Princess Diana's Iconic Dresses to Be Revealed at Kensington Palace

From 13th March 2025, Kensington Palace will host Dress Codes, an exciting exhibition unveiling never-before-seen treasures from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Spanning 500 years and comprising over 10,000 objects, the collection showcases the evolution of royal fashion and its profound impact on culture, power, and identity.

Dress Codes will explore the hidden meanings behind royal attire, revealing how clothing has been used to communicate authority, tradition, and personal expression. Visitors will discover how royal fashion often challenges and redefines societal norms, from the restraint of Victorian garments to the boundary-pushing designs of modern-day figures.

One of the exhibition’s key attractions is the display of iconic pieces worn by figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Princess Margaret. These garments not only tell the stories of their wearers but also represent key moments in royal history. The exhibition will also celebrate the work of revolutionary designers like Dame Vivienne Westwood, whose designs helped shift the royal fashion landscape.

Among the rare and stunning items on display are a 1920s Reville court dress worn to Buckingham Palace and a rare early 20th-century Japanese court suit. These items exemplify how royal fashion is influenced by international styles and changing social mores.

What makes Dress Codes truly unique, however, is its focus on the future of fashion. Through a collaboration with local youth groups, the exhibition will feature designs by young producers aged 14-17, reinterpreting royal dress codes for today’s world. This partnership opens the door for a new generation to contribute to the evolving conversation about fashion and its role in shaping identity, offering fresh perspectives on traditional royal attire.

Generously supported by the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Avis Charles Associates, Dress Codes promises to be a captivating exploration of the intersection of fashion, tradition, and modernity. Visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of how royal dress codes have evolved and how they continue to inspire fashion today.