Diana is back with us – and not just in The Crown. Her unique style can be found all over the catwalk (and high streets) as fashion houses release their new collections
Diana’s fashion sense never went out of style and now her distinctive look has inspired a new generation of designers and their autumn-winter 2023 collections.
This is especially true of French brand Jacquemus, whose new collection pays tribute to Diana through a modern lens.
A series of models at the Jacquemus wore replicas of Diana’s famous pearl choker, puffball skirts and Mary-Jane pumps.
Princess Diana, wearing a navy blue and white striped dress with a puffball skirt designed by Catherine Walker, attended the Cannes Film Festival in May 1987
The Princess of Wales wears a midnight blue velvet off-the-shoulder evening dress designed by Victor Edelstein as she attends a state banquet in April 1986 in Vienna, Austria
Jacquemus’ latest collection is inspired by Diana’s iconic fashion, which was accentuated by dressing multiple models who walked the show in replicas of Diana’s famous pearl choker and puffball skirts – including Kendall Jenner (pictured)
Diana’s ability to combine tailored blazers with athleisure, tartan on many occasions and oversized ruffles has been echoed by other designers throughout the new season.
With Elizabeth Debicki set to play Diana in the next series of The Crown, her royal fashion sense has been brought to the front row once again.
Houndstooth print
Printed and statement blazers were as big in Princess Diana’s wardrobe as they are now in Kate Middleton’s.
For example, in November 1987 she wore an Alistair Blair jacket during a trip to Munich.
Chocheng has mirrored the statement piece, from the striking monochrome pattern to the contrasting velvet lapels.
The Princess of Wales arrives at a reception at Munich City Hall in November 1987, wearing a checked suit by Alistair Blair
From the striking monochrome pattern to the contrasting velvet lapels, Chocheng has mirrored the statement piece
Simple divorces
The styling of these casual pieces at Valentino was a nod to Diana’s bold ’90s combination of jeans and a crisp white shirt.
During a visit to Bosnia in 1997, Diana turned to her favorite approach to relaxed, luxurious wardrobe essentials. More than ten years later, the look on the catwalk seems just as timeless.
During a visit to Bosnia in 1997, Diana turned to her favorite style of relaxed, luxe wardrobe staples: jeans and a crisp white shirt
The styling of these casual items at Valentino was just as timeless on the catwalk more than ten years later
Custom made trench
In the fall, Diana would turn to her collection of stylish outerwear.
For example, when she visited Wales in October 1987, she wore her trench coat tight for a beautiful silhouette.
At Alexander McQueen, this trench coat is just as tailor-made and could easily have been spotted in Diana’s wardrobe.
Diana would turn to her collection of stylish outerwear. When she visited Wales in October 1987, she used a belt to accentuate her waist
Alexander McQueen’s version of the iconic trench coat is just as tailored. It could easily be noticed in Diana’s wardrobe
Heritage controls
In the ’80s, checks were big, and Diana wore them with confidence. At Akris they combined this checked trouser suit with an all-over print, like Diana did when she wore Glen Plaid at the Burghley Horse Trials in September 1989.
Diana opted for a business-casual look for the Burghley Horse Trials in September 1989, in her checked suit
At Akris they opted for this checked trouser suit with an all-over print, like Diana did before
Red tartan
Diana made a bold choice during a trip to Wales in 1992, dressing in a red checked suit.
Following her look, Antonio Marras created a look that paired the same structured blazer and sleek pencil skirt for a regal take on the skirt suit.
Diana made a bold choice during a trip to Wales in 1992, relying on red tartan clothing with matching red and black heels
Antonio Marras created a look that paired the same structured blazer and sleek pencil skirt
Oversized blazer
Bold, structured blazers were a mainstay of Diana’s wardrobe, especially in the ’90s.
The somewhat masculine style with shoulder pads is round. At the Altuzarra show, the colors and oversized silhouette were the same, but presented as part of a completely blue ensemble.
The princess leaves San Lorenzo in 1994
As the Altuzarra show illustrated, the somewhat masculine style with shoulder pads has come full circle
Lace details
Diana’s silky navy blue Dior slip dress, one of John Galliano’s first creations for the house, is one of her most memorable looks.
She wore it to the Met Gala in 1996.
Zimmermann opted for similarly intricate lace and a navy blue color scheme for this red carpet dress, proving that underwear can still be worn as outerwear.
Diana’s silky navy blue Dior slip dress is one of her most memorable looks of all time when she wore it to the 1996 Met Gala
Using underwear as outerwear, Zimmermann opted for a similarly intricate lace and navy blue color scheme like Diana’s for this red carpet dress