Which designer created Princess Diana’s famous “revenge dress,” worn at a 1994 London gala?

Christina Stambolian created Princess Diana’s famous “revenge dress,” worn at a 1994 London gala.

Diana wore the black silk dress to the Serpentine Gallery summer party on 20 June 1994, the same evening that a television documentary featuring Prince Charles included his admission of adultery. Its dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline, asymmetrical hem and fitted shape made it one of the most discussed outfits in modern royal fashion.

The dress had been made several years earlier, but Diana had not worn it publicly until that night. She paired it with black tights, black heels and a pearl choker with a large sapphire centerpiece. The outfit’s nickname was coined by the press afterward, rather than being an official title from Diana or Stambolian.

Diana also worked with designers including Catherine Walker and Bruce Oldfield, so those names are sometimes confused with Stambolian in fashion quizzes. The “revenge” label describes the media symbolism attached to the appearance, not a stated purpose of the dress.