Princess Diana: A Fashion Icon

Two decades on from the death of a truly loved royal; Princess Diana has left her mark on the fashion world with her iconic style, still a huge influence of today. With Diana being one of the most photographed women in the world, there was a whole range of outfits captured for the world to see. The Netflix series ‘The Crown’ features Princess Diana in its newly released series 3 where viewers have been reminded of her renowned style.

Diana was so loved by the public as she presented herself to be very normal and welcoming. She portrayed a lot of her characteristics through her clothing; she wore a lot of colourful, cheery clothing to show her warmth and kindness. It is a fact that she never wore gloves as she loved to hold people’s hands, she would wear chunky jewellery so children could play with it and be fascinated by what she had on. Everything she wore was for those around her and her generosity and selflessness made her the true icon that she still is today. When visiting hospitals for the blind she would wear velvet so they could use their touch to feel for what she was wearing.

Diana perfected the combination of wearing high end and high street clothes. She was someone that every girl in the UK could relate to and aspire to be like. A role-model for all teenagers of her time. One look in particular that was Diana’s ‘go to’ was the infamous cycling shorts and oversized sweater. A vibe that today is worn by influencers, celebrities and many girls from teens to adolescents. She crafted a timeless look; most commonly paired with small hooped earring (another trend seen in the current day).

Dior even had one of their bags renamed after her. The Lady Dior was named after the princess after she fell in love with it when the First Lady of France gave it to her back in 1995. She then ordered it in every colour available. After being seen and photographed with this bag for a while it became associated with her; a staple accessory she always had. In 1996 as a homage to Diana, it was renamed ‘Lady Dior’. It remains to this day a reminder of the Princess who was loved all over the globe and her impeccable sense in fashion.

Words by Ella Birbidge