L’HISTOIRE: Princess Diana’s 1985 White House Dress (and Dance With John Travolta)
Nearly a decade before the “revenge dress," the People’s Princess stole the show with this V-neck number and dance with John Travolta.
L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.
The year was 1985, and the White House was playing host to quite the grandeur gala dinner organized by then-President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. Among the distinguished guests was Princess Diana, attending alongside now-King Charles. The evening may have been centered around the royals’ arrival and transatlantic salutations, but certainly the focus of the night pivoted. Eyes were on an unforgettable moment transpiring between the late Princess and John Travolta.
Princess Diana took to the dance floor with none other than the Saturday Night Fever star to the groovy soundtrack of his iconic disco film. Travolta invited the Princess onto the dance floor to take a spin, per instructions from the First Lady. Diana captivated guests as she twirled across the floor. Her graceful moves were one point of focus, and her midnight-hued, velvet frock was another. English couturier Victor Edelstein made her gown, crafting an off-the-shoulder neckline that framed Diana’s graceful shoulders and a V-shaped bust for a touch of modernity to the Edwardian-inspired design. Its mermaid silhouette flared into a dramatic skirt that moved effortlessly as she danced, making it the apt choice for the occasion. Diana paired the gown with a striking choker necklace, featuring a brooch set against cascading strands of pearls.
John Travolta on Dancing with Princess Diana
“I didn’t know until I got there that I was supposed to dance with her,” Travolta, who donned a sleek black suit during that night, told Yahoo Entertainment in 2019. “I was awestruck by her. She took the lead, and I thought, 'That’s not happening! I need to tap into my school days of ballroom dance lessons and prove I can lead her...' I could probably sketch it from memory—it was that distinctive.”
The "Travolta Dress" Auction History
Like many of the late figure's belongings, what many have dubbed as her "Travolta dress" has also had a life of its own on the resale market. Princess Diana asked that the dress be sold in a charity auction, and it has been auctioned off several times in the past two decades, most notably in 2013 for £240,000 ($362,424 USD) and again six years later for £264,000 ($347,000 USD) by independent English charity Historic Royal Palaces. It was later put on display at the late Princess’ home (Kensington Palace) in 2020.
Recreate Princess Diana's White House Dress
This is just one of the many striking ensembles Princess Diana wore throughout her life. To create a look inspired by what many have dubbed her "Travolta dress," aim to channel its elegance and texture. Look for an off-the-shoulder gown with a mermaid shape that’s seamless to move in. To deliver an allure akin to the late Princess of Wales', look to options like Zac Posen’s little black dress, one from Meghan Markle-favorite Staud, or Meshki's slinky option. Pair it garb with timeless T-strap stiletto heels (a style Lady Di often favored). Finish the inspired ensemble with jewelry like a stone-centered choker or a pearl earrings. Want to add a cherry on top? Sport a pair of opera gloves, too.
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