pink Ribbons crusade.
At the beginning of the exhibit, miniature versions of all of the original 79 dresses sold at Christies were displayed in a beautiful case. These miniature replicas were 1/5 the size of the actual dress except 17 that were commercially produced by doll companies. Because of there intricacy some of the miniature dresses took months to produce. It was amazing to me at how the age and gender demographic varied among the attending patrons. It goes to show that even indirectly, Diana touched the lives of many. The first of my favorite dresses was one of her earlier designs by British Designer Katherine Walker. It was a beautiful tailored pastel dinner dress. The top was a elegant soft eggshell white with what I like to call a “perfect, pastel, pink” floor length bottom. The dress was originally designed with a plunging neckline, but Diana felt it was “a little indiscreet” so she had it altered to include a panel in the front. Diana actually hated to wear a bra. Most of her dresses had one actually sewn into the construction. As well as sometimes ribbing.
The people’s princess required clothes appropriate for every occasion, every climate, and every time frame. Her 1991 wardrobe count consisted of 95 evening gowns, 176 suits, 200 purses, and 250 pairs of shoes!
As best put by Designer John Galliano, “She used fashion as the silent language and let the clothes do the talking for her.” A prime example that stands out in my mind is the black velvet and red pleated Murray Arbeid gown she first wore in September of 1986 to the America’s Cup Ball in London. Diana chose to wear it with two coordinating long gloves - one red and one black. Later she was referred to as “mischievous” for doing such.
However, I learned how Lady Di was respectful to observe cultural, religious, and political customs in her travels around the world. The leading example would be the pale blue Catherine Walker Chiffon and Lace gown that she wore on her 1986 visit to the Gulf State of Qatar. Since she was required by Muslim customs to cover, the dress originally was designed with a high neck and long sleeves. The princess proving to be realistic, used the gown to its full potential. Choosing to later alter it by removing the sleeves and high neck to acquire a more chic and alluring look. Proving that fashion is not only functional as well as multi-faceted.
After many years of using Catherine Walker as one of her foremost designers. Due to the state of the ailing designers health and as well as changes in the Princess’ own personal life. She choose a more “simple but sexy look.” As quoted by an attendant of the Apollo 13 premier. The short black Versace dress (my above all favorite) best showed off her newly acquired short, sassy, and sheath “Uniform” that would carry her through.
Fashion at times throughout history, has invariably been restrictive in various world cultures and political arenas. But at the same time has proven to be functional and influential throughout the world in times of war, peace, love, prosperity, and sadly even death. At a natural 5’10 and 155 lbs. with a dress size of 8 and a us shoe size of 9. Diana was not just a fashion and style icon. She was a mother, a humanitarian, and above all superb human being. That is why I say friends, loved ones and people first, then fashion. Stay tuned for the next posting as I continue Fashion around the world. Thank you.
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