In the ’90s, the decline of Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage captured the world’s attention. One fashion moment from that era that still stands out is the sleek, black, off-the-shoulder dress that Diana wore in 1994, famously called the ‘Revenge Dress’.
Created by designer Christina Stambolian, the dress was initially ordered by Diana for a significant event, without specifying if it should be long or short. The designer took a daring and revealing approach, crafting a flirty black dress that took over 60 hours to make. Diana, who was initially reluctant, eventually agreed to wear it.
The momentous night that Diana donned the ‘Revenge Dress’ was the same evening Prince Charles confessed to his adultery with Camilla. He had hoped to regain public sympathy with a tell-all documentary, but it backfired when his subtle admission of infidelity threw him into hot water.
The decision to wear the dress on that particular night remains a mystery. Diana had considered it too daring before, but on that evening, she wanted to look like a million dollars for the occasion. She knew that a show-stopping dress could capture attention and convey her newfound independence and confidence.
Diana’s choice of the ‘Revenge Dress’ sent a powerful message. It signified her departure from the conventions of royal dressing and embraced a more modern style. The dress wasn’t just a garment; it symbolized Diana’s resilience and strength moving forward from her failed marriage.
The ‘Revenge Dress’ cost £900 to make, and interestingly, it was paid for with Charles’ money. The revelation of Charles’ infidelity deeply affected Diana. It was not only upsetting to hear, but also knowing that the world now knew the intimate details of their troubled marriage.
Charles and Camilla’s love affair began in 1986, while Charles was still married to Diana. Diana confronted Camilla about the affair, but it did not bring about any changes in their relationship.
In a televised interview with Martin Bashir, Diana spoke about the troubles in her marriage, saying, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” The press later leaked a transcript of an intimate conversation between Charles and Camilla, exposing the depth of their relationship.
Tragically, Princess Diana’s life was cut short when she died in a car crash on August 31, 1997. She was with her partner Dodi Fayed, the son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul in Paris, trying to escape the paparazzi.
Princess Diana’s ‘Revenge Dress’ remains an iconic fashion moment that not only symbolizes her individuality and strength but also represents a turning point in her life.
