Diana, Princess of Wales

Public duty and the changing wardrobe

Diana, Princess of Wales became a major public figure following her 1981 marriage to the then Prince Charles. Alongside royal engagements, she became associated with charitable work concerning HIV/AIDS and landmines. Photographs of those activities form part of her historical record, rather than simply a collection of fashion moments.

Her wardrobe can be read through changing occasions: a formal visit, an evening event and an informal appearance place different demands on clothing. Silhouette, color and accessories help distinguish those settings. It is important not to infer private emotions from an outfit alone. Looking at the documented occasion alongside the photograph gives a more responsible account of how public dress and intense media attention intersected.