 | Diana's first solo overseas trip was to New York City in February, 1989.
The official reason was the American debut of the Welsh National Opera's staging of Verdi's 'Falstaff'- Diana was patron of the opera company. There were also stops to highlight the problems of homelessness and pediatric AIDS, as well as British trade. On her first night in New York - straight from the airport - she attended a cocktail party for a British clothier, Dawson International. For the occasion she chose this Catherine Walker cocktail outfit, a blue shirred silk top paired with a black wool skirt. (Left, and video here).) There was a practical aspect to the choice - she was taking a 5 hour commercial flight and was going directly to the reception, without either time or a private place to change out of possibly wrinkled clothes. She was quoted in the Washington Post at the time as telling someone at the reception, with a grin, "It doesn't crease."
Later that month she wore it again, to a concert by The London Symphony Orchestra (of which she was also patron) at the Barbican Centre.(Right) On both occasions she accessorized it with pearl necklace and earrings.
When Hello! magazine did its annual survey of most and least elegant outfits for 1989, this one placed third as 'least elegant'. Perhaps Diana agreed, as it appears she didn't wear it publicly again. As she did with many of her clothes, she later gave it to her sister, Lady Sarah.(below) 
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