Princess Diana’s Daring Transformation at the 1996 Met Gala
Princess Diana made a bold fashion statement.
The late royal turned heads during the 1996 Met Gala when she stepped out on the red carpet wearing an unforgettable satin dress.
With an air of audacity, she surprised many when she modified her Met Gala dress by ripping out the corset, embracing freedom and turning a notable event into a memorable moment in fashion history. This spontaneous decision not only showcased her desire for liberation, but also her knack for breaking the mold.
Designer John Galliano, the creative mind behind this iconic look, recounted the build-up to the event. “I remember one day we all jumped into this old van and went to London to meet Princess Diana. She’d been invited to the Met, and she would wear one of my dresses,” Galliano shared in Hulu’s “In Vogue: The 90s” documentary.
This particular moment came soon after her divorce from future King Charles, marking a significant turning point in her life and career. Diana was poised to grace the “most influential red carpet in the world,” ready to redefine personal style amidst the whispers of her past.
The Design Process: A Blend of Vision and Rebellion
Galliano vividly described their creative interactions at Kensington Palace, “It was like a blessing. I mean, wow,” he recalled. “We went over sketches. I suggested pink, but she was adamant. ‘No, not the pink!’ That was real, real fun.” This exchange revealed a dynamic relationship built on trust and collaboration, where Diana’s instincts as a fashion icon shined through.
As the fitting sessions unfolded, Galliano expressed pride in their creation: “We crafted a beautifully done dress… the corset, everything was correct.” But the moment she stepped out at the gala, Galliano felt a thrill of disbelief. “She’d ripped the corset out! She didn’t want to wear it anymore. She felt liberated. The dress was much more… sensuous,” he said, reflecting the spirit of a woman embracing her own narrative.
Diana’s navy blue satin gown was bold yet elegant, with lace straps and a matching shawl that draped over her shoulders. She adorned herself with a pearl choker and matching earrings, elements that invoked both sophistication and allure.
In the documentary, vintage clips revealed Diana radiating confidence as she navigated the sea of flashing cameras. “The cameras went mental. The paparazzi was blinding… which made the dress really bling and the jewels and everything,” Galliano noted, indicating how the atmosphere heightened the drama of the night.
Galliano, then the creative director at Dior, recognized the weight of the moment. “I mean, wow! Diana was my first couture client,” he reflected, highlighting the privilege of working with such a remarkable figure. This night was not just about fashion; it was a testament to her ability to reclaim her identity.
A Legacy of Bold Fashion Choices
This wasn’t an isolated incident in Diana’s wardrobe. Her history of bold fashion choices painted a clearer portrait of a woman who continually challenged the conventions of her royal image. In 1994, she wore an off-the-shoulder little black dress, a statement piece unveiled the same evening her estranged husband, then Prince Charles, aired his infidelities on national television. Designed by Christina Stambolian, this dress further solidified her reputation for making bold and rebellious choices in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on these moments, it becomes evident that Diana was more than just a style icon—she was a woman carving her own narrative, reminding the world that fashion is not merely about clothing but an expression of self, a language of liberation, and a canvas for courage.
