Diana designer dresses go on display at royal fashion show

Cat Steventon studies a dress worn by Princess Diana in 1986, at the Fashion Rules Royal Dress Exhibition in Kensington Palace. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Diana, Princess of Wales was a fashion leader to many and now those she inspired can see her memorable dresses on display - some for the first time in the UK.

Gowns created for the Princess by designers like Bruce Oldfield, Zandra Rhodes and Catherine Walker will feature in the new exhibition that showcases her 1980s look.

Cat Steventon studies a dress worn by Princess Diana, at the Fashion Rules Royal Dress Exhibition in Kensington Palace. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The display being staged at Kensington Palace opens to the public tomorrow and also features outfits worn by the Queen and Princess Margaret.

A evening dress created by Murray Arbeid and worn by the Princess in 1986 is going on display for the first time in Britain.

The midnight blue strapless gown that features a theatrical fishtail skirt of multiple tulle layers, graced a dinner held for the President of Greece Christos Sartzetakis at Claridge's hotel in London.

A dress worn by Princess Diana at Claridges Hotel for dinner given for the President of Greece in 1986. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Another Diana outfit not displayed before in the UK was designed by Jacques Azagury and worn in 1985 in Italy for a dinner given by the mayor of Florence.

Famed for his 'new romantics' collection, his dress of synthetic velvet embroidered with sequins and glass beads, features key 1980s trends with its padded shoulders, dropped waist and oversize bow.

A dress worn by Princess Diana at a dinner in Florence in 1985. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Cassie Davies-Strodder, curator of the exhibition, said:

Other highlights include a kaftan and turban outfit worn by Margaret on her favourite Caribbean hideaway, the island of Mustique, in 1976.