Princess Diana’s once snubbed, now celebrated dress steps into spotlight

A never-before-seen dress once destined for Princess Diana has finally stepped into the spotlight, over four decades after it was created. 

Fashion designer Elizabeth Emanuel, best known for crafting Diana’s unforgettable 1981 wedding gown, unveiled the elegant piece dubbed the 'Sister Dress' during an interview with GB News at London’s Peninsula Hotel.

Crafted from the very same bolt of black fabric as Diana’s show stopping off the shoulder gown that made global headlines in 1981, the Sister Dress remained tucked away in Emanuel’s private collection until now.

"This was the very first black dress that she wore," Emanuel revealed. "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."

Now, the striking creation will go under the hammer at a high profile auction in Beverly Hills on June 26, alongside several other rare Emanuel designs. 

Though Diana never wore it, the dress stands as a stylish twin to one of her most iconic fashion moments.

"It was like she transformed overnight," Emanuel shared. "She went from soft, romantic pastels to this stunning, glamorous figure. That was the moment the press really started paying attention to her clothes."

Back then, Diana had only just begun exploring the world of high fashion. 

"She didn’t have a lot of ideas of her own because fashion wasn’t her number one subject," she explained. 

"We were lucky to help her in those early years, and she grew more confident with every appearance."