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How Diana's style is ruling the Spring catwalk


February 21, 2017
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With her instinctive flair for fashion, Diana, Princess of Wales evolved from a demure young woman with a penchant for romantic flounces and frills, to a super-chic, confident global style icon who rocked the design world and made a dramatic impact with every outfit she wore.

Her influence on the industry was extraordinary and now, as we approach the 20-year anniversary of her death, the Diana look is back on trend. Indeed, this spring, haute couture is having a “Diana moment” as the runways teem with designs reminiscent of the eternally glamorous Princess...

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Green goddess

Then

Diana’s love of emerald shone through in her glittering 1986 Catherine Walker gown, with its puff sleeves and daring split, worn at a premiere in 1990 (below); and on a belt seen in 1988 in Bangkok (far right).

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Green goddess

Now

Mirroring the same vibrant green and a flash of well-honed pins – with a belt reflecting Diana’s – this dress by Les Copains takes the catwalk by storm (right). Meanwhile, shimmering puff sleeves are back in fashion at Saint Laurent (below left).

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A star in stripes

Then

Sporting a Roland Klein blue and white silk blazer,Diana was first past the post at Royal Ascot in 1987 – she wore the jacketagain the following year in Australia (above).

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A star in stripes

Now

This Roberto Cavalli blazer (left), with its added floraltwist, brings the look bang up to date.

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Sheer romance

Then

Dubbed Shy Di in the early days, she favoured femininefrills – and in this romantic tulle gown by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, wornin 1983 (above right), she was the perfect People’s Princess.

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Sheer romance

Now

In a daring take on the traditional tulle ball gown(above), Dior adds a translucent skirt and a cream satin bustier, embellishedwith an embroidered heart.

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Silver lady

Then

In a sparkling backless silver lamé gown by BruceOldfield (right), Diana brought a touch of Dynasty-style glamour to the worldpremiere of the film Burke & Wills in Melbourne during her visit to thecity in 1985.

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Silver lady

Now

Fast-forward 32 years and Isabel Marant lights up therunway with this shimmering space-age showstopper.

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