Princess Diana’s place in fashion history is secure, but her relationship with the Met Gala was brief. The Princess of Wales attended the famous fundraiser just once, in 1996, when the annual costume party was still evolving into the red-carpet giant it is today. Her appearance came at a pivotal moment in her personal life, just months after her divorce from Prince Charles was finalized. That timing gave extra weight to every detail of her look, from the slip-inspired gown to the jewelry and accessories that made the outfit instantly memorable.
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Princess Diana Made One Met Gala Appearance
Her only appearance at the event took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in December 1996, years before the first-Monday-in-May tradition began. She arrived with designer John Galliano, who created her navy Dior gown for the occasion. According to People Magazine, former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful described the gala as the “most influential red carpet in the world,” a line that underlined the pressure surrounding Diana’s attendance. Even with that level of scrutiny, the princess chose a look that felt sleek, modern and far less formal than many royal appearances of the era.
John Galliano Shared the Kensington Palace Fittings
Galliano later reflected on designing the dress in the Hulu series In Vogue: The 90s. “It was like a blessing. I mean like, wow,” said John Galliano according to People Magazine. He also recalled early conversations at Kensington Palace, where he presented sketches and ideas for the gown. “We went to Kensington Palace and discussed drawings. I was trying to push for pink, but she was not having it. 'No, not the pink!' That was real, real fun.” The exchange added a playful note to a process that would end with one of Diana’s most discussed evening looks.
The Corset Came Out Before She Stepped Inside
The biggest turn came on the way to the gala. After fittings had been completed, Diana made a personal adjustment that changed the silhouette of the dress. Galliano remembered being stunned when she arrived. “She didn't want to wear the corset,” he said. “She felt so liberated. She'd torn the corset out. The dress was much more… sensuous.” That choice shifted the gown from structured couture to something softer and more relaxed. It also matched the mood of a woman entering a new phase of public life with greater independence.
Sapphire Jewelry and a Dior Bag Completed the Look
The final styling helped cement the outfit’s legacy. Diana paired the slip dress with a matching robe-like layer, her pearl-and-sapphire choker and a small quilted Dior bag. The accessories balanced glamour with ease, giving the ensemble a polished but less rigid feel. As reported by People Magazine, some former employees later said her attendance helped inspire Anna Wintour’s transformation of the gala from a society dinner into a major fixture on the fashion calendar. Diana may have gone only once, but that single appearance still carries weight in conversations about celebrity style and royal fashion.
