Princess Diana was one of the most famous women of the 20th century and has left an incredible legacy in so many areas. Along with her amazing charity work and strong character she is being remembered for her fashion. Diana is considered one of the biggest style icons in the world, often compared with fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy. Despite almost two decades passing since her death, Princess Diana’s style moments are regular on headlines and are remaining an inspiration for many women including her daughters in law Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
Here is some of the main impacts that princess Diana had on Fashion :
Royal protocol:
When it comes to Royal dress code protocol, princess Diana easily adopted royal etiquette, while setting her own fashion rules that are followed by next generation of royals at the same time. She has definitely revolutionized royal dress code in many ways.
- Not wearing gloves on official visits, or take them off while greeting people as she liked to connect with people stronger.
- Diana’s overseas trips have always had a huge media coverage. She has developed a tradition of paying tributes to culture of the host nation with her outfits. This fashion diplomacy is still used by many royals, politicians and first ladies.
- Princess Diana was the first member of the royal family to be photographed wearing trousers to evening events. She also liked to combine her pants with tuxedo jackets and even bowties—which was quite a bold look for the time, especially on a princess
- Wearing a black ballgown which was only allowed to be worn on mourning days.
Style Evolution
At her early years, Diana’s fashion choices have been quite immature. She was giving preference to pastels and ruffles and resembled the style of a Disney princess.
As she grew in confidence throughout her life, her fashion choices have changed. From mid to late 80s she started to make more bold fashion choices and taking control over how she wanted to be represented. Dreamy frills and laces in pastel tones been gradually replaced with sharp blazers, two-piece suits, bright colors, and bold shapes. She has also moved away from safe and classic choices towards latest fashion trends.
One of the things that made Diana so famous was her ability to go for the looks that suited her, and were highlighting her personality, opposed to chasing the most fashionable items. She had her favorite trends that she used masterfully, but there was always a sense of elegance that was just hers and that is what makes one a fashion icon. She was one of the biggest trendsetters of the century. Millions of women all over the world copied her hairstyle, make up and outfits, and her style remains relevant until present day.
Messaging
Diana has used her outfits to communicate with public and the press. Despite very little footages of her speaking in public being available, everyone had the idea of what she was like a person, and a lot of this was due to her style.
Lady Di’s wardrobe was carefully curated and planned. She has developed, what was called a “caring wardrobe” that emphasized her reputation as one of the biggest humanitarians and philanthropists in the world.
Princess of Wales specifically chose bright colors to spread the messages of positivity and hope. One of her famous gestures was taking off the gloves when greeting people, so she can make a better connection with the power of touch. Princess Diana liked to use soft and pleasant fabrics like velvets so people can feel warmth when cuddling with her, especially during her hospital visits. She also allowed kids to play with her accessories and hats during her official visits.
Relationship with Press and Humanitarian Work
Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles happened in a very specific timeline when international media starting to branch out and prosper. Tabloids, yellow press, paparazzi, daily talk shows have reached their peak of popularity and accessibility of information was like never before. Lady Di arrived just in time to be on this harsh spotlight and experienced massive infringement of her privacy probably like no one else. She became the most photographed person in the history of media.
Along with pressure that came with the press coverage, Diana also received love of her people with the help of it. Her warmth and her kindness were now visible to millions of people. Diana’s fashion choices have played a big role in how she has been perceived by the crowd. Incredibly elegant, People’s Princess was also very relatable. Bright colors, big shapes, along with emotional expressiveness of the princess made great photos.
Popularity of Princess Diana was more than just a glorification of a fashionable royal family member. Lady Di has been a great humanitarian and status of international icon gave a platform for her to partner with significant public figures and make an irreversible impact on humanitarian work all over the world. Her most significant charity works included areas that have been heavily stigmatized before: support of AIDS/ HIV patients, raising awareness on mental health issues, organizations that supported homeless people and drug addicts and so many more.
Diana has definitely changed the world to a better place.
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