Royal fashion history: Diana's dress
As we wait to see Kate Middleton's wedding dress, let's look back to the fashion from the last time a prince married a princess. Diana, the late Princess of Wales, chose the husband-and-wife design team of David and Elizabeth Emanuel to create her 1981 wedding dress. According to Colin McDowell, the author of "Diana Style," the choice upset more established designers. The Emanuels were just eight years older than the young princess and just beginning to find fame. But Diana was taken with their romantic frocks.
Diana's very 1980's fairy tale dress had a 25-foot train which was embroidered with 10,000 mother-of-pearl sequins and pearls. The gown was made of 45-feet (!) of taffeta. Even 30 years ago, royal dresses were kept under wraps. Diana's dress was stitched in a locked room.
Contributors
Hayley Kaufman is editor of the Style section.
Rachel Raczka (@rachelraczka) is the lifestyle producer for Boston.com.
