Yesterday, I got to go behind-the-scenes of the upcoming Princess Diana exhibit opening at Union Station. It’s a jaw-dropping array of the glam ensembles she wore throughout her life. If you’re a fashionista, it’s an amazing display that can’t be missed. If you’re not a fashionista, go anyway and wax nostalgic.
Lady Diana Spencer was a true fashion icon and trendsetter. Remember when everyone wanted her shag-tastic, pre-Bieber haircut circa 1982? She was also beloved for her charity work, but that’s a different blog. This one is dedicated to all the frocks and tiaras that made her a Princess.
The piece-de-resistance at the display is the gigantic, larger-than-life dress from her ’81 wedding to Prince Charles. From the 25-foot long train to the intricate detailing, it’s a showstopper. And it’s the single biggest draw at the exhibit. 750 million people watched the “wedding of the century”, including yours truly who got up in the middle of the night to see the nuptials.
Designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, Diana’s wedding dress was a sort of giant puffball. Light and airy, like meringue. It had huge puffed sleeves and a frilly neckline. The dress was made of silk taffeta, decorated with lace, hand embroidery, sequins, and 10,000 pearls. The designers would often toss out rogue bits of fabric and lace to throw off any other designers or paparazzi trying to steal their thunder.
Yesterday the gowns were arriving in giant crates and were slowly been unfurled. I have never seen so many giant glass displays in my life. I swear it Diana was around she wouldn’t see what all the fuss was about.
Can’t wait to see the final exhibit in all of its glory and splendor. Diana was the epitome of class … and style … and elegance. Going through the exhibit was like walking back in time, and rifling through Diana’s closet of gorgeous hand-me-downs.
The exhibit opens here in Kansas City this Friday.
Next week, I’ll be doing a story on the exhibit, the stats and all the buzz surrounding it. More to come, people … stay tuned!