The 79th annual Cannes Film Festival is here, and Hollywood stars have gathered together at the Palais des Festivals in France. The iconic event is well underway, and so far, the red carpet has seen a myriad of celebrities wearing diamonds and couture; the outfits are the epitome of glamour.
When it comes to royalty gracing the famous red carpet, none can be more prolific than the late Princess Diana’s appearance in 1987.
Although her billowing, periwinkle blue Catherine Walker gown was one of her most memorable looks, she also wore another dress a few hours before that was just as revolutionary.
Ahead of her donning the show-stopping pastel blue gown (more on that later), the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry attended the festival in a slightly more modern ensemble, a glorious nautical striped, bubble-hemmed dress that fell just above her knee.
© Getty ImagesAdhering to the prolific 80s trend, the skirt had a directional, dramatic edge that screamed disco diva. Diana gave the dress her own regal spin, adding a double-breasted, longline white blazer, fabulous gold, chunky jewellery and toe-cap heels.
To celebrate the legacy of the People’s Princess in the year she would have turned 65, HELLO! is hosting an intimate live podcast event on Wednesday 24 June at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences in London, a five-star hotel that was visited by Diana herself as well as the then-Prince Charles, and the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip – and for just £70 (discounted tickets available for HELLO! VIP members) you can be there.
What’s included in the ticket?
- Access to HELLO!‘s royal experts Emily Nash and Andrea Camaano, and our guest speakers Ingrid Seward, Andy Webb, and Jacques Azagury, plus a Q&A with the audience
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea (valued at £85pp) while listening to the fascinating conversation
- The chance to see one of Princess Diana’s elegant dresses in person and take a photo with it
- A luxury goodie bag including beauty products from brands loved by the royals
This look could easily have been worn today – bubble hems are a huge trend for 2026. Also referred to as puffball skirts, they have billowing, cloud-like silhouettes that cinch at the hem and balloon at the hips. Influencers and industry insiders alike have championed the design of late.
© ReissDiana’s Disney princess moment at Cannes
Diana’s Cannes debut was one to be remembered. At a gala night in honour of actor Sir Alec Guinness, the royal stepped out in her famous, periwinkle blue silk chiffon gown, which was cut with a bandeau neckline and had delicate ruching as well as an ethereal, billowing necktie-style cape. Designed by one of her favourite designers, Catherine Walker, it had a mysterious element to it and was likened to the Disney character of Cinderella, particularly with her fabulous blonde hair and diamond drop earrings.
© GettyDiana’s look at the festival was monumentally recreated in 2022. Elizabeth Debicki, who coincidentally played Diana in the Netflix smash, The Crown, stepped out on the red carpet at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, paying tribute to her on-screen character with her attire for the season launch.
© GettyElizabeth looked sensational in a haute couture black strapless cut-out gown by Christian Dior, but there was one key detail that sparked our interest – the long, billowing scarf, which was positioned around her neck, just like Diana’s 80s number at Cannes.
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