A never-before-seen dress designed for Princess Diana has been revealed by Elizabeth Emanuel, who created the royal’s iconic wedding gown.
Speaking to GB News at the Peninsula Hotel in London, Emanuel stood in front of the so-called “Sister Dress”, made from the exact same black fabric as Diana’s now-infamous 1981 gown — the daring off-the-shoulder piece that catapulted the late Princess of Wales onto the global fashion stage.
“This was the very first black dress that she wore,” Emanuel explained. “It’s from the same piece of fabric. We didn’t buy much at the time — enough for two dresses and a bit more — and this was made from what was left over.”
The “Sister Dress” is one of several Emanuel pieces going under the hammer in Beverly Hills on June 26 as part of a major fashion auction. Until now, it has remained in the designer’s private collection.
‘She didn’t reject it’: Never-before-seen Diana dress unveiled after she picked ‘more daring’ gown.
Getty
While Diana ultimately chose the more dramatic version of the dress, worn with bare shoulders and a plunging neckline, Emanuel said the princess had seriously considered the Sister Dress as well.
“She didn’t reject it,” the designer recalled. “She really loved this one, too. But in the end, we decided to go for a more daring look — something glamorous, with cleavage. And it looked fantastic on her.”
The final design, worn to a charity gala at Goldsmiths’ Hall, marked a turning point in Diana’s public image. “It was like she transformed overnight,” Emanuel said.
“She went from soft, romantic pastels to this stunning, glamorous figure. That was the moment the press really started paying attention to her clothes.”
Elizabeth Emanuel stood in front of the 'Sister Dress' that Diana never wore.GB NewsDiana had little fashion experience when she first walked into the Emanuels’ studio in 1981, the designer recalled. “She didn't have a lot of ideas of her own because fashion wasn't her number one subject.
"We were lucky to help her in those early years, and she grew more confident with every appearance.”
The Sister Dress has remained in Emanuel’s studio for more than four decades but will soon find a new home — either in a museum or with a private buyer.
The designer said she hopes the next owner will appreciate both its history and beauty.
King Charles and Princess Diana arriving at Goldsmith Hall for a charity recital in 1981.PAPRINCESS DIANA NEWS:
King Charles and Princess Diana had recently become engaged.
Getty
“It’s such a rare piece — not just because of the connection to Diana, but because the fabric itself is so special,” she said.
Emanuel concluded: “I love it when these pieces go into museums because they want to preserve the history of the pieces.
"But I'd be very flattered if somebody wanted to have the sketches and put them on their wall. Anybody who really loves them as much as I loved creating them.
"It'll be interesting to see if a museum picks up this or if it goes to a private owner who wants to wear it. Either way, I'm just delighted that it's come to life again after being in a box for all these years."
Most Read
