The female suits have a rich and exciting history that deserves some exploration. Not so long ago, it was a fierce political statement for a woman to be wearing a suit and in some cases even illegal. Now a fashion staple and a symbol of power ‘ power suits’ are a must have staple in a woman’s wardrobe. Our Bachelor (Hons) in Fashion Design student ‘WATHMI’ has taken inspiration from a muse of her choice , who has contributed to revolutionizing power suits for women. Keep scrolling to read the article.
DRESS LIKE A LEADER
By Wathmi Sellahewa
Diana, Princess of wales, in the Crown, has reignited our love of the young royal’s personal style, we have always been enamored with Princess Diana’s fashion and iconic outfits. Diana normally used her Catherine Walker, Versace, and Christina Stambolian gowns to show her personality. And I think she used to wear power dresses to express her confidence, personality and women’s power.
The late Princess Diana was known for her unique fashion choice, with each item in her ex- tensive wardrobe reflecting her desire to forge her own unique vision of what it means to be royal. From casual daywear to the most opulent of evening gowns she looks effortless elegance and ease with her own personal style. Diana famously said that she doesn’t go by the rule book. She had a wardrobe that at times broke the royal mold, speaking volumes about her strength of character and desire to be seen as an individual. She was always expressing something that through the way she dressed.
One such choice that marked the mother of two out as a leader, rather than follower, of fashion was the striking navy, double breasted power suit she wore to concert in 1990. I think the outfit made history as the first time a female royal had worn trouser to an evening function. With its silk lapel detailing, tapered legs and square metallic buttons, it was masculine tailoring at its best.
Diana even took menswear for ladies by adding a tie to her look. I consider it was a turning point in the History of Fashion. Because everyone loved Diana and people wanted to follow Princess Diana!
Also also trousers proved to be a favorite travelling outfit for her. By watching her busy schedule of travelling we can consider that also. And she wore a black wool evening suit with a short single breasted jacket with jodhpurs paired with white ruffled top, I think that look was certainly a head turner. Those are just three looks of the many pantsuits that she wore while she was out and about on her royal visits. And also she branched in to a Dior pantsuit with frilled edges.
She wore pant and suit to express her personality. She was a huge fan of the power pantsuits. It was a fantastic symbolic look about women’s bodies and about the male animus towards women’s body.
There are few movies about Princess Diana: Lady Diana, Diana in her own words, Diana last days of a princess, Diana the people’s princess, the murder of Princess Diana etc. Those are some of them. These movies show about her power dresses and her iconic fashion details very well. So you can get inspired with her fashions very well from these movies. Diana’s influence on power dressing can be felt to this day.
The extraordinary life of Diana, Princess of wales, not only a fashion icon but also she humanized the British monarchy and also captured the world’s attention too. She was a selfless, Hard Working woman whose work personally and independently effected change in the word. She is an exemplary character to build up our characters too. From her iconic fashion ideas to her charitable works, we can be inspired by Princess Diana!!