Fashion Spotlight: Courtney Love Rocks Punk Royalty Look at London’s National Portrait Gallery
Courtney Love, the iconic frontwoman of Hole, epitomized punk royalty in a stunning silver gown by Elizabeth Emanuel at the National Portrait Gallery event. Her edgy yet glamorous ensemble pays homage to the designer behind Princess Diana's legendary wedding dress.
Editor’s Note: ‘Look of the Week’ is a series that delves into the most talked about outfit of the past seven days, showcasing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
On Tuesday, the National Portrait Gallery in London hosted its first fundraising Gala since completing a three-year renovation in 2023. The event drew a star-studded guestlist, including former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, artist Tracey Emin, and BAFTA Award-winning actor Dame Kristen Scott Thomas, who is now also a model for Miu Miu. The attendees were seen dressed in glamorous attire against the backdrop of 1700s portraiture.
With many top figures in the British creative industry supporting local brands, such as Alexa Chung in Erdem and Maya Jama in Vivienne Westwood, it might seem intimidating for someone from California. However, Courtney Love from the band Hole embraced the theme. Instead of following the usual trends at London Fashion Week, Love decided to bring back a classic fashion name and showed up in the most stunning gown of the night.
The gown was inspired by Marie Antoinette and customized for Love.
The gown was inspired by Marie Antoinette and customized for Love.
Dave Benett/Getty Images
Love was the punk princess of St. Martin’s Place, dressed in a stunning gown made of gray silk duchess satin and black tulle. The dress, inspired by the 18th century, was created by Elizabeth Emanuel, who also designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress. 
Sydney Sweeney, a US actress, was spotted at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 10, 2024. She looked stunning in her outfit as she posed for photos at the event. The photo was taken by Michael Tran and was shared by AFP/Getty Images.
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Love's custom look was inspired by Emanuel’s “Marie Antoinette” frock, as seen in Tatler magazine. Instead of the original pale pink color, Love opted for a darker palette to add more drama. Crystal appliques were added at the waist, and the boned corset was fastened with black lacing. The bustle skirt silhouette, hand-draped by Emanuel, gave a grown-up yet princess-like effect, as she shared with CNN via email.
Love was a DJ at the National Portrait Gallery's event.
Love was a DJ at the National Portrait Gallery's event.
Dave Benett/Getty Images
Dress designer Emanuel became famous in 1981 when she was chosen to create Princess Diana's wedding gown. The dress, made of ivory taffeta with pearl embellishments, featured '80s puff sleeves and a 25-foot train. It is now considered one of the most iconic moments in fashion history. In June 2021, the dress was displayed at Diana's former residence in Kensington Palace, 40 years after she wore it for her wedding to Prince Charles.
Later that evening, Love was seen DJing behind the decks. A torn tulle sleeve, likely snagged while she was caught up in the music, was visible on her outstretched arm. This moment truly captured the essence of a beloved princess.
Editor's P/S:
Courtney Love's appearance at the National Portrait Gallery Gala was not just a fashion statement, but a testament to her unique style and appreciation for the past. Inspired by the grandeur of Marie Antoinette, Love's customized gown by Elizabeth Emanuel evoked the opulence of the 18th century while adding a touch of modern edginess. The darker palette and crystal appliques transformed the classic design into a statement piece that reflected Love's punk princess persona.
Love's presence at the event, alongside figures like Alexa Chung and Maya Jama, highlighted the diversity of British fashion. Her choice to wear a custom creation by Elizabeth Emanuel, the designer behind Princess Diana's iconic wedding dress, further emphasized the connection between tradition and contemporary creativity in the fashion world. The torn tulle sleeve, visible during her DJ set, added a touch of authenticity and relatability to her overall look, making her not just a style icon but also a symbol of the enduring power of fashion to inspire and evoke emotions. let loose and have some fun.
