The Fall 2025 collection by Richard Quinn reflects on Princess Diana’s significant influence in fashion, blending contemporary designs with historical reverence.
Richard Quinn presented his Fall 2025 collection on a Friday night at Westminster’s Lindley Hall, an event notable for its star-studded front row, which included Ladies Amelia and Eliza Spencer, the nieces of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. The setting was enhanced by a winter wonderland theme, complete with a snow globe design that framed Quinn’s gowns adorned with roses and ribbons. Fashion critic Sarah Mower, writing for Vogue, highlighted Quinn’s role in the legacy of British dressmakers, calling him part of a long tradition that includes designers like Bellville Sassoon and Victor Edelstein, who famously dressed Princess Diana in the 1980s.
Princess Diana was a significant figure in the British fashion scene, known for her attendance at London Fashion Week and her influence on the industry. Her relationship with fashion evolved over time; she transitioned from wearing everyday clothing to icons of haute couture, notably showcasing pieces from renowned designers like Versace and Chanel. Diana first attended the LFW events around the mid-1980s, often opting for understated attire that commanded attention for her grace rather than for publicity seeking.
Diana’s first memorable appearance at London Fashion Week was in March 1985 at a Lancaster House event following the fashion week’s inception a year prior. Her stylist, Anna Harvey, recalled Diana’s enthusiasm for fashion, noting her excitement upon seeing clothing rails. It was during this time that the Princess began to engage with the fashion world more actively, viewing shows and supporting emerging designers.
By the 1990s, Diana’s fashion confidence grew, as she favorably aligned herself with designers like Gianni Versace and Bruce Oldfield, often opting for tailored pieces. She attended her first official fashion show in 1995, featuring the work of Joe Casely-Hayford, marking a pivotal point in her relationship with fashion. Diana’s fashion sense was further illustrated at the 1989 Fashion Awards, where she wore a striking Catherine Walker creation, showcasing her awareness of her public image and its implications.
During her appearances, Diana seamlessly blended her royal responsibilities with a burgeoning interest in contemporary fashion. She attended numerous fashion events, maintaining a wardrobe that was both reflective of her status and personal style. Her style evolution indicated a burgeoning interest in subverting traditional fashion norms, similar to the changes she was making within her royal identity.
In retrospect, it is possible to speculate on the impact Princess Diana may have continued to have on the fashion industry. If her life had not been cut short, many believe she could have established an initiative dedicated to supporting emerging talents in the fashion world, further solidifying her influence and legacy in the field. The connection of the Spencers to both Quinn’s contemporary designs and Diana’s historical presence adds a poignant layer to the current festivities of London Fashion Week, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the realm of fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
