Evening dress, back, worn by Diana, Princess of Wales

This green, silk velvet, dress was made for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) by Catherine Walker (1945-2010). It is known as the 'Tuxedo' dress, a smoking jacket-style of dress inspired by masculine tailored evening tuxedo or dinner suits.

Catherine Walker designed many outfits for Diana, Princess of Wales from the early 1980s onwards. They had a close working relationship, as Walker was able to devote a large part of her time and business to the Princess. Walker is credited with helping to create the sleek and elegant wardrobe of simple and elegant designs which Diana became known for wearing.

This dress was worn for private, formal, evening occasions. It was also worn for a Vanity Fair photo shoot by Mario Testino in 1997. Mario Testino has said 'She was really divine that day, she looked so happy and fresh and sure of herself'. The photo shoot publicised the July 1997 auction of Diana, Princess of Wales's dresses, including this one. The sale raised over $3.2 million for HIV/AIDS and cancer charities at Christies in New York.