Princess Diana

Princess Diana’s Elegance, A Royal Collection opens on the 4th of June 2024 and runs until the 17th of June 2024 at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The exhibition features a large collection of garments and accessories once owned and worn by Princess Diana which have not been seen for nearly 30 years.

LA based Julien’s Auctions, who have been responsible for the sale of some of Princess Diana’s most important garments, most recently the sale of a Jacques Azagury 1985 ballerina-length gown, for $1.14m have assembled the largest collection of her garments and accessories to be offered for sale since the famous Christie’s auction in 1997.

Included are some of the most luxurious cocktail and evening gowns, suits, shoes, hats and handbags, worn by the Princess ahead of auction in LA.

The press and public fell in love with Lady Diana Spencer from the moment she was introduced as Prince Charles’ girlfriend.

One aspect of Diana’s life that the media paid great attention to was her fashion sense and it seemed at times that Diana used her clothing to communicate with those around her.  She developed a very glamorous regal style for trips overseas, often paying homage to her hosts.

Diana also had a sense for how clothing would enhance her physical presence.  She would purposely choose cheerful, colourful clothes to convey approachability and warmth.  She was known to wear velvet outfits when visiting blind people so that when they reached out to touch her, they would feel warmth and softness. She stopped wearing hats to children’s hospitals, because she said you couldn’t cuddle a child in a hat.

From her philanthropic missions to royal tours and appearances–Diana’s style and elegance changed royal fashion forever. Many of her favourite British designers whom she championed, including Catherine Walker, Victor Edelstein, Caroline Charles, and Murray Arbeid, and the exquisite designs they created for her, cemented her status as a style icon during her remarkable reign as the beloved People’s Princess.

On becoming Princess of Wales on her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981, Diana captivated the world with her fairytale wedding gown, a masterpiece crafted by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The final toile of her wedding dress is on permanent display at the Museum of Style Icons.

Radiating poise and finesse, Princess Diana effortlessly choreographed her movements to complement sumptuous gowns by Murray Arbeid or the regal elegance of basque-waisted creations by Catherine Walker. As she assumed the title of HRH Princess of Wales, she embraced a role as patron to British fashion designers, championing their talents to bolster the industry. Through strategic appearances, she skillfully marketed and promoted designers like Catherine Walker, Victor Edelstein, Caroline Charles, and Murray Arbeid, amplifying their reach and clientele. Even amidst the most exquisite couture, she prioritised the interests of others over her own.

The exhibition features the Murray Arbeid Midnight Blue Strapless Tulle Diamante Star Gown, that Princess Diana wore to the Premiere of The Phantom of the Opera in 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. This is a particularly important gown and is estimated to sell in excess of $400,000. Other key garments include the Victor Edelstein Magenta Silk and Lace Flamenco Style Evening Dress that was worn in 1987 to the London Coliseum for a performance of the Opera, The Masked Ball and the Catherine Walker Yellow and Navy Skirt Suit worn in 1989 on a visit to a British Forces Shore Base, in Tamar, Hong Kong.

The intersection of fashion and royalty spans centuries, with monarchs historically dictating prevailing styles. Much like Queen Victoria, whose attire showcased British materials to bolster local industry, Princess Diana leveraged her position to champion not just fashion, but artistry and craftsmanship Her infectious style became a vehicle for raising awareness, shining a spotlight on issues such as AIDS, mental health, and homelessness, inviting the world to share in her boundless compassion. In her lifetime, Princess Diana earned the endearing title of “The People’s Princess” her legacy enduring through her timeless fashion and enduring love, continuing to captivate hearts long after her passing.

Since 1934 Newbridge Silverware has produced cutlery, jewellery, giftware, and homeware onsite. Home to the Museum of Style Icons (MOSI), one of the most unique collections of fashion and cinema memorabilia in the world. The museum is a permanent exhibition dedicated to design and style excellence while celebrating some of the world’s most iconic personalities. Just some of the legendary stars of film and television known worldwide whose items are on display at MOSI include Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and many more.

Princess Diana’s Elegance, A Royal Collection opens on the 4th of June 2024 at the Museum of Style Icons and runs until the 17th of June. Admission is free.