25 years later: Fashion writer reveals secrets behind Diana’s ‘revenge outfit’ in new book

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Princess Diana’s revenge dress is still iconic today. Photo/Getty Images

It’s a moment we all remember – that evening in 1994, when Princess Diana stepped out to attend a gala in London wearing what would become known as the ‘vengeance dress’.

As Prince Charles admitted on national television that he had been unfaithful to her, Diana was snapped by photographers wearing an off-the-shoulder black silk dress with an asymmetrical hemline and a chiffon train.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of her tragic death in 1997. In the years since, she has been remembered as the people’s princess, a passionate philanthropist and a fashion icon who still has an influence on the world. that we wear today.

Today, British author Eloise Moran released a book about Princess Diana’s iconic fashion choices titled The Lady Di Look Book: What Diana Was Trying To Tell Us Through Her Clothes. Moran is also the creator of the popular Instagram page @ladydirevengelooks.

Talk to Radio Hauraki weekday host Tracey DonaldsonMoran said the concept of “dress revenge” isn’t new — women have been doing it for decades.

“With Diana, that was all we focused on, especially in the beginning — her clothes,” she explained.

“She couldn’t give interviews, in a way, she was gagged, so we’re starting to see it from her pretty soon.”

A big part of the book is the iconic revenge dress — or as Moran calls it in the book, “the F*** You Dress” — by Christina Stambolian. Did she wear it for Charles and Camilla’s sake? Moran said she was “very intentional” with the details.

“She wanted the hemlines to be shorter, she wanted the heels to be higher, and it really seemed to tie into how we want to show our exes what they’re missing – she wanted to do the same,” she said on the radio. host.

“She didn’t need to get attached to him. She was going on with her life.”

Diana then auctioned off the dress, one of 80 she sold just two months before her death.

Part of Diana’s enduring fashion appeal is her eclectic mix of designer and everyday pieces – which Moran says is how “most people dress” in 2022.

“We live in changing times, people used to dress up everyday to go to the office, and life isn’t like that anymore. So Diana’s wardrobe is almost a reflection of post-pandemic dressing .”

Princess Diana appears in the December 1991 edition of Vogue magazine.  Photo / Provided
Princess Diana appears in the December 1991 edition of Vogue magazine. Photo / Provided

Her streetwear has clearly influenced Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner today, and it’s something that’s accessible to everyone, Moran said.

“A baggy sweatshirt and cycling shorts – anyone can achieve this and I think all shapes and sizes fit well in them.”

It’s possible the media over-analyzed what she wore, much like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s fashion choices are today, she said.

“I think when you’re so closely watched, or your outfits are, and hers have really been pinned down to the last detail, I think nothing has gone wrong with her,” Moran continued.

“She’s thought of everything. And some of the designers I’ve spoken to who’ve dressed her have clarified that as well.”

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