How Did Diana Get the Womans Dress
Princess Diana: How did Princess Diana really dress? 'Diana had a discerning eye'
THE CROWN season 4 introduced Princess Diana into the royal family and fans are curious to know more. How did Princess Diana really dress? Express.co.uk spoke to Wayne Martin, Senior Lecturer in Costume and Performance Design at Arts University Bournemouth, to find out more.
Emma Corrin portrayed Princess Diana in the latest series of The Crown. Ever since the show dropped on Netflix in late November, fans have been gushing over her performance and admiring the costumes she got to wear. How did Princess Diana really dress? Express.co.uk has everything you need to know.
How did Princess Diana really dress?
Diana Spencer burst onto the scene in the 1980s as Prince Charles's girlfriend and very quickly his fiancée.
They married at St Paul's Cathedral on May 29, 1981, and remained together until their divorce in 1996.
People across the world immediately connected to the Princess and future Queen-to-be.
She was well known for her warm personality, her charity work and her iconic fashion sense.
READ MORE Princess Margaret 'not at loggerheads with Queen' despite The Crown
Princess Diana: Princess Diana and her wedding dress (Image: GETTY)
Princess Diana: Emma Corrin as Princess Diana in The Crown (Image: NETFLIX)
Diana had some memorable looks throughout her lifetime including the black taffeta dress by The Emanuels at Goldsmiths Hall in March 1981 and her famous wedding dress designed by the Elizabeth and David Emanuel.
One of her most famous of all dresses was the Christina Stambolian 'revenge dress' which she wore to the serpentine Gallery summer party in 1994.
She was also styled by Bellville Sassoon, Bruce Oldfield, Donald Campbell and Jasper Conran throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk Wayne Martin, Senior Lecturer in Costume and Performance Design at Arts University Bournemouth,explained the fashion trends of the time and how Diana, played a key role in setting the trends at the time.
Princess Diana: Diana in the black taffeta dress by the Emanuels (Image: GETTY)
He said: "When we look back to relatively recent history fashions always look awful.
"Trends in hair and make look equally dated. The 1980s and 1990s are no different. The 80's saw frill, gathers, pork pie hats, pie-crust collars and bows.
"Dreadful on hindsight but I bet every woman over 50 could own up to buying a bow on a comb from Miss Selfridge.
"Princess Diana set fashion trends as indeed did the Duchess of York. All of the above were trended by one or both of these Royal ladies.
Princess Diana: Princess Diana was known for her iconic style (Image: GETTY)
"Other influential factors included TV, particularly the fashions of Dallas, who can forget Sue Ellen's shoulder pads and the high camp gowns from Dynasty, designed by the incomparable Nolan Miller.
"The 1990s was the time of 'power dressing' and the 'Yuppie'. The Hollywood movie 'Working Girl' captures the moment, well-cut if baggy suits in bold colours, crash helmet hair and half a can of Elnette to hold it in place."
Martin continued: "Princess Diana's clothing in the early years of her marriage was fashionable but I think led early on by the up and coming Emmanuel's.
"They were known for their Romantic inspired Couture which was at the time 'Perfect' for a 19-year-old new to be Princess. It ticked all the boxes.
"Diana had a discerning eye, the Emmanuel's had just graduated from St Martins and their Studios were the place to go. On reflection critics have said their clothes were unflattering, frilly and nothing special.
"I disagree, they were of their time, frills and full gowns, puffed sleeves and lace were of the fashion.
"You only have to look at the new romantic movement to see what was all the rage. Both David and Elizabeth Emmanuel still produce stylish well cut and highly intricate couture for private clientele, Bridal Couture and ready to wear.
"Their clothes were groundbreaking and rich in embellishment, perfect for a young aristo who needed to make her mark on society.
"As Princess Diana became more confident she looked further afield, who can forget the blue velvet 'Travolta' dress by Victor Edelstein, worn for the State Visit to the Whitehouse in November 1985 or the Catherine Walker Elvis dress with a jacket encrusted with pearls that she wore to a State visit to Hong Kong.
"Both designers were known for their skill in cut, fabric sculpture and couture finishing techniques.
"Edelstein's work was reminiscent of the late great Charles James and Catherine Walker was known for her wearable yet beautifully cut suiting, evening and day dresses."
Martin also shared his opinion on The Crown's accuracy and particularly on the replicated wedding dress Emma Corrin wore.
He said: "I think from what I have seen the attention to detail and the overall accuracy in the costuming of the Crown is excellent.
"The detail is exceptional with a particular emphasis on key costumes such as Princess Diana's Wedding dress."
The Crown is streaming on Netflix now
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1367591/Princess-Diana-fashion-how-did-princess-diana-dress-the-crown-fact-checked-evg