Princess Diana made only one appearance at the Met Gala, on December 9, 1996, but it remains one of the most unforgettable moments in the event’s history. The evening’s theme celebrated the legacy of Christian Dior, perfectly suiting her choice of a custom gown from the house’s newly appointed creative director, John Galliano.
The dress was a sleek, midnight-blue (or deep navy) silk slip gown featuring delicate black lace trim along the thin straps and hem, a plunging sweetheart neckline, and an overall lingerie-inspired silhouette. It drew inspiration from Galliano’s debut collection for Dior, blending romantic sensuality with a bold, edgy flair. Diana completed the look with a matching dressing-gown-style robe in satin, which she shed after arriving. She accessorized with her signature pearl-and-sapphire choker—centered by a large sapphire—coordinating sapphire drop earrings, and a quilted blue satin handbag that Dior later renamed the “Lady Dior” in her honor.
What elevated this ensemble to legendary status was Diana’s daring, private modification. Galliano shared in interviews and the Hulu docuseries In Vogue: The 90s that the original design incorporated a corset for added structure. However, upon seeing her at the event, he discovered she had secretly removed it herself. “I couldn’t believe it. She’d ripped the corset out,” he recalled. “She didn’t want to wear the corset. She felt so liberated. The dress was much more… sensuous.” This alteration transformed the gown into something even more fluid and revealing, amplifying its slinky, empowered vibe.
Galliano also noted that Diana had rejected suggestions of pink options, insisting on the deep blue shade that felt more commanding and personal to her.
This appearance came mere months after her 1996 divorce from Prince Charles, marking a pivotal moment in her post-royal life. Far removed from the structured, protocol-bound outfits of her earlier years—like the famous black sheep jumper or formal gowns—this look embodied a confident, independent Diana embracing freedom from royal constraints. The negligee-style dress, her bold self-alteration, and the timing all underscored a theme of personal liberation and reinvention.
Decades later, Princess Diana’s 1996 Met Gala ensemble continues to be celebrated as a high point of 1990s fashion rebellion and a testament to her lasting influence on style and self-expression.
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