Victoria’s Secret model Elsa Hosk paid homage to Princess Diana by recreating her iconic “revenge dress” for Halloween. In a series of posts on Instagram, Hosk shared images of herself in a black dress reminiscent of the one worn by Diana in 1994. The outfit was designed by Christina Stambolian and featured a low-cut, off-the-shoulder bodice and a relatively short hemline. The model completed the look with a necklace similar to the one worn by Diana at the time, earning praise from fans for her stunning recreation.
Diana’s choice to wear the “revenge dress” was significant due to the timing of its debut. The princess wore the dress to a gala at the Serpentine Gallery on the same night that Prince Charles confessed on TV about his infidelity with Camilla Parker-Bowles. This confession came after the couple had been separated for some time, with Diana also speaking out about the difficulties in their marriage in a controversial interview later on. The marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1996, and Diana tragically passed away in 1997 at the age of 36. Meanwhile, Charles went on to marry Camilla in 2005, solidifying the end of his marriage to Diana.
The “revenge dress” that became so famous almost looked different from the version Diana ultimately wore. According to author Claudia Joseph, Diana originally wanted the Stambolian dress in white but was convinced by the designer to choose black instead. On the day of the Serpentine Gallery event, there was a mix-up with the media reporting that Diana would be wearing Valentino, leading her to opt for the Stambolian dress instead. This decision resulted in the outfit being dubbed the “revenge dress” due to the circumstances surrounding its choice and public appearance.
The recreation of Diana’s “revenge dress” by Elsa Hosk brought attention to the fashion moment that has remained iconic in royal history. Diana was known for her sense of style and the impact of her clothing choices, with the “revenge dress” being a standout example of her bold fashion statements. The parallels drawn between Hosk’s recreation and Diana’s original look served as a tribute to the late princess and her lasting influence on the world of fashion. The timeless elegance and boldness of the black dress continue to resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of Princess Diana’s sense of style.
