White Organza Spangled Gown

This white organza overlaid on what was probably a peau de soie underskirt gown made by Bellville Sassoon had some notable facts. It was worn twice to Parliament, once in 1981 with the Spencer tiara and again in 1983 with the QM Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara.  It's unclear whether any other gown could claim that as the record of OoP gowns seems a bit sketchy.

It was worn both times with the Queen's Family Order, which makes it tricky to peg the dates.  It also had the very significant fact that it was the only gown we know that Diana actually designed.  

According to David Sassoon, Diana actually furnished him with a self-drawn sketch which his salon later redrew (left) shown with a swatch of the silver tree embellishment that is scattered across the skirt and sleeves.  As to why it didn't appear to be a favoured gown, my guess is it is chilly for what is likely to be an unheated medieval building. (I've had dinner at Westminster, in a House of Commons dining room, and can attest that parts of the building are in the crisp climate category, even in June.)