Princess Diana's designer gowns go on display at Kensington Palace
By Daily Mail Reporter
Designer dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, have been unveiled at an exhibition preview at Kensington Palace.
The collection of five outfits, called Diana: Glimpses Of A Modern Princess, is one of a number of exhibitions to open following a £12 million restoration of her former home.
Classic cocktail frocks, formal gowns and evening dresses will go on display when the west London palace reopens to the public on 26 March.
A fuchsia and purple silk chiffon sari style dress by Catherine Walker was worn by Diana in Thailand for the Royal tour in February 1988 has gone on display at Kensington Palace
Classic cocktail frocks, formal gowns and evening dresses will go on display when the west London palace reopens to the public on March 26th
The star of the show is a black taffeta floor-length gown worn by the Princess of Wales on her first official engagement at the Royal Opera House in 1981, which marked the beginning of her rise as a fashion plate.
The Elizabeth and David Emmanuel frock, which has never been shown in the UK before, sold at auction last year for £192,000 and features the same ruffled embellishment and sweetheart neckline seen on a dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge recently.
A black silk shift evening dress by Versace, which she wore to the 1995 premiere of Apollo 13, an ivory silk formal dinner dress, a fuchsia and purple silk chiffon sari dress and a black and white cocktail dress complete the set.
Iconic style: Diana's fans will be able to see a monochrome cocktail dress designed by Bellville Sassoon, left, a black taffeta floor-length gown worn on her first official engagement at the Royal Opera House in 1981 and a little black Versace number, right, she wore to the Apollo 13 premier in 1995
The show is presented against a set created by interior designer Finola Inger, includes bespoke wallpaper designed by Julie Verhoeven.
The restoration and exhibitions are timed to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year.
Deirdre Murphy, curator, said: 'We have carefully selected this collection of exquisite dresses to illustrate to visitors Diana’s evolving style and the important role fashion played in creating her public image.
'As the princess’s former home, Kensington Place is an ideal setting to showcase these gowns – the atmosphere of the display will be truly magical.'
The restoration and exhibitions are timed to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year
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