Cannes is currently underway, so let’s do a little retrospective.

While the festival attracts celebs of a very high calibre, few will make the kind of entrance that the late Princess Diana made 32 years ago in 1987.

The Princess is most well-known for her humanitarian work, the legacy of her sons Harry and William, and of course, her great fashion sense.

Most of what she wore had a timeless chic quality to it, which suggested that it would stand the test of time – something that was tricky in the 80s.

Here’s Woman’s Own:

One of her most famous looks ever was her flowing chiffon blue ballgown at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, where she attended the filmic event with Prince Charles by her side. By this time, the couple had been married for over seven years and, as far as the public were aware, their relationship was going along swimmingly.

It was the early days of Diana’s history within the royal family, when she was referred to as “Shy Di”.  She was famed for her doe-eyed and demure look,  and her subtle, quiet appearance at events. But despite her shyness, the Princess was already clearly smart in her fashion choices.

You can see her arriving at Cannes here. You should also look out for some of the 80s-tastic fashion on that walkway:

And the award for most cynical narrator ever goes to whoever did the voice-over for that video. back to the dress:

This ethereal, otherworldly gown suits her new role as Britain’s new “fairy-tale Princess” perfectly. It’s easy to see why, in those days, Diana was regularly compared to the other, world-famous Princess, Grace Kelly – or Princess Grace. Both princesses were renowned for their beauty and their fairy-tale fashion choices, and both were equally the sweetheart of their respective nations. Princess Grace also made a striking debut at Cannes Festival, back in 1995. So perhaps Diana was keen to replicate the success!

Let’s take a closer look:

The Prince and Princess of Wales were attending the festival in honour of the world premiere of The Whales of August, directed by their countryman Lindsay Anderson.

Well, now you know.

[source:womansown]