Catherine Walker 'Christie's' Cocktail Dress

fits Franklin Mint Diana Portrait Doll

When Diana famously auctioned off 79 of her gowns for charity in June, 1997, there were two preview parties, one in London and one in New York. Reportedly as an homage to Catherine Walker, who had dressed Diana for most of her public life and whose gowns made up the majority of the auction, she wore a Walker cocktail dress to each one, the same style but in different colors and embellishments. This is one she wore in New York, a pale coffee-colored pastel floral (Catherine Walker herself designed the print) heavily embroidered with crystals and sequins. As with much of her post-divorce dresses, they were shorter and sexier than she had worn as Princess of Wales.

While married to Charles Diana, like all members of the royal family, was not allowed to accept gifts or favors from designers, and everything had to be billed and paid for. After her divorce, however, she was no longer constrained by this. She was also worried about money, and the difficulty of keeping up even a semi-royal public appearance for what everyone assumed would be the next several decades on her divorce settlement, without Charles' vast checkbook. Consequently, it was cost-effective for her to either borrow (or sometimes be given) outfits for public occasions. Such was the case with this particular dress, which was loaned by the designer. It is still in the possession of Catherine Walker's Chelsea Design Company.

This recreation is made from specially printed silk, embroidered all over with glass rocaille beads, including around the hem, armholes, and neckline. Closes in the back with a zipper. Shown with 'Jimmy Choo' cross strap shoes from S 'n E Shoes, earrings from the Light Blue Suit, and bracelet from the Princess of Grandeur doll. Beading detail below:



Please note: the kit (pattern and printed fabric) for this was created by Sylvia Braden, and is no longer available.

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


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