Princess Diana’s iconic Cannes dress recreated in stunning tribute almost 40 years later

Princess Diana may have attended the Cannes Film Festival nearly four decades ago, but her timeless sense of style continues to captivate a whole new generation.

At the 2026 Cannes Film Festival premiere of Fjord, French-Russian actress Anastasia Andrushkevich paid an elegant tribute to the late royal by recreating one of Diana’s most memorable red carpet looks from the 1987 festival.

Stepping onto the famous Cannes red carpet, Anastasia wore a flowing baby blue gown inspired by Diana’s iconic Catherine Walker dress, instantly drawing comparisons to the beloved Princess of Wales.

The ethereal floor-length design, created by designer Mehmet Ozden, featured a softly draped strapless bodice and delicate chiffon layers, along with a matching scarf-style stole wrapped gracefully around her neck, echoing Diana’s unforgettable original ensemble.

Completing the glamorous look, Anastasia wore sparkling silver drop earrings while styling her blonde bob in soft, voluminous layers reminiscent of Diana’s signature 1980s hairstyle. Her beauty look remained classic and understated with rosy blush, softly defined eyes and a muted pink lip.

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The resemblance to Diana’s original Cannes appearance was striking. When Diana attended the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 alongside then-Prince King Charles III, she wore the now legendary pale blue Catherine Walker chiffon gown to a screening at the Palais des Festivals. The dreamy strapless design quickly became one of the most celebrated fashion moments of her royal life.

The gown would later become even more iconic after Diana re-wore it for a performance of Miss Saigon at London’s Theatre Royal in 1989, as well as for a celebrated portrait sitting with photographer Terence Donovan.

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Its enduring legacy was cemented when the dress later sold at auction for an impressive $137,500.

Diana’s relationship with British fashion house Catherine Walker & Co. became one of the defining royal style collaborations of the 1980s and early 1990s, with the princess frequently turning to the designer for royal tours, galas and state occasions.

Cyrus, who co-founded the label with his late wife Catherine Walker, previously reflected on working with Diana and the thoughtful approach the fashion house took when creating her wardrobe.

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“We saw our job as giving her the tools of her trade,” he told HELLO! “As the relationship developed, we took the combination of her job and our support very seriously,” he continued.

He also spoke warmly of Diana’s kindness and professionalism behind the scenes. “Diana was always very polite, very courteous and very appreciative. She was never late for an appointment, which, for a busy person, shows respect, and whenever she wore a dress that was admired, she’d thank us.”