logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Princess Diana's 'Travolta Dress' Was Allegedly Her 'Favorite' — Facts about the Iconic Gown

Rebelander Basilan
Aug 03, 2020
04:40 P.M.

The world watched in fascination as Princess Diana danced with actor John Travolta during a party at the White House in 1985.

Advertisement

The late Royal, who died in a tragic car crash in Paris in 1997, had one of her most memorable moments during that event. Eyes were also fixed on her Victor Edelstein-designed dress.

It is said to be her favorite gown, having worn it on several occasions. Here are some more little-known facts about the iconic dress.

Diana, Princess Of Wales, watched by President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy, dances with John Travolta at the White House, USA on November 9, 1985. | Photo: Getty Images

Diana, Princess Of Wales, watched by President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy, dances with John Travolta at the White House, USA on November 9, 1985. | Photo: Getty Images

IT'S HER MOST-WORN GOWN

Dubbed the "Travolta Dress," the late Princess Diana reportedly wore it at public events for as many as eight times.

The beloved princess also donned the gown in the premiere of the 1988 film, "Wall Street," in London. During this event, she met actor Michael Douglas.

Advertisement

Their purchase of the evening dress came over 20 years after it was first taken out of Kensington Palace.

John Travolta on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. | Photo: Getty Images

John Travolta on January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. | Photo: Getty Images

Two years later, she wore the familiar dress at a banquet in former West Germany just before the historic fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

In the early 1990s, she was photographed wearing the gown for a portrait. In 1997, she donned it for another portrait for Lord Snowdon.

Although she wore it on quite a few other occasions, it was during her dance with Travolta that forever etched the dress in people's memory.

Advertisement

The acclaimed actor was visibly mesmerized. He later gushed over the moment, describing it as "like a fairy tale."

SOLD FOR A WHOPPING PRICE

In 2019, the iconic gown was acquired by Historical Royal Palaces (HRP) for $347,000. The independent charity that aims to preserve the heritage of palaces in the UK.

Their purchase of the evening dress came over 20 years after it was first taken out of Kensington Palace. They included the evening dress in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.

Diana, Princess of Wales, at home in Kensington Palace, undated photo. | Photo: Getty Images

Diana, Princess of Wales, at home in Kensington Palace, undated photo. | Photo: Getty Images

For all the public attention it received, the "Travolta Dress" is not the only iconic dress that Princess Diana wore and captured people's fancy. Auctioneer Kerry Taylor said:

Advertisement

"There are three iconic images of Diana: this dress, the wedding dress, and the 'revenge dress.'"

She wowed and intrigued the public when she wore what later became known as her "Revenge Dress." She wore the fitted black off-the-shoulder dress at a gala in London in June 1994.

Princess Of Wales At The Serpentine Gallery In London. On Her Left Is Lord Palumbo, June 29, 1994 | Photo: Getty Images

Princess Of Wales At The Serpentine Gallery In London. On Her Left Is Lord Palumbo, June 29, 1994 | Photo: Getty Images

Members of the Royal Family are rarely – if never – seen in public wearing such a revealing dress, which features an asymmetrical hemline with a chiffon train.

It became known as her "Revenge Dress" because she wore it on the same night a documentary aired about Prince Charles' confession of his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Queen Camilla Seen Visiting King Charles at Hospital & Users Have Mixed Reactions about Her Outing

January 29, 2024

Prince William's Attire during 1st Outing after Dad King Charles' Cancer Announcement Sparks Mixed Reactions

February 07, 2024

King Charles Exits Hospital with Queen Camilla, Stirring Buzz about His Appearance Just Days after Surgery

January 30, 2024

Princess Diana’s Blonde & Blue-Eyed Niece Wore a Stunning Victorian Gown to Her Wedding: ‘Beyond My Wildest Dreams’

December 05, 2023

Queen Camilla Takes a Work Break to Be with Ailing Husband King Charles & Family: Details

March 04, 2024

Prince Harry Is Flying Home to Dad King Charles after His Cancer Diagnosis: Details

February 08, 2024

Prince Harry Is Flying Home to Dad King Charles after His Cancer Diagnosis: Details

February 07, 2024

Prince Harry Is Flying Home to Dad King Charles after His Cancer Diagnosis: Details

February 06, 2024

Eight Times We Saw Princess Catherine's Bandaged Fingers over the Years: Photos

March 04, 2024

King Charles, 75, Is Diagnosed with Cancer — The Public Unites in Prayer

February 05, 2024

King Charles Steps Out for the First Time since Leaving the Hospital — Photo

February 05, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 29, 2024

King Charles' Cousin's Husband Found Dead at 45: Tragic Details

February 28, 2024

King Charles, 75, Issues His First Public Statement since Cancer Diagnosis

February 08, 2024