On December 9, 1996, the Metropolitan Museum of Art buzzed with anticipation for the Christian Dior-themed Met Gala. The night was a spectacle of fashion and glamour, with designers and their muses gracing the red carpet. Calvin Klein and Christy Turlington posed for photographers, while Christian Lacroix and Iman arrived in a dazzling display of corduroy, crystals, and corsetry. Linda Evangelista, accompanied by her then-boyfriend Kyle MacLachlan, turned heads in a daring low-scoop gown. Amidst the flurry of celebrities, Diana, Princess of Wales, made her entrance.
The Princess, accompanied by her friend Liz Tilberis, opted for a departure from her traditional royal attire. She wore a striking inky silk slip dress by John Galliano for Dior, featuring lace negligée trim and a matching dressing-gown style robe. This bold choice marked a new chapter in her life, one where she embraced her newfound freedom from royal protocol. The lingerie-inspired details and the choice of Galliano, a wildly creative and romantic designer, spoke volumes about Diana’s evolving style and her confidence.
Adding to the fashion statement was the Dior Lady Di bag, originally called the Chouchou and later renamed in her honor, dangling from her wrist. She also accessorized with a multitude of diamond bracelets, further emphasizing her commitment to fashion. The dress was a special creation from Galliano’s first collection for Dior, making it even more significant. It was a bold fashion flex on a night where all eyes were on her.
Although Diana reportedly expressed concern about her 14-year-old son Prince William’s reaction to her red-carpet look, her appearance made headlines. Her choice of attire was compared to the iconic Christina Stambolian “revenge dress” she wore to the Serpentine Summer Party in 1994, a dress that symbolized her strength and independence following her separation from Prince Charles.
Diana’s presence at the Met Gala showcased her understanding of fashion’s power. Unlike those who used the event to promote their own agenda, Diana leveraged her image to bring attention to a worthy cause. She had previously supported London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards, and her presence at the Met Costume Institute fundraiser further demonstrated her dedication to the world of fashion. Her choice of a captivating dress and a seven-strand pearl choker served as a testament to her influence and the impact her style had on the world.
Whether contemporary royals, including the new Princess of Wales, will follow in Diana’s footsteps remains to be seen. However, her bold fashion statement at the Met Gala, a powerful testament to her personal style and her commitment to causes she believed in, continues to resonate with fashion enthusiasts and royal watchers alike.
