30 years ago, Princess Diana made a statement at the Met Gala with a deliberately altered dress
Princess Diana’s only Met Gala appearance in 1996 remains a defining fashion moment, marked by a bold Dior gown and her personal touch on the design.
In 1996, Princess Diana made a memorable appearance at the Met Gala in New York, her first and only attendance at the prestigious fashion event.
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It came just months after her divorce from Charles III and following her iconic “revenge dress” moment.
For the occasion, she wore a midnight blue Dior gown designed by John Galliano.
The designer later recalled a highly collaborative process, including strong views from Diana on the creative direction and colour choices.
On the night of the event, however, Diana reportedly made her own adjustments to the outfit.
According to Galliano, she altered the structure of the dress, removing part of the corsetry to create a softer, more fluid silhouette and to increase her comfort.
She completed the look with a pearl and sapphire choker and carried the now-famous Lady Dior handbag, which later took her name after becoming closely associated with her public image.
This appearance remained her only Met Gala attendance, but it is often cited as a defining fashion moment that helped reinforce the event’s growing cultural significance on the international stage.