The Met Gala, known as fashion’s biggest night, has long been a stage for iconic style moments, and one of the most memorable came courtesy of the late Princess Diana. In 1996, the beloved royal made a rare public appearance at the prestigious event, stunning the crowd in a daring gown that pushed the boundaries of royal fashion.
The dress in question was a bold, form-fitting shift dress in navy velvet, designed by Greek-American designer Christina Stambolian. With its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, the gown was a departure from Diana’s typical modest and conservative attire, and it caused quite a stir upon her arrival at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What many didn’t know at the time was that the dress had actually been altered by the princess herself, in a move that demonstrated her growing confidence and willingness to take fashion risks. According to reports, Diana had originally commissioned the dress several years earlier, but found it to be too risqué for her liking. However, in the years since, she had grown more comfortable with her evolving style and decided to give the gown another chance.
Prior to the event, Diana reportedly had the dress discreetly modified, instructing the designer to deepen the neckline and increase the leg slit. The result was a striking, sultry look that defied royal fashion norms and solidified Diana’s status as a style icon.
As Diana made her way up the famous Met steps, flashbulbs lit up the night, and the world was captivated by her daring and unconventional choice. The princess, who had long been known for her elegance and grace, had embraced a more bold and confident aesthetic, and the world couldn’t get enough.
In the years since, Diana’s Met Gala appearance has become the stuff of fashion legend, a testament to her willingness to push the boundaries and her ability to captivate audiences with her sartorial choices. Though she may have been a member of the British royal family, on that night, she proved that she was a true style trailblazer, unafraid to take risks and make her mark on the world of fashion.
