The charm of the Revenge Dress, from Lady Diana to Taylor Swift

The Revenge Dress is often associated with Lady Diana, who started the trend in the 90s with an iconic black dress. Since then, the stars have followed his example as evidenced by Taylor Swift, Julia Fox and Jennifer Garner to name a few. But what exactly is the Revenge Dress?

Each diva has her own dress. The one associated with Lady Diana and engraved in the memory of the royal family is certainly this total black mini dress that has gone down in history as the Revenge Dress. But why this label? What reasons would Lady D have to take revenge through a dress? Its history dates back to the 90s, exactly to the period when the princess stripped her title of nobility by separating from Prince (now King) Charles.

Courtesy of Netflix

But the one worn by Diana Spencer is just one (perhaps the most famous) of the Revenge dresses that have gone down in history because they carry a subtle and deadly message. Recently, for example, even Taylor Swift seems to have followed the same sad princess ethos, as well as Julia Fox.

The Revenge Dress that caused a stir and set trends, from Lady D to Taylor Swift

It’s been 28 years since Diana Spencer wore her Revenge Dress. The revenge dress also appeared in The Crown, in the fifth season with a faithful replica and associated with the exact moment when the Princess of Wales, to make a point, wore a daringly low-cut and short dress. Proposed for a summer soiree at the Serpentine Gallery, the dress captivated the press and went viral, far exceeding the interview Prince Charles broadcast during which he confessed his relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Courtesy of Netflix

Eloise Moran, author of The Lady Di Look Book: What Diana Was Trying to Tell Us Through Her Clothes, reflecting on the princess’ choice, told WWD: “Her most important dress is undoubtedly the Revenge Dress. It represented so much then and now, and was in many ways the antithesis of her wedding dress. The black chiffon mini train contrasted sharply with the long train of her wedding dress, signifying the end of her marriage and her release. I like to think it’s her divorce dress.”

Credits: Ansa/Instagram/LaQuan Smith

Even today, the Revenge Dress seems to be extremely current. Witness Julia Fox, who opened the LaQuan Smith show with the Fall 2022 collection wearing a black dress with cutout details after breaking up with Kanye West. And again Jennifer Garner, after splitting from Ben Affleck, walked the red carpet at the 2016 Oscars in a black Versace gown that looked like Lady D. Even Taylor Swift, after splitting with Tom Hiddleston this year- there, marked the first public appearance with a very sensual dress by Julien MacDonald.