‘A true style icon!’ The Crown to show Diana’s style evolution – ‘from cutesy to sexy’

Princess Diana ‘brought huge interest’ says Ingrid Seward

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Princess Diana was known for her impeccable fashion sense – a royal who was not afraid to show her personality through both her smart and casual outfits. Diana’s style was also at times quirky and unusual. In her earlier years in the spotlight, it was almost childlike. Series four of The Crown captured its essence well: the black sheep jumper, the yellow dungarees, the floral embroidered cardigan, all worn by British actor Emma Corrin. However, series five will reveal a completely different Diana – older and more accustomed to the world’s gaze. As she evolved, her style did too.

Fashion expert and personal stylist Samantha Harman spoke to Express.co.uk about the outfits audiences can expect from Elizabeth Debicki in series five.

The 31-year-old actor has already wowed viewers in her role as the late Princess as pictures of her on The Crown’s set have been revealed.

Earlier this month, photos were released of Elizabeth as Diana aboard a yacht with fellow actor Dominic West, who plays Prince Charles in the series.

With her blonde locks cut short in Diana’s signature hairstyle, Elizabeth looked strikingly similar to the late royal, wearing dark sunglasses and a pink and purple floral dress.

The look is not unlike what Diana wore in 1992 for a trip to Seville with Charles.

At the time, the Princess wore a blue dress with purple, pink, and yellow flowers, and completed the outfit with round sunglasses and gold earrings.

The Crown series five will cover the events of the early 90s, right up to Diana’s tragic death.

So, what other outfits can audiences expect in the series?

DON’T MISS:
Garden: ‘Put off pruning’ – how to prepare your garden before winter [EXPERT]
Mum transforms stairs for just £126 with DIY panelling – pictures [COMMENT]
Rightmove: Average asking price jumps by £6k – competition remains [INSIGHT]

According to Samantha, this series will span across the period where “Diana’s style peaked”.

She said: “It’s so interesting to look at her style evolution and what it said about who she became.

“From shy, unassuming teenage nanny who was cast into the spotlight, to sexy, charismatic woman who courted the press, shattered stigmas, and humanised the Royal Family.”

The stylist continued: “I think younger viewers – who perhaps don’t know the Diana story – will see a marked difference in the styling as the series charts the breakdown of her marriage and move to freedom.

“In the last series, we saw lots of knitwear including cutesy details like those knitted sheep, and formalwear that was in-keeping with royal protocol.

“In this season, we’ll see fashion-forward 90s looks such as double denim, cycling shorts, American football-style bomber jackets, and slinky dresses – denoting how Diana broke free from protocol and began navigating her own path.”

Samantha stressed that “Diana realised the power of clothes and used them to send a message”.

She added: “Sure, she did the Martin Bashir interview, but there was clearly so much more she wanted to say. When she felt unable with words, she used her outfits as language.”

One of the main examples of this was Diana’s infamous Revenge Dress.

“Arguably one of the biggest fashion moments of the century,” Samantha said.

“That moment showed real guts.

“On the night Prince Charles’ interview where he confessed his adultery aired, rather than staying quiet, Diana showed up looking her best ever.”

Samantha explained the dress had been made three years earlier by designer Christna Stambolian, but it was considered “too daring” for a member of the Royal Family to wear.

The fashion expert continued: “Diana’s stylist Anna Harvey said that on the night she wore it, Diana wanted to ‘look a million dollars’ and, at the last minute, switched her planned outfit for this one.”

Expected to cover the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage, viewers will be certain to see Elizabeth Debicki donning a similar gown to the Revenge Dress in The Crown.

Samantha said: “I think this series will allow a whole new generation to enjoy and be inspired by the style of Princess Diana.

“It’s over 27 years since she wore that dress and, still, I see her outfits referenced and emulated by women every day.

“That is the mark of a true style icon.”

Source: Read Full Article