Who is your style inspiration? From the people close to you to red carpet stylists, there are so many ways to answer this question. One of my ultimate fashion inspirations is Princess Diana whose style has inspired major vintage trends and the revival of some of her most iconic pieces. A Princess and groundbreaking trendsetter, Princess Diana is continuously inspiring the world with her signature style and lasting legacy!
“I don’t go by the rule book.”
Princesss Diana
“Princess Diana and The Royals: The Exhibition” in Las Vegas highlights Diana’s unparalleled fashion and exquisite style. The exhibition transports visitors into the world of Princess Diana through hundreds of significant artifacts, historic photos, and memorable fashion pieces. The “People’s Princess” Lady Diana Spencer had a remarkable style all her own. She was born into British nobility, attended the topmost boarding schools in England, was a youth dance instructor, and later married Prince Charles of Wales, an heir to the throne, in 1981. Diana once stated, “I’d like to be the queen of people’s hearts.” Her relevance today despite her tragic early death showcases the ways she managed to do this as her life, image, and style continue to inspire people.
“Princess Diana and The Royals” features the largest on-display collection of Princess Diana’s evening gowns. Each piece, including gowns and pullovers, is part of a fashion moment from the iconic little black “revenge dress” to the 1980s black sheep sweater to the dress she wore to dance with John Travolta at the White House. A centerpiece of the experience is Diana’s gorgeous Australian Bicentennial gown. A dancer and admirer of the arts, Diana’s dress is made of satin fabric with charming blue flowers along it, a ballet costume style. These looks create a timeline of Diana’s life in the public eye but also a glimpse at inspiration for current popular styles in blazers, athletic wear, and minimal jewelry.
“Only do what your heart tells you.”
Princess Diana
The fashion wonderland also featured an art replica of her “Wedding of the Century” famous royal bridal gown with an accurately sized 25-foot dress train. The replica was designed and commissioned exclusively for the exhibit by world-renowned artist Isabelle de Borchgrave. “The Princess’ wedding style marked the beginning of Diana-mania. Women everywhere were obsessed,” the exhibit states. High-profile events and day-to-day wear are where Diana set trends that have lasted for decades.
Did you know that Diana auctioned off 79 of her most iconic gowns in New York City at Christie’s? The sale of the gowns raised over $5 million to benefit cancer research. She was also a patron of the English National Ballet. Known for her contributions to humanitarian projects, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown established The Diana Award to recognize young people ages 9-25 for their social action or humanitarian work. Diana’s legacy is seen not only in her massive media relevance in shows like The Crown but also in her ability to touch and inspire people’s hearts through personal expression and community involvement.
“Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Princess Diana
Diana had a beautiful heart and an unexpectedly sweet sense of humor that translates to the images we have of her today. Looking up at her smiling face in photographs around the exhibit, it is hard not to smile back. Her memory lives on as TikTok fashionistas share tips for Diana-inspired styling, thrifting, and aesthetics. Through her fashion, people are exposed to and learn how, as “Princess Diana and The Royals” states on the walls of the exhibit, “Diana led with a warmth of spirit that was unrivaled and unforgettable.” Her enduring impact is extraordinary.
