The tale of Princess Diana's revenge dress unveils a remarkable chapter in her life, transforming a simple black dress into a historic garment with enduring significance in the fashion world.
While Diana had many iconic dresses in her fashion repertoire, the 'revenge dress,' as it came to be known, stands out as a pivotal moment in her sartorial history.
Designed by the Greek couturier Christina Stambolian, Princess Diana had purchased the dress three years prior to the memorable event organized by Vanity Fair magazine in 1994. Initially deeming it too daring, Diana's decision to wear the dress coincided with a turning point in her life as her relationship with Prince Charles began to unravel.
The revenge dress, while a classic black dress, exuded uniqueness through a bardot neckline and asymmetrical silk crepe with draped details along the skirt. Paired with black transparent stockings and matching stilettos, Princess Diana accessorized the ensemble with a choker featuring seven rows of pearls and a prominent sapphire, signaling her intention to make a bold statement that evening.
The significance of Princess Diana's revenge dress extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Worn on November 20, 1994, it marked two years since her unofficial separation from Prince Charles. On the same day, Charles had given an interview in which he admitted his infidelity with Camila Parker Bowles. The dress, therefore, became a powerful communication tool, conveying Diana's response to her husband's betrayal.
In the documentary "The Story of Diana," it was remarked that "Princess Di used fashion as an extremely efficient weapon." The dress served as a means for Diana to assert that she would not remain indifferent to Prince Charles's actions. Her strategic fashion choice eclipsed the news about Queen Elizabeth's son's statements, making her the center of attention and embodying the perfect revenge for her husband's infidelity.
Even though Diana initially had no intention of attending the event, her butler, as revealed in the documentary "Secrets of the Royal Dressmakers," emphasized how she leveraged her media influence to enhance her image and create a viral sensation long before the term became commonplace. The revenge dress thus stands as another style lesson from the ever-iconic Princess Diana.
