A Closer Look at Her Galliano Look

Following her divorce from then-Prince Charles in August 1996, Princess Diana began her post-royal life anew. The global humanitarian and fashion icon raised her public profile, attending significant events at the center of cultural conversations, often as a way to spotlight her philanthropic endeavors.

In 1996, Princess Diana joined celebrities and other notable attendees at the Met Gala. The event marked a departure for Princess Diana from her former royal life to her new position as a humanitarian and public figure.

Here, WWD breaks down all the details behind Diana’s look, the 1996 Met Gala and more.

When did Princess Diana attend the Met Gala?

Princess Diana attended the Met Gala on Dec. 9, 1996, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event was co-chaired by Anna Wintour’s British Vogue successor, Liz Tilberis, who brought the famous former royal to the event as her guest. The 1996 Met Gala’s theme centered on feting the work of Christian Dior. The French luxury fashion house and LVMH served as sponsors for the event.

What did Princess Diana wear to the Met Gala?

Princess Diana wore an inky silk John Galliano for Dior slipdress, featuring a lace negligée-inspired trim and a coordinated dressing-gown style robe at the 1996 Met Gala. The dress was loosely inspired by Galliano’s first collection with the French luxury fashion house. The slimming, lingerie-inspired maxidress was accessorized with pieces from the late Princess of Wales’ jewelry trove and a Lady Dior bag.

Diana wore her sapphire and diamond earrings and her sapphire and pearl choker, featuring seven delicate strands of pearls. Kate Middleton has since inherited the sapphire and diamond earrings.

Diana’s pearl and sapphire choker was also worn by the late royal during her visit to Washington D.C. in November 1985, when she danced with John Travolta. The sapphire and peal choker featured a brooch gifted to Diana by Queen Elizabeth II. Diana also famously wore the choker with her “revenge dress” in June 1994.

What was the meaning behind Princess Diana’s Met Gala look?

Just like her Christina Stambolian-designed “revenge dress,” Princess Diana’s 1996 Met Gala look signified a departure from her life as a senior royal in The Firm. The dress married a loose silhouette with sensuality, a severe juxtaposition from the conservative, buttoned-up attire regularly worn by Diana during her time as an active member of the House of Windsor.

The dress also demonstrated Diana’s continued fashion savvy. Galliano was, at the time of the 1996 Met Gala, among the most popular global designers. To choose the Galliano design meant Princess Diana was likely sending a two-pronged message — that of a liberated woman and a sharp, stylish public figure.

Have other British Royal family members attended the Met Gala?

Since Princess Diana’s now-famous showing at the 1996 Met Gala, only a few royals have attended the high-profile event. Among the British contingent of international royalty, Princess Beatrice made her Met Gala debut in 2018, more than 20 years after the late Princess of Wales.

Princess Beatrice, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, attended the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Met Gala occasion wearing a flowing purple dress. The flowing Alberta Ferretti gown featured sheer sleeves and shimmering details near the neckline.