Catherine Walker 'Mermaid' Gown

fits Franklin Mint Diana Portrait Doll

Although by 1986 her husband had gone back to 'his lady' and she was in throes of bulimia, the Prince and Princess of Wales kept the show going in public, such as their trip to Vienna in 1986. It was there that Diana first wore this green (though photographs usually reproduced it as blue) sequinned gown (left). With its palette of hand embroidered shimmering scale-like sequins, it soon became known as the 'Mermaid' gown. The big sleeves showed the 'Dynasty' influence so prevalent at the time, but the deep neckline and knee-high front slit were unusually revealing for a member of the royal family. The juxtaposition of the 'Prince of Wales Feathers' diamond pendant with this more daring design subtly indicated that while Diana was fully aware of her position in the royal family, she was beginning to search for more independance, and not only in style.

Although best known from this Vienna trip, Diana actually wore this gown repeatedly for the next several years. In May of 1989 she wore it to attend a charity ball in aid of the British Paraplegic Sports Society, and later that year in October it went to the charity premier of 'Shirley Valentine' for Relate, the marriage guidance organization of which she was patron. In December of 1990,(right) she wore it, this time with the Queen Mary emerald choker, to the Diamond Ball, attending with Charles in aid of one of his charities, and in 1993 to another premier.

When Diana auctioned 79 of her gowns for charity in 1997, this was Lot 50, described as "a long sequinned dinner dress", and fetched $24,150. The buyer has since loaned it permanently to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace, and it travels occasionally with the Dresses for Humanity exhibit.

This recreation is made from a green sequinned fabric, fully lined in light green to prevent staining. It is lightly ruched at the center front, as is the original, and also features the deep portrait neckline, big sleeves, and high front slit. It fastens at the back with snaps and the wrists with hooks and thread loops. Also includes green satin bag. The shoes are the basic Franklin Mint pumps painted green. I made my own version of the Prince of Wales feather pendant necklace, and the Queen Mary emerald choker was a gift.

(Please note - This is a OOAK ONLY, and no more will be made).

If interested, please e-mail. Thanks for looking!


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