White Opening Parliament Gown 1981

The design of the Bellville-Sassoon gown worn to DIana's first Opening of Parliament has been attributed to Diana herself by none other than one of the partners in the design house under whose label it was sold.  He related the story years after her death and looking back, he expressed regret that he discarded her original sketch. His is below.

It features a princessy ballgown shape with a v-necked and v-waisted satin bodice over a full ballgown skirt. The sleeves are organza modified leg o' mutton shaped ending just above the elbow. The gown was worn with formal, elbow length gloves, giving the appearance of long sleeves. The skirt and sleeves are covered with random spangled silver tree shapes. You can see the tree detail in the lower left corner.

The gown itself isn't the only bling on display; Diana wore the Spencer tiara, pearl drop earrings and a gorgeous diamond fringe necklace. Silver shoes can be seen peeping out under her skirt as she moves up steps into the building and due to what was likely a chilly November evening, she wore a white fur jacket.

Oddly not one very much copied; I obsessed about this gown for years and it's only in the past 4-5 years anyone has made it. I find that bizarre because the event, the pure pageantry and the overall image of the Princess Bride is brought to life in this gown.