The inside story of the 'revenge dress'
The famous black dress, shorter than the protocol of the British royal house, in a color only indicated for mourning, and with a generous and flattering neckline, is one of the many looks by Lady Di that are still causing people to talk for 25 years. after his death.
However, this is a very significant dress and that is why it could not be missing in the new episodes of the series. Amy Roberts and Sidonie Roberts lead the wardrobe team that has recreated the garment once designed by Christina Stambolian and explained the symbolism behind it: "It indicates the death of something and the beginning of something new." A phoenix-like transformation takes place in a small scene from episode 5 of the fifth season when the character of Lady Di, played by Elizabeth Debicki, leaves the official car to arrive at the Vanity Fair party.
Carlos and Diana were still married on the night of June 29, 1994, when the well-known charity party for the magazine was held in London and to which Lady Di did not intend to attend, despite being invited. The event coincided with the broadcast of a television program that sought to improve the image of Prince Charles, resentful of the media war that had become the failed marriage with Diana of Wales.
In the interview, the heir to the throne acknowledged that he was unfaithful to his wife, even though they had been separated for several years. Although at the time of the party, it was not yet known what Carlos was going to say, the publicity of the television event made Diana refuse to attend the party to avoid the bad drink. In the end, two days before, she changed her mind.
There are different versions of the choice of dress, such as that it was a last-minute decision after Valentino announced that he would wear one of his models. The point is that the black dress had been in his closet for three years, but he hadn't found the opportunity to wear it because it was too daring. Be that as it may, Diana from Wales finally appeared with the dress before the journalists who were waiting for her arrival and caused a great impact in the barely 30 seconds that her appearance lasted from the time she got out of the vehicle until she entered the event. The title 'revenge dress' was not used at the time or in later years.
It was in 2013 when it received that name at the auction of the ten most recognizable dresses for the Princess of Wales by Kerry Taylor Auctions. The model in question broke, as we have said, with several rules of the protocol of the royal house in terms of clothing. Firstly, because of the color, since black is reserved for official mourning for members of the monarchy or important figures, and secondly, because it was too short and too low-cut. Actually, what made the dress go down in history was a sum of coincidences, from the moment to the attitude with which Lady Di faced a moment that was undoubtedly complicated. It is considered that from that moment there was an evolution in the style of Diana of Wales and the Australian actress, Elizabeth Debicki, has spoken about it: "Princess Diana was very innovative with fashion. She was really transgressive. She made decisions that other people weren't drinking," he said.
