After leaving royal life behind, Princess Diana made a bold statement at the 1996 Met Gala by wearing a striking “revenge dress” that symbolized her newfound freedom. The dark, lingerie-inspired gown, worn without a bra, reflected her liberation following her divorce from Prince Charles.
On December 9, 1996, Diana left the gala before midnight, much like a modern-day Cinderella. Before her departure in a limo to her suite at the Carlyle Hotel, she enjoyed champagne, dined with top designers, and stunned the crowd with her daring fashion choice.
Having finalized her divorce from King Charles III just months earlier, in August of that year, Diana fully embraced her independence and left behind the constraints of royal life.
For her Met Gala debut, Diana chose a navy-blue silk slip dress trimmed with black lace, accompanied by a matching silk robe. She accessorized with sparkling sapphire earrings and a choker necklace, created from a sapphire brooch gifted by the Queen Mother on her wedding day.
While her sapphire jewelry was beautiful, it was the dress that stole the show. Eloise Moran, author of *The Lady Di Look Book*, described Diana’s ensemble as a “revenge” look, capturing her newfound confidence.
Although some praised the dress for its sensuality and break from royal fashion, others, like fashion critic Brenda Polan, felt it resembled a nightgown.
Diana’s daring fashion choices continued to convey her sense of freedom and personal transformation.
