Princess Diana's Wedding Gown Designer Unveils Hidden 'Backup' Dress Decades Later

Designer of Princess Diana’s Wedding Gown Talks Creating Spare Dress

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Elizabeth Manuel, the designer of Princess Diana's wedding dress, was prepared for any unexpected circumstances on the royal's big day.

Despite the iconic beaded, bow-adorned puff-sleeve dress that Diana wore to marry Prince Charles being etched in our memories, few are aware that Manuel, now 70 years old, had actually created a backup dress just in case something happened to the original.

Manuel explained in a video interview with People that he had a bit of a neurotic moment, worrying about what would happen if something happened to Princess Diana's dress before the big day. He decided to create a backup dress, just in case.

The spare dress was inspired by a pink dress Manuel had previously made for Diana to wear at a pre-wedding ball. However, the backup dress was a bright white color and did not have the 25-foot train like the original. It had a ruffled neckline, slimmer sleeves, and was more fitted to her arms. The design also included pearls on the bodice, falling down into a billowing skirt with scallop embroidery.

The backup dress, which was carefully planned but never completed, never made it out for public viewing. Manuel shared with People that once it was confirmed Diana would wear the original design, the backup dress was simply stored away on a sample rack.

Designer of Princess Diana’s Wedding Gown Talks Creating Spare Dress

Elizabeth and David Emanuel in their London workshop in May 1981. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Now, the spare dress is getting a second chance. Manuel has redesigned the outfit to be showcased at the virtual Princess Diana Museum.

“We never had the opportunity to see Diana wear that dress, so we decided to reimagine it," Renae Plant, the museum’s curator, shared with People. “The value of history is priceless.”

Because the first spare had been lost, Manuel recreated the second version mostly from memory.  

Designer of Princess Diana’s Wedding Gown Talks Creating Spare Dress

Manuel shared with People that in creating this dress, he delved into his memories and came across old photographs from that time. He aimed to recreate it as accurately as possible, following the same process as they would have back then.

Manuel fondly recalls the time she spent with Diana. The late princess personally reached out to the designer and requested her to create her wedding dress. Manuel was so surprised and thrilled that she had to excuse herself from a client meeting. This marked the beginning of their collaboration, which Manuel describes as an incredible honor.

Years later, the two crossed paths once more at a Christie's auction. It turned out to be the final time Manuel had the chance to see Diana before the tragic car accident in Paris in August 1997.

 “She was lovely and she looked radiant,” Manuel added. 

Editor's P/S:

The existence of a backup wedding dress for Princess Diana is a fascinating revelation that sheds light on the meticulous planning and contingency measures taken for such a momentous event. It is a testament to the designer's foresight and the desire to ensure that everything would go flawlessly on the royal couple's special day. While the original dress has become an iconic symbol of Diana's style and elegance, the backup dress offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes preparations and the lengths to which people went to make the wedding a success.

The decision to create a second version of the spare dress for display at the Princess Diana Museum is a fitting tribute to the late princess and her legacy. It allows the public to appreciate a piece of history that would otherwise have remained unseen. The museum's curator aptly notes the priceless value of preserving such artifacts, as they provide a tangible connection to the past and help future generations understand the significance of Diana's life and impact.