Evening dress worn by Diana, Princess of Wales

This sea-green, densely sequinned evening dress was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997). It is known as the 'Mermaid' dress.

The dress was designed for a state visit to Austria in 1986. The Princess wore it on many subsequent occasions, suggesting it was a favourite. The all-over sequins were particularly stunning under the flashlight of the cameras. The structured shoulders and lavish fabric were fashionable in the 1980s, a style exemplified by the American television series 'Dynasty'.

The dress was designed by Catherine Walker, who worked with Diana, Princess of Wales from 1981 onwards. She was able to devote a large part of her time and business to designing for the Princess, and they had a close partnership. Walker characterised her evening dresses for Diana as 'elegant showstoppers', and helped to define the style we remember her for.