Today marks the 20th death anniversary of the people’s princess Lady Diana, a woman who in her brief life, reigned the hearts of many. The Princess of Wales captivated millions across the globe with her image that was a lot more human than any in the royalty. To this day, Lady Diana is remembered as the 20th-century glamour icon that had a beguiling fashion sense, equal to no other in her time.  For a person who ornamented the covers of People Magazine about 57 times, more than anyone in the history, Diana was a true fashionista.
To honour her eternal soul, we look at some of Diana’s most iconic style moments and the wistful stories they evoke.
A fairytale wedding dress
Reminiscent of the extravagance of the 80’s, Lady Diana graced a full silk taffeta gown designed by Elizabeth Emanuel, with a full bow and lace trimmings. It was truly a fairy tale gown of its time. The dramatic train was 25 feet long, the Ivory tulle embedded with 10,000 mother-of-pearl sequins with romantic billowing sleeves. It has been two decades and we are yet to come across a wedding dress that embodied a grandeur equal to Diana’s ivory taffeta masterpiece.
The new mother in polka dots
Featuring a nautical V-neckline, pretty polka dots and pumps for shoes, Lady Diana stepped out to give the paparazzi the first sight of Prince Williams, cradled in her arms.
It was heartwarming to see Kate Middleton pay a louder-than-words tribute to her late mother-in-law. Middleton wore a similar Jenny Packham polka dot dress as she stepped out of the same hospital years later, with her royal baby and the grown up Prince William by her arm.
Star of the night
A custom-made creation for the princess by her favourite designer Bruce Oldfield, this was the perfect pick for a black-tie dance occasion. The enthralling princess-cut of the gown with a cinched-in waist turned heads as she danced the night away.
Highlight and sparkle of premiere nights
The Starlight Express London premiere had lady Diana stun in a floor-length peachy sparkling dress. We do not believe this dress would have done justice to any other than Diana herself. Do not miss the beautiful pair of court shoes!
 The Travolta dress
Oh, what memories! Perhaps, the most famous attire from the princess’s tasteful wardrobe collection. The Lady shared the dance floor with actor John Travolta, during a state banquet hosted by President Ronald Reagan in 1985 wearing this exotic off shoulder velvet gown designed by Victor Edelstein.
Quick fact: Later in 1997, when Diana auctioned some of her remarkable outfits for charity, the “Travolta dress†was sold at the highest price of £120,301 (!) until it was re-auctioned four years later for £240,000.
The Revenge Dress
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From the many lessons that Diana imparted in her brief life was, when you are out battling unfaithful men and their ministration, you gotta put your fashion armor up.
In 1994, Prince Charles admitted that he cheated on Diana with Camilla Parker Bowles in a television interview. The same evening saw lady Diana walk into the Serpentine Gallery donning on a beautiful low cut, off-shoulder little black dress that accentuated and clung to her body in the most beautiful way. The princess paired it with a choker and pearl earrings.Â
The press dubbed it ‘the revenge dress’.
Princess of blues in midnight blue
Diana wore this  Bruce Oldfield to a banquet in Guildhall, London some time after giving birth. The dress supported an asymmetric shoulder and the most gracious fitting that moved about her slender figure as the lady walked the room, turning heads. And of course the impeccable match of accessories, Diana never did go wrong, did she.
Eventful Visits to Pakistan
Diana was close friends with Jemima Khan, then wife to the young cricketer Imran Khan. On a number of her visits to Pakistan, the Princess of Wales participated in the fund raising campaign for Khan’s cancer hospital. Our people were enthused to find the modest princess dressed in traditional clothes. Images of her in shalwar kameez tugs at a forlorn, wistful place in our hearts.
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