In this elegant display at Diana, Princess of Wales' former home of Kensington Palace, a piece from Diana's wardrobe complements original sketches created for her during the design process.
Diana's handwritten comments, added alongside her favourite designs, demonstrate the joy she found in fashion.
Designed for the Princess by fashion designer Victor Edelstein, this striking midnight blue dress is now on public display at Kensington Palace to celebrate the reopening of the palace this summer.
The midnight blue velvet gown became legendary when the Princess wore it to a White House Gala in 1985 and took to the dancefloor with John Travolta. Images of the Princess and the Hollywood actor dancing together made headlines around the world, securing a place in fashion history for the stunning gown.
David Sassoon was one of Diana, Princess of Wales' favourite designers. This collection of sketches charts the Princess's move from the romantic outfits of her marriage to the confident working wardrobe of her later life.
Designs include a sketch for her going away outfit, worn to board the train for her honeymoon in 1981, and a playful tuxedo-style evening dress worn in 1989.
Also among the display is an annotated sketch for a white chiffon maternity dress, which the Princess wore when pregnant with Prince William and then again with Prince Harry.
Watch our short film on how the dress has been taken out of isolation and installed in the palace for visitors to enjoy this summer.
Explore Queen Victoria’s private life behind her carefully-managed public image in this major new exhibition at Kensington Palace.
Closed 5 Jan 2020
Kensington Palace
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Wander through the lavish rooms of the King's State Apartments, each one grander than the last, at Kensington Palace.
Open
Kensington Palace
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Walk in the footsteps of royalty in the beautiful Kensington Palace gardens.
Open
Kensington Palace
Free
Choose from our stunning collection of jewellery, including pieces inspired by the palaces and the people who lived in them. These beautiful collections include necklaces, rings, earrings, charm bracelets, bangles and pendants.
From £14.99
Originally the childhood home of Queen Victoria, later home to Princess Margaret and Princess Diana and now the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace is one of the more fashionable and stylish of our palaces.
From £14.99
These official gifts and souvenirs are all inspired by Kensington Palace's rich royal stories, past and present.
From £7.99