Do you recall Princess Diana’s vengeance attire? It’s returning
The CNN Style series “Remember When?” offers a nostalgic look at the famous ensembles that defined their eras by delving into the archives of pop culture history.
For Great Britain, the summer of 1994 was unusually warm. By the end of June, pressure had already begun to build as a result of the hot, sunny days and close, sticky nights that had followed. The final week of the month saw a volatile weather pattern and a volatile cultural climate.
On June 24, a particularly violent thunderstorm struck the southeast of the UK, scattering so much grass pollen that it caused an abrupt and transient asthma outbreak. After years of growing rumors, the British media announced two days later that Prince Charles had unintentionally betrayed his adultery with Princess Diana while watching an ITN documentary.
The Prince of Wales nodded when asked if he had continued to be loyal to his wife. He said, “Yes totally,” before adding, “till it irretrievably broke down.” Diana emerged from the emotional ruins on June 29, the day the programme broadcast to 13 million viewers nationwide, to attend a banquet in a garment so alluring that it has since become known simply as “the revenge dress.”
The cocktail dress, created by Christina Stambolian, was all-black, off-the-shoulder, with a sweetheart neckline and a figure-hugging skirt that ended above the knee. It was unlike anything Diana or any other royal had ever worn in public. In the 2013 Channel 4 documentary “Princess Diana’s Dresses: The Auction,” the princess’ former stylist Anna Harvey remarked, “Diana wanted to look a million dollars.” Indeed, she did.
Photos of her explosive outfit were splashed across the front pages of British tabloids the following morning. “Revenge is chic,” declared the Sun. Di revealed to Charles what he is missing last night. One of the most iconic pop culture moments in history, the dress and the empowering moment it represents are still spoken about today, nearly thirty years later.
And the fifth season of Netflix’s historical drama “The Crown,” which premieres on November 9, is probably going to draw in some new viewers. The Stambolian dress is essential to understanding Diana’s character, according to Elizabeth Debicki, who will replace Emma Corrin in the role of Diana.
She made this point in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. As an actor, it “provoked something in me,” she remarked. “I’m not sure how to express it. It’s very amazing that clothing could capture a certain historical moment or that a person’s life could have such immense significance and become so legendary. So, for me, that was a big day on set!”
