In this elegant new 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 in 1984 by fashion designer Jasper Conran, this striking scarlet suit is now on public display at Kensington Palace for the first time.
Diana wore this ensemble for the official naming ceremony of the P&O cruise liner 'Royal Princess', christened in her honour, on 5th November 1984. The princess accessorised with a red felt beret with black headband, black blouse with bow ties, black tights, leather clutch and shoes.
Jasper Conran designed numerous pieces for Diana’s working wardrobe. He recalls that whenever the Princess tried anything on, she would always ask ‘What message am I giving out in this?’, revealing the thought and care that went into the creation of the Princess’s image.
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.
Wander through the lavish rooms of the King's State Apartments, each one grander than the last, at Kensington Palace.
Open daily
Kensington Palace
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Walk in the footsteps of royalty in the beautiful Kensington Palace gardens, and admire the intriguing Sunken Garden.
Open daily
Kensington Palace
Free
Join Gordon Leggate for a lecture on one of Hampton Court's lesser-known residents.
20 February 2020
Hampton Court Palace
12:00
Separate ticket (advance booking required)
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.
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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.
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These official gifts and souvenirs are all inspired by Kensington Palace's rich royal stories, past and present.
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