DIANA’S TRAVOLTA DRESS | Diana's famous fashion moments | most famous dresses ever | History Calling

The TRAVOLTA DRESS, worn for the first time in 1985, was one of PRINCESS DIANA’s famous fashion moments and has arguably become one of the most famous dresses ever. The images of actor John Travolta dancing with Princess Diana at the White House have become iconic and are what gave the midnight blue velvet gown its name, earning it a permanent place in the history of famous fashion. In this video from History Calling we look at the dress’s history, including its design, designer and construction, the story of when and why the most famous woman in the world chose it to take on her American trip with her then husband, Prince Charles and how she ended up dancing with Mr Travolta that night because of the intervention of the First Lady of the United States, Nancy Regan. I’ll read you John Travolta’s own recollections of the time he got to dance with a Princess and we’ll look at other famous personages at the event who danced with Diana, including President Ronald Reagan. We’ll then look at the later history of the dress (for this wasn’t the only time Diana wore it), including the multiple times it has been sold and for how much. Like the Emanuel wedding dress she wore in 1981, it has gone down as one of the famous fashion moments of the 20th century, worn by one of that century’s great fashion icons.
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[@HistoryCalling]

What's your favourite Diana dress? Let me know below and check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling You can also see my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/historycalling

[@DiddlyPenguin]

The Travolta dress is very glamorous & she wore something similar in a short black dress with a black chiffon scarf when the two of them split up. That was her revenge dress.

[@RHR-221b]

With tongue in cheek, H C, I do prefer the *Gownless Evening Strap attire.* Please do not ban me! Stay free. Rab 🕊

[@kazoolibra7322]

Like the revenge dress and her whole presentation in it!!! TAKE THAT, PRINCE OF WALES

[@donnicholas7552]

Don't really have a favorite. She looked good in whatever she wore.👍

[@angelicagaldos]

I loved anything she were

[@kithale316]

I met her once in Edinburgh. She was very tall and slim but it was her gorgeous skin that I remember and her smile. She had magic that can't be learned or bought.

[@HistoryCalling]

Aww, I'm jealous. Yes, everyone I've ever heard say they met her said that she had great charisma.

[@WouldbeRenaissanceLady6926]

My friend was fortunate enough to be able to have met Diana at a charity event during the early nineties. My friend said that when Diana entered the room that it just filled up with her amazing presence and charisma, apparently in real-life Diana was very pretty and had the most beautiful blue eyes - she must have been an absolute knockout in this dress! Sorely missed lady even to this day. ♥️

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh wow, your friend was so lucky. Yes, I've heard other people who met her say that her charisma was off the charts.

[@neighborhoodcatlady6094]

I lived in London in the late 80s. I made plans to see her in person on one of my days off. She had visited a small school and there were not very many people waiting outside when she arrived. Can confirm that she did have the undeniable presence. Will never forget.

[@karenhummel49]

She was stunning naturally beautiful tall and classy! She stood out.

[@sian2337]

I wish I’d seen her in real life, I was a child during the 80s though. Personally, i do think William has a similar aura as his mum had. He has a certain glamour about him, but also like Diana, he emits kindness when he meets people doing charity work.

[@SmokingCats]

Beautiful dress and so glad it is preserved. Good lord, I hope they keep Kim Kardashian away from it as she disgraced Marilyn Monroe's dress.

[@charlottehardy822]

Disgraced and damaged it 😡 she should never have been allowed to wear it.

[@patriciabajcer8930]

No insult intended but apparently today the museum released that there was NO DAMAGE DONE by the waste of protoplasm A.K.A. Kim Kardashian.

[@charlottehardy822]

@@patriciabajcer8930 I’m pleased to hear that, I am glad that it was misreported.

[@HistoryCalling]

I saw the museum's statement too that there was no damage, but the photographs certainly seemed to show fabric buckling and missing or damaged crystals. I guess time will tell.

[@valeriauk8158]

Kim K would never get her hips and butt into one of Diana’s slinky tall fit dresses.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

I think this is the most iconic dress. I also liked the revenge black dress she wore when her divorce was finalized. Oh maybe it was when she filed for divorce. She was so beautiful. I wish the paparazzi would’ve left her alone. Thank you for sharing this. You have a great weekend.

[@DiddlyPenguin]

The revenge dress was fabulous. But then she was fabulous.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Have a lovely weekend too.

[@kate_cooper]

Not quite. Diana actually wore the revenge dress at a public appearance later on the same evening Charles admitted on television that he’d been cheating with Camilla. They were already separated by then but the divorce only came later a couple of years later. Apparently she’d had it a couple of years but not worn it in public yet because she was worried it was too inappropriate. Obviously the Charles documentary caused her to change her mind which is why it’s called the “revenge dress”.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

@@kate_cooper Thank you. I still liked the dress.

[@spiritmatter1553]

@@kate_cooper I believe that the "revenge dress" was by Dior. Until she divorced, her feeling was that she needed to represent British designers at official/public functions.

[@franm.8343]

I was able to view this dress at Kensington Palace in 2018 and because it's so well know it didn't really hold any surprises, except one. I believe it was the wearer, Princess Diana who's wonderful colouring, charisma and style brought this dress to life. I also thought John Travolta and the Princess looked wonderful dancing together that night. 😍

[@HistoryCalling]

I'd love to get to see this (and her other dresses) in person. I'm jealous!

[@mariamansoor872]

She looked so natural and inhibited when she danced with him. Was there ever video of her dancing that evening? I thought that at the time I saw something on T.V but I can't find anything on KZbin or Google

[@lizzyloughton7501]

i can't believe this beautiful Lady never lived to see her wonderful grandchildren every thing she touched was lovely so so unfair she still brings tears to your eyes nobody else can what a lady they've lost the mould

[@tracymcardle1236]

I loved the revenge dress Diana looked wonderful in that👏👏💖💖

[@HistoryCalling]

She really did :-)

[@amyfletcher4749]

That's wonderful she was able to dance with John!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@DS-ky9dl]

What an interesting story about an iconic dress. Diane had such a great sense of fashion and a n iconic presence...there will not be anyone else like her.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I agree she left some big shoes to fill.

[@marionwheatland]

Yes, I always thought the dress was black - so nice to see the midnight blue instead. This is indeed a fabulous dress but I think my favorite is the short black dress Diana wore to that event she attended after the Charles interview. It is similar in style to the Travolta dress, but short and she wore black stockings. She was such a knockout!

[@stephanieking4444]

That fabulous dress was perfect for Diana. It really flattered her tall, slim figure. The photos you collected show how wonderful she looked in it. And that dance with Travolta is a typical Diana moment where she ignored convention and showed her love for modern pop culture. The mid 80s mark a turning point for Diana. Here we can see her starting to overcome her shyness and embrace the power of public image...whilst always being genuine. It is so sad that her legacy is being slowly airbrushed away.

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

somehow This looks like as would be The scene on 1 Chess board why ever even if we are woman we play Chess Schach

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it looked great on her. I can see why she opted to wear it several times more over the ensuing years.

[@rosesilva3198]

Diana looked great in all the dresses she’d worn! She would have made a beautiful Queen ❤️

[@robertdudley4017]

Diana was a beautiful lady and left us far to soon, she would have looked good in sack cloth, thank you as always HC 😊👍

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome and yes, she did look good in just about anything (which was fortunate for her, as 80s fashions weren't the easiest to pull off!)

[@robertdudley4017]

@@HistoryCalling I bow to your superior knowledge of women's styles of dresses, I have little knowledge of fashion HC.

[@terrilandry1191]

This stunning gown is my second favorite Diana dress. My favorite? The Revenge Dress! The design, the way it hugged Diana's figure, and what it signified were all incredible. Diana, Princess of Wales did revenge the right way, served hot, spicy and in her own manner.

[@annstillwell730]

Must of been fun to watch. Diana was a trained dancer.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I'll bet they were great on the dancefloor. It's such a shame there's no footage.

[@kathyd2595]

I never knew this was a navy dress and gloves until this video! I appreciate the modern artist rendering to really see and appreciate the detailing. My favorite Diana fashion moment has to be her ‘revenge’ dress! It was perfect!!

[@ladylotus3046]

Rest in Eternal Peace Pretty Peoples' Princess Diana. We'll never forget you.🌷🌷

[@bevinboulder5039]

Thank you so much for this and especially for the stills of the dress with proper lighting! I've never seen it's true color or the ruching before. Fantastic!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Yes, I thought the stills were really necessary to properly appreciate the dress. It's so dark in colour that it's very hard, if not impossible, to see the details without said stills.

[@timefoolery]

I think Life magazine was the only publication that got the gown right in photo reproductions. It looked so black in other versions, but they managed to pull out the deep navy blue of the gown. It’s definitely one of her most iconic gowns.

[@msr1116]

As I understand it, this gown was rather heavy due to the nature of the material used, plus the additional fabric required for its various details.

[@annettefertitta6868]

I guess I’d read that it was dark navy but it looks black in most pictures- appreciate the true color

[@msr1116]

@@annettefertitta6868 .....the fact that the reproduction of the photo in certain publications wasn't even true to the fabric's actual color is puzzling. I can't begin to fathom the rationale behind this.

[@jipfluffy2143]

This dress was my favorite of all her looks bot only because it elegant and sophisticated but she got to dance with the man all teenaged girls dreamed of dancing with John Travolta. That evening she Went from princess to the dancing queen! Truly an iconic moment! Their smiles said it all. Rest in peace Dianna

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it's lovely to see what a good time she seems to have had with Mr Travolta.

[@bobcharlie2337]

I was in fourth grade when I saw the dress on TV. It was soooo gorgeous. Very beautiful. You can see the true color when she dance with with John Travolta.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I always thought it was black until I researched this, but as one of my other commenters said, royal blue does work better (ok, this is actually navy, but you get my point) :-)

[@Wosiewose]

My favorite outfit of hers was the peach-colored "going-away" ensemble she wore after the wedding as they were riding away in the carriage. Especially the hat. I fell in love with that hat at first sight.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, she did look lovely in that as well.

[@msbelinda1000]

I viewed this dress at a small exhibition in Toronto along with 9 other gowns. As I recall they were not behind glass...just a lovely satin or velvet rope with the request not to touch. I peered very closely at the fine stitchery and fabrics...so sumptuous. Each dress was so beautifully made.

[@lalalaalalaha]

My fave fashion moment was the emerald choker turned into a headband across her forehead paired with the one should dropped waist teal dress. The combination of SO MANY 80's trends into one, but she looked great!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, she was one of the few people who could make the 80s look good :-)

[@lmc2375]

This is the most happily remembered moment for me of her. I knew at some point a video of it would eventually surface. Thank you!

[@christydethlefs9850]

She was so beautiful and such a great person.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. It really was the most awful day when the world lost her.

[@PetalsofEunoia]

WOW!!! All these years I thought the Travolta dress was black!!! This video was truly fascinating 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

I did too until I researched this. 80s TV cameras didn't do it justice.

[@lilypotter9476]

Fabulous! Loved a light hearted, but well researched story about a fairytale dress and evening.

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@namaschu2126]

All of Dianas Dresses are amazing and beautiful. She was always well dressed. Thank you for the interesting video 📽️

[@HistoryCalling]

I agree. She almost never put a foot wrong (which was quite a feat given 80s fashion!)

[@gandalfolorin-kl3pj]

An excellent job as usual! My dear late wife was a devoted fan of Lady Diana & later the Princess. This dress was one she often remarked on. Diana wore the gown as no other could have. Thanks for your great work.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it's unusual in that most items from the 80s didn't age terribly well as fashions changed, but this one has.

[@lauradavison4044]

Diana's wedding dress and shoes did a tour of the UK after the wedding and I was lucky enough to see it close up. It was amazing ! I would love to see this gown too.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, the train on it was really something else. :-)

[@EmmaDee]

Beautiful moment and sadly Camilla could never awe a crowd like this.

[@rosesilva3198]

Of course! Camilla could never match and compare Diana at all! Diana is one of a kind Princess 💕

[@Grace-tc1lq]

They shouldn’t be compared. No one should. Camilla has strengths that Diana didn’t have. To each his own.

[@pambundren9833]

Comillion can never hold a candle to Princess Diana !!!! NEVER!!!

[@wcfheadshots240]

I remember the impression she made wearing it the first time. She was so beautiful & glamorous. So was Reagan. It was an amazing time. With handsome men.

[@Carol-D.1324]

This was so much fun to watch🥰. I appreciate all the hard work you do. Thank you also for the still photos of the dress close up. I never knew it had a bow! I have to be honest , I was absolutely stunned to hear that her dress didn’t even meet the reserve price which I thought was already low for such an iconic historical dress. I was actually stunned. Now that the museum has the dress we know it will be exceptionally well taken care of.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much. Yes, I was glad I was able to include the photos of it too. You just can't appreciate the dress properly from the old footage/images. I'm surprised about the sale price of it too, but like you I'm glad it will be properly cared for now and I don't think we'll have to worry about it being lent out to celebrities to wear at galas...

[@Carol-D.1324]

@@HistoryCalling 😆 Agreed!

[@i_luv_hecklefish]

​​@@HistoryCalling Oh my gosh! 🤣 I sincerely hope not. Too me, lending out these iconic dresses is down right disrespectful to the memories of their legendary original owners. It's like saying you are fit to fill their shoes. Except, in this case it's their dress, but same principle. No one can do them the justice they deserve and they shouldn't try. Leave them in the museums where the belong. This way the generations to come can see and appreciate them too. I was also surprised to hear it didn't meet it's reserve price. I had not heard this, either.

[@annmoore6678]

This was a lovely episode! It has, of course, its tragic undertone, but it represents one of our most beautiful memories of the late Princess of Wales.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yes, unfortunately it seems like everything with Diana now has a sad undertone when you know what was coming for her, but I think on the whole this was a happy video. It certainly showed her having a ball (pun intended!) at the White House and I always think it's important to remember that she had good times as well as bad. :-)

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello Ann, how are you doing?

[@westcoastgirl5639]

There were so many beautiful gowns that Diana wore, I don’t think I could pick one favourite. I really enjoyed the story of this iconic dress!🇨🇦

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yes, it is hard to choose. I'm stuck between this one, her wedding dress, her Elvis dress and her Travolta dress. She wore a beautiful blue mini dress a couple of months before she died too, with bows on the straps. That was gorgeous as well.

[@301jules]

Your branching out away from ancient to more modern history is to be applauded. The side step to modern history initially challenged me, but the topics you've chosen are genuinely interesting due to your research, format and soothing voice being mesmerising and enchanting. I used to look for the "royal" videos on my feed to watch history calling and momentarily missed you. Never fear, I'm all caught up and eagerly waiting to see what your next topic will be. You may be the reason I develop an in interest in history more modern Thank you 😊

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Yes, I always wanted to have a history channel on which I could look at anything, rather than niche down very hard and have (for example) a Tudor channel only, or just a royalty channel. I know I bounce around the timeline a lot (although most of the videos actually fall within the 15th and 16th centuries), but I've always loved the variety of history and I wanted the channel to reflect that.

[@Jason.cbr1000rr]

@@HistoryCalling very good, its history, back then... there is no need for a certain time frame. History is all times past. Thanks

[@59tante]

Diana will always be the Princess

[@HistoryCalling]

Absolutely. :-)

[@aliciah8041]

I’ve seen it in an exhibit. Amazing how small the dress is in person.

[@HistoryCalling]

I'm jealous! :-)

[@AnnaB939603]

I always thought that dress was black!! I’m so glad you showed the pictures of it under proper lighting that brought out the blue. It’s also nice that it’s back in royal hands. Another great video! Thank you.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I thought it was black too until I researched this. Even the image I've used for my thumbnail has it appear black. I think you need to see it in person, or under abnormally good lighting to appreciate its real colour.

[@rickynieves3144]

I was in elementary school during this event and remember watching the dance on the news. Thank you for bringing back such a beautiful memory of a time in my life when fairytales still came true ❤

[@jessicalowery3718]

I love this ! Also, I enjoyed seeing Nancy in her beautiful gown as well.

[@queenbee3647]

One of my very favorite famous outfits worn by my very favorite royal woman. Princess Diana we miss you still. 🌹

[@CassiBlack]

I always thought this dress was black! I’m surprised it didn’t skyrocket in value after her death. The breaking of that news is one of my very vivid childhood memories. I was a few months shy of 10 and we were visiting family in my hometown in Ohio. I remember i made everyone watch Titanic and we put on the news briefly between switching the tapes. On the crawler at the bottom of the screen it said that she had died and details were still coming in. No one believed me when I read it off. “That’s not right, she’s only in her 30s!” I’m dyslexic, so it wasn’t unreasonable to think I misread. Then the actual news anchors reported on it. It’s one of the handful of major events I think I’ll always remember where I was when it happened. I know embarrassingly little about “modern history,” so it is extra interesting to see your recent videos! Great work and see you next week!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I was a kid too and the mechanic came round that morning to service my mum's car at about 8:30am and I heard him downstairs telling her what had happened. It was just such a feeling of disbelief. That and 9/11 are the two big world events I remember from childhood.

[@spiritmatter1553]

Royal protocol forbids wearing black clothes beyond funerals and official mourning periods. That’s why the first evening gown she wore in public, when engaged, caused a furor-it was a strapless black dress which otherwise one would think would be a foolproof choice.

[@CassiBlack]

@@spiritmatter1553 That’s really interesting, I hadn’t heard of the trouble with her first dress. I see reports/articles on what the royal family is wearing from time to time, but they don’t really talk about the rules they have to follow. At least in the US they don’t mention rules, I mean. (I don’t know why, but I can’t seem to write this without it reading sarcastic, but I’m not meaning it that way!)

[@ckallen1546]

Thank you for sharing. My favorite? A blue one, as pale as a winter sky. Or the color of blue…where the sky meets the ocean, on still/warm days. It had a matching scarf at her throat. I think the dress was gathered at the waist. Seeming like a dress the goddess Venus would have worn. I remember thinking…THAT is the dress of a queen…and wanted to be married in something similar.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@icecastles1432]

~ 🤍She was a class act ~ The world loved her ~

[@christineokeeffe781]

I love the “little black dress” that became known as “the revenge dress”. It was a shorter version of the “Travolta” dress. Diana wore the same pearl choker necklace and black tights and shoes. She looked a million dollars in it.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@od1452]

I imagine it's every girls fantasy to dance with a Handsome man in a beautiful dress at a gala event. I'm glad she had her moment.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, she looks like she had a wonderful time and she was known to love dancing.

[@DiddlyPenguin]

Diana was gorgeous. Flawed but gorgeous. She would have looked good in a bin bag. I remember the dress & the occasion.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, she seemed like a beautiful person inside and out. Not perfect, as you say, but then no one is.

[@DiddlyPenguin]

@@HistoryCalling she was very badly treated by Charles. He only married her because he was forced to & when she produced the heir & the spare she was expendable. Sad

[@jeanremy5036]

I sure like it,Travolta’s dress 👗 awesome 😎

[@gizzykatkat9687]

This is fabulous! I didn't know it was dark blue, my favorite ensemble Diana ever wore was that Black Sheep jumper. That says it all

[@rosyonnecosta503]

A princesa Diana era linda, inteligente, elegante, charmosa, gentil, humilde, simpática, comunicativa, carismática, amorosa, generosa e excelente mãe. Saudades!❤🙏🇧🇷

[@ConfederateDixieDarling]

Diana was so beautiful and graceful. Her dress was the ultimate fashion statement.

[@reneecollins9524]

I watched this video before and it was just as good the second time around. I had the opportunity to visit the palace in the spring of 2018 and saw the iconic Diana Dress Collection. Unforgettable. So much fashion history in so little time, when you think about it. Love your series!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Renee. I'd love to get to see it myself some day.

[@michellestone1261]

How romantic just like a story book dream. Glad the dress is back where it rightfully belongs. It is such great thing to have a dress made for yourself. I was 4 years old when a dress was made for myself for a wedding (only flower girl Catholic wedding) makes you feel so special. Every young lady should have a dress with gloves made for her it's a treat to be made to feel like a lady. I grew up when ladies were ladies and men were gentlemen... Ladies wore gloves and dresses and men wore hats and suits to church. 58 now...

[@clairetrinkle3034]

You presented this very Beautifully 👍👍🤗🤗👏👏👏👏👏

[@kate_cooper]

It’s sweet how John Travolta didn’t think he was anyone special at that event but Diana’s dress ended up named after him. It’s a shame he never got to dance with her again. It is a very good design for a royal evening gown, it’s formal and has some vintage inspiration but it’s not old fashioned by itself and allows ease of movement for dancing. Diana had a lot of wonderful clothes, not all of them are to my taste personally but she always looked incredible. You could make a whole series on Diana’s outfits, including the “Elvis dress” and the “revenge dress”. I actually really like the black, white, and red houndstooth pattern suit she wore a few times or the purple, red, and cream colourblock suit she was wearing to be photographed outside the Taj Mahal.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Kate. I considered the other dresses, but there wouldn't be public domain images/footage of them. This one was ideal because White House footage and images are PD.

[@intorainbowzOG]

aww the revenge dress. Iconic.

[@edithengel2284]

Well said.

[@davidlancaster8152]

Didn't know the story of a dress could be so captivating. Great job. Appreciate all you do. Thanks 👍

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks David. Yes, it was nice to do something a bit more modern and different, but more upbeat than the Jackie Kennedy pink suit video.

[@davidlancaster8152]

@@HistoryCalling Definitely more upbeat! Appreciate you much

[@vpedidoc]

The black dress she wore for one of her first formal engagements. She is seen in many photos with it next to Princess Grace. She received such criticism but I believe the Queen once wore a dress like that in her younger years.

[@HistoryCalling]

Ah yes, I know the one you mean. It was lovely too. The photographers shouldn't have been trying to take pictures down her front. 😠

[@intorainbowzOG]

I love learning about history through fashion. Love the history of clothing and jewelry and the people that wear them. This is my favorite Diana dress. I love the photos especially the one where it is clear John Travolta is snapping.

[@HistoryCalling]

Me too. I'm on a little bit of a fashion/jewellery kick at the moment with this video, plus the ones on Anne Boleyn's B necklace and Jackie Kennedy's pink suit :-)

[@dsatt57]

Thank you! I didn’t realize it had returned home. I still remember the night I saw on TV that she had been in the wreck. She was so lovely and it was incredibly sad. I’m glad both of her sons have found love.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it's nice that Kensington Palace have it back again.

[@Aloha2elizabeth.r.h.carter]

DID NOT KNOW IT WAS NAVY!!! WOW PRETTY NOW ITS REALLY MY FAVORITE ❤️

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love these spotlights on famous articles of clothing! Hopefully this diversifies your content so you aren't just a death & destruction channel :D

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, yes, that is (partly) the idea. :-)

[@frederickcombs8661]

Much credit for the moment, and the impressive timing of it, goes to Nancy Reagan. Nancy knew while no one else did, how incredible the moment would be. Of course, it required the two who were physically perfect for this moment. One of the greatest social occasions, TV format, ever to happen at the White House. Nancy Reagan was far smarter than anyone gave her credit for. John Travolta, too, is far smarter than anyone gave him credit for... it went far beyond his handsome beauty. Nothing needs to be said of Princess Diana, because EVERYONE KNOWS how wonderful she was, on- and off-camera.

[@francespyne7316]

Always makes my week when you post. Love the range of history you do

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much. Yes, I always wanted to have a history channel, on which I could look at anything, rather than niche down very hard and have (for example) a Tudor channel only, or just a royalty channel.

[@stephencarrillo5905]

Thanks, HC! I have little to no interest in fashion but this was a joy to watch!

[@RHR-221b]

Agreed, Stephen. All the best. Stay free. Rab 🍻 😎

[@HistoryCalling]

THANK YOU SO MUCH Stephen for your support of the channel. I'm glad you enjoyed hearing about Diana's dress, even if it was a bit outside your regular viewing habits :-)

[@stephencarrillo5905]

@@roxxandra I admire that perspective. Interestingly, the friend with whom I shared HC's video is an artist. Although I know zip when it comes to fashion, I love older movies and often admire the stars' wardrobes eg. Lauren Bacall's gingham suit and beret in "The Big Sleep" (1944).

[@jeanremy5036]

C’était une très jolie robe 👘 et And the late princess Diana looked magnificent and fabulously radiant!👋

[@rhettjanes1056]

It was a very pretty dress that's for sure you could wear that today and it would still be in style

[@leonorrivera6379]

The fact that the Travolta-Diana evening dance had no actual footage is heartbreaking.

[@angelaregan475]

No footage either of her dancing with wayne Sleep. Such a pity.

[@maragarnica580]

Thank you for this show. Good Memories ,for sure . Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@hlondon2408]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you so much. 💓

[@lisapop5219]

I was a kid when she wore it. I always thought it was beautiful, especially on her

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes and it's aged very well. It still looks stylish now which isn't something you can say about a lot of 80s fashion.

[@jeanproctor3663]

This is such a beautifully told story of a night where it looked like Diana was truly happy. There are so many beautiful dresses that she wore and that were in the media one way or another that I can't think of just one favourite, but I remember when I was at school and pedal-pushers (trousers that ended at the knee and either had a button or tie to hold them closed at the knee) and sailor tops became fashionable because she wore them. I felt really lucky at the time because I had a red pair of pedal-pushers and a sailor top and it felt really nice to be able to wear something that a real-life princess had made popular. This was in the 1980s. Diana was always someone that I would have loved to have met.

[@dianapombano9289]

I have so many "favorites", but my very most favorite dress was the gorgeous "Revenge dress" she wore the night following Prince Chares televised admission to being an adulterer with Camilla.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@annettefertitta6868]

We had the opportunity to tour the White House about 5 years ago, (our third try but so very worth it). When we stepped into that room and saw the floor where they danced, it brought both a tingle of excitement and i teared up a bit about what the world lost that September night!

[@sandyRndisco1]

That's a hard one Princess Diana wore such unique & beautiful dresses! However, I would say the "Elvis Gown" especially since I love Elvis!

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I loved that one too.

[@dorym8045]

Enjoyed this post very much. It brought back so many positive memories of that time. I did always think the gown was black, so thank you for the photos showing its true color.

[@HistoryCalling]

Me too actually, until I researched this. 80s TV cameras didn't do it justice.

[@dianeaiken3435]

The Travolta Dress is my favourite and next in line is her Revenge Dress. Diana looked exquisite in both Dresses.

[@04straw]

I love your videos! The quality shows the amount of work and research you put into them. Thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

Why thank you :-)

[@04straw]

@@HistoryCalling My pleasure! 😀

[@zenobiapalmyra5670]

Fabulous and informative video. Happy to know that stunning dress is back 'home', thank you. Did you know that the beautiful, Princess, also danced with the cool and charming Clint Eastwood and the heavenly Tom Selleck..? Pics are on the internet. However, Diana really wanted to dance with divine Mikhail Baryshnikov, but Nancy had already organised, that Travolta was to dance with Diana for the opportunistic paparazzi. Diana looked beautiful in everything she wore, but that night she was a goddess in velvet, midnight blue. My favourite colour, fabric and gemstone Sapphire; the size of our Australian, Monte Carlo biscuit. Love your beautiful, soft Belfast accent...? Slainte, from Adelaide, Australia 🇦🇺 🍸💙

[@HistoryCalling]

Greetings in Australia :-) I'm delighted you enjoyed the video. I did indeed know that she danced with other celebrities and debated briefly including the pictures and a quote from Selleck about the event, but I decided to keep the focus on the dress and the Travolta dance. Yes, I'm from Northern Ireland, though I prefer not to give away exactly where :-)

[@zenobiapalmyra5670]

@@HistoryCallingOh, thank you for you kind reply. My last trip overseas, 20 yrs., I ran out of time and sadly never made it to Ireland 🇮🇪 😭 And, this Aussie/Greek gal has an Irish soul and love Guinness. Greeks and Irish are so similar, we fiercely love our families, food, music and dance. My favourite song is, Oró, Sé Do Bheatha 'Bhaile, by those gorgeous lads Seo Lin. If ever I get over there, we should catch up. 😁 Cheers to you 🍸🍷

[@hollyp3276]

She had so many I loved, but My favorite was a long Pale blue or Lilac color with a scarf that draped across her neck and down behind her back. ❤️❤️❤️ love this video.

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh yes, I remember that one too. It was lovely as well.

[@ACNC1]

I remember seeing actually moving video footage of the dance on the nightly news ..... but this footage can no longer be found on the internet

[@dtchouros]

Amazing! Hopefully a Kardashian won’t be allowed to wear (and seriously damage) it!

[@HistoryCalling]

No fear. I can't imagine Kensington Palace would ever let anyone wear it, even if they were current royalty.

[@judypierce7028]

My favorite dress was the white totally beaded one. She was beautiful.

[@leannemassari4378]

I loved the revenge dress of course. I was relieved when she ditched all the puffy sleeves and oversized collars and went more streamline that’s for sure.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, the early 80s were a tough time for fashion, but I agree - once she left the more extreme elements of that fashion behind and went for more timeless looks, it was a big improvement.

[@queenvee6180]

She was stunning 🤩

[@ns-wz1mx]

loved this video, Diana was such an incredible human! now let’s hope kim k doesn’t get ahold of one of these 🙄🤣

[@HistoryCalling]

Not to worry. I can't see Ms Kardashian being able to wear this one.

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling true xD

[@moonlightwolf]

I forget how young Diana was. She looked amazing in that dress, but you can also see just how young she really was

[@nachel6306]

Thanks! So beautiful!

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you like it :-)

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you like it :-)

[@claudiojunior9618]

John Travolta, the best ever dancer.

[@LeslieBee93]

I would love to see the Duchess of Cambridge wearing this. She would do it justice. :)

[@HistoryCalling]

I think (after the Marilyn Monroe/Kim Kardashian) fiasco, no collector or museum would allow their items to be worn like that, even by a family member, but Catherine does wear her mother-in-law's engagement ring and some other jewellery at least :-)

[@LeslieBee93]

@@HistoryCalling Very true. The dress needs to have a duplicate made for Catherine. :)

[@dominaevillae28]

I doubt Kate would wear a copy of anything Diana wore, but she might wear something reminiscent of it. Also, Kate has a different figure than Diana so the same clothes probably wouldn’t work for her. I could see Megan doing that though; apparently she wore Diana’s perfume on her first date with Harry😶.

[@LeslieBee93]

@@dominaevillae28 You are very right and I didn't think of that. Catherine has always been very respectful of Diana's legacy/memory. Her own style is as wonderful as Diana's, in her own way. I read about the perfume issue with Meghan. Very creepy.

[@marilynpoitras7839]

Thank you again for another wonderful insight! How can one look at that picture without such mixed emotions! Delight and sadness together!

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. It looks like she had a wonderful time dancing with John Travolta though, so let's focus on that. :-)

[@lisamader5270]

My favourite Diana dress was an early one. Remember she was at an event and she dozed off? It was announced a few days later she was expecting her first child. It was ruffly and had the colour of the inside of a clam shell. I'm sure you can Google it. It was sold at the same action as the Travolta dress.

[@annettemurielle]

My favorite dress of Princess Diana's was the one called the Falcon Dress.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@stephencarrillo5905]

Bette and Lukas needed a walk so when I got the notification I dropped a like and returned to it. Saw a friend on the way home and watched some of the video with her; she remembered the dress while I didn't. That might be because I assiduously avoided any coverage of the Reagan White House. I hated both "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease" but the images of Travolta dancing with Diana were touching; she looked radiant. The tabloids did a real number on her and I confess her death brought me to tears. Thanks for this chapter in your ongoing historical quest. Until next week, then. Be well. 🙏🏼👏

[@HistoryCalling]

Ah, your friend has a good eye for historical fashion. I don't know enough about the Reagan White House to have feelings about it one way or the other, but you hate Grease! My jaw has dropped 😯 The tunes are so catchy! :-)

[@stephencarrillo5905]

@@HistoryCalling 🤣🤣 I often get that reaction. I'd say why but I'd only sound like a puffed-up grouchy old codger. 😉

[@nathanfisher1826]

Very good story, well done!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Nathan :-)

[@RiverDanube]

Royalty has a lot to do with their celebrity status and it was fun to see what new dress Di would wear.

[@mkster9859]

why did no one film them dancing?

[@HistoryCalling]

I've wondered that too, especially as there is footage of the speeches. Privacy maybe? It was meant to be a fairly private event (by White House standards). It was also after midnight, so maybe the cameraperson had gone home!

[@claire2088]

The neckline is so similar to the revenge dress, I wonder if she chose that one because of how much she liked this one

[@katjack2780]

Yes, I wondered about that too. Perhaps she needed to come up with a design on short notice and looked back on something she really liked. Just chop it short, make it black instead of midnight blue, add a scarf and voila!

[@HistoryCalling]

I may be wrong (because I'm just writing this from memory), but I remember hearing that the revenge dress wasn't what she had originally planned to wear that evening. She had to make a last minute change because the designer or creator of the intended dress had announced she was going to wear it and Diana didn't like that. Still, she might have selected the revenge dress out of her wardrobe because it reminded her of the Travolta dress and she knew how well received it had been.

[@roxxandra]

@@HistoryCalling oh my. what a quick deflation to that designer’s ego :x Sounds like she didn’t appreciate being turned into a walking billboard.

[@dominaevillae28]

@@HistoryCalling I heard that in a doc, but she did’t already own the dress. I think she called a designer and said do you have anything for me.

[@sandrawicks7164]

Princess Diana was always beautifuly dressed No one will ever come up to her standards Our no one princess for ever ,