Unseen Royal Fashion: "Dress Codes" Exhibition at Kensington Palace Unveils Hidden Gems from the Royals' Wardrobes
Diana's Exquisite Evening Gown to Be Displayed Publicly for initial Viewing - Diana, Princess of Wales' iconic evening gown makes its debut public appearance.
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Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of royal fashion as Kensington Palace presents "Dress Codes," a unique exhibition showcasing the fabrics, silhouettes, and embroidery that have shaped the sartorial history of the British monarchy. Starting from March 13, 2025, and continuing until November 30, 2025, the exhibition gives a peek at a remarkable collection of royal apparel, with many pieces making their first public appearance.
These breathtaking garments, normally stored in high-tech facilities at Hampton Court Palace as part of the "Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection," have fascinating stories to tell. They not only give a glimpse into the fashions of bygone eras but also bring to light the traditions and conventions of the British royal family.
Princess Diana: Royal Fashion Icon
This exhibition pays special attention to Princess Diana, who once called Kensington Palace her home. Curator Matthew Storey, in an interview with "Mail Online," muses, "Who could be better than Diana, the Princess of Wales, to showcase the art of dressing for various occasions?"
As part of the exhibition, Diana's iconic green velvet Catherine Walker evening gown, seen at formal family events and a photoshoot with Mario Testino, will make its comeback[1][2][3]. Another highlight is a splendid red evening gown by Bruce Oldfield, worn by Diana during her 1987 visit to Saudi Arabia, with its arm and neckline coverage symbolizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in official events. This stunning piece was previously unseen by the public and was worn at a private dinner.
Another exhibit of note is Diana's crimson Jasper Conran suit from 1984, which she wore at the christening of the "Royal Princess" cruise ship. The striking color ensures she stood out in the crowd, while the golden anchors adorning the buttons serve as a tribute to the maritime occasion[1][2][3].
A Peek into the Past: Children's Clothes and Royal Rebels
Some of the most heartwarming exhibits include two matching Liberty-print cotton flower dresses from 1936, worn by then-Princess Elizabeth and her younger sister, Princess Margaret. These precious pieces have never been displayed at Kensington Palace before and show the tradition of clothing recycling and repair within the royal family[2][3]. The dress once worn by young Elizabeth has delightful signs of alteration to accommodate her growth, and the worn-out appearance suggests it was later passed down to her sister, reflecting the economic consciousness of the 1930s.
The rebellious spirit of Princess Margaret is also highlighted through two dresses, never exhibited in the UK before: an evening ensemble by Thea Porter from 1978 and a vibrant green embroidered evening suit by Filipino designer Jose Pitoy Moreno from 1980.
Mourning and Men's Fashion
Visitors will also get the chance to see a black mourning corset by Queen Victoria, never displayed before. This priceless piece dates from the early years following the death of Prince Albert and was reportedly given to a page, who kept it in his family until it was eventually purchased by the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at an auction. The intricate frills at the waist indicate that even in 1870, Victoria herself had a keen eye for fashion, as the black crepe material absorbed light, making it appear even darker.
The "Dress Codes" exhibition also features men's clothing, including two suits belonging to the late Duke of Windsor - King Edward VIII. A Rothesay Tartan suit originally belonged to his father, King George V, who purchased it in 1897. Edward modernized the suit by adding a zipper. Another iconic tweed suit from 1932, reportedly worn by Prince Edward as a form of rebellion against his father, can also be seen.
Tickets for "Dress Codes" are available on the Historic Royal Palaces website hrp.org.uk, and the exhibition is included in the general admission to Kensington Palace. Join us in exploring the fascinating world of royal fashion!
- Princess Diana
- Kensington
- Royal Family
- The Royals
- Princess Margaret
- The "Dress Codes" exhibition at Kensington Palace brings to light not only Princess Diana's iconic wardrobe but also the fashion choices of other royals, such as Princess Margaret.
- Among the many exhibits, Princess Diana's crimson Jasper Conran suit from 1984, particularly the buttons adorned with golden anchors, is a standout piece that pays tribute to a maritime occasion.
- In addition to showcasing the sartorial history of the British monarchy, the "Dress Codes" exhibition sheds light on the lives of less-often discussed figures in royal fashion, such as Queen Victoria, who is represented by a black mourning corset from the early years following Prince Albert's death.
