The Daring Birthday Gown Princess Diana Wore Just Weeks Before Her Tragic Death originally appeared on Parade.
On her 36th birthday, Princess Diana turned heads at a glamorous gala in a daring black gown that radiated confidence. Fresh off her split from then-Prince Charles, she was stepping fully into the spotlight on her terms. Tragically, it would be the last birthday she’d ever celebrate.
On July 1, 1997, Princess Diana celebrated in style at the Tate Gallery’s 100th anniversary celebration in London. She wore a striking black dress by designer Jacques Azagury.
The breathtaking black creation was one of the final five custom gowns Azagury created for the late Princess of Wales. The look was a clear departure from the more conservative styles she once favored and reflected the confidence she felt in the final months of her life.
Per In Style, the princess’s black gown was a birthday gift from the designer. Diana reportedly switched gowns at the last minute, changing to Azagury’s daring creation for the high-profile event.
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The gown was made of a black Chantilly lace dress, hand-embroidered with tiny sequins and beads. It was reportedly the designer’s favorite dress.
This gown is part of the “Famous Five” dresses Azagury designed specifically for the Princess of Wales. These dresses referred to the final five gowns created for the royal by the designer in the last year of her life.
These included the “Swan Lake Dress,” worn by the princess to a Royal Gala Performance of Swan Lake in June 1997. There’s also the “Bashir” dress, a black silk georgette dress with a fishtail hem worn that same year. Diana’s “Washington” dress was made of red silk georgette and featured a deep V back, worn to a Red Cross Ball Gala dinner in Washington on June 18, 1997.
The last two of the five were the “Venice” Dress, which was a red, bugle bead dress with a short skirt, worn by the princess in Venice in June 1995. The final gown, which Diana never wore publicly, is the “Final Goodbye” dress.
The hand-beaded gown was made of black pure silk georgette dress material. It had a plunging neckline and a high front slit.
This was the last dress the designer made for the Princess of Wales. She was fitted for it before flying to Paris and was set to have one more fitting upon her return. The straps remain pinned as a tribute to Diana.
Princess Diana tragically died on August 31, 1997. She was killed in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, France, while being pursued by paparazzi.
The Daring Birthday Gown Princess Diana Wore Just Weeks Before Her Tragic Death first appeared on Parade on Jul 1, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
