Princess Diana made her1—and only—appearance at the Met Gala on December 9, 1996, shortly after her divorce, wearing a navy blue, lingerie-inspired silk slip dress with black lace trim designed by John Galliano for Dior.
This bold fashion statement, which she modified by removing the corset, symbolized her newfound personal freedom.
Key Details of the 1996 Appearance
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- The Look: A midnight-blue slip dress with a lace-trimmed sweetheart neckline and a matching navy silk robe.
- The Designer: John Galliano, who was newly appointed as Dior’s head designer.
- Significance: It was her first major appearance following her divorce from Prince Charles.
- The Accessories: She wore her iconic sapphire and pearl choker (which she also wore as a headband) and carried the now-famous Lady Dior handbag.
- The Theme: The gala focused on the work of Christian Dior.
- The Moment: Diana arrived with her friend, the late Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Liz Tilberis.
A Symbol of Freedom
Diana’s 1996 look is considered one of her most defining and rebellious fashion moments. She famously removed a corset from the Galliano design before leaving, opting for a more sensual, less restrictive look than royal protocol previously allowed, marking a departure from her former, more conservative wardrobe
Diana’s 1996 look is considered one of her most defining and rebellious fashion moments. She famously removed a corset from the Galliano design before leaving, opting for a more sensual, less restrictive look than royal protocol previously allowed, marking a departure from her former, more conservative wardrobe
