Eight never-before-seen outfits are going on display at Diana: Her Fashion Story

Including the outfit she wore to visit landmine fields
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Sabrina Carder16 April 2018

If you find yourself at Kensington Palace between 10am-5pm any day of the week chances are there will be quite a hefty queue outside.

Ever since the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition opened in February 2017 it has attracted large crowds as it celebrates the life and style of the world renowned Princess of Wales.

Twenty years after her death, the exhibition allows us to get a closer look at her sartorial successes, from her glamorous evening gowns to her working wardrobe.

Although the exhibition is already a sell-out, bringing together 28 recognisable garments, the Historic Royal Palaces have now announced that they will be adding eight never-before-seen additions when it reopens on 26 April, 2018.

Here they are...

International Red Cross, 1997

Diana, Princess of Wales, tours a minefield in body armour
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One of the most anticipated outfits going on display is what Diana wore in 1997 to visit landmine fields in Angola with the International Red Cross.

The event captured the world's attention, helping to establish Diana as not only a trendsetter, but also as a patron and the people's princess.

Compromising of a casual pair of Armani chinos, a white shirt and Halo Trust branded protective vest, this will be the first time the ensemble has even been on display to the public.

Atelier Versace, 1996

The Princess of Wales arrives at the Field Museum in Chicago
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Throughout the mid-1990s Diana struck up a friendship with Versace.

Although luxury brands were a regular occurrence in the princess's wardrobe, Diana convinced Gianni Versace to create a chic new look for her, which resulted in several high street and catwalk trends.

Versace created numerous classic, elegant and simple silhouettes for Diana up until his death in 1997, with a particular favourite being a ultra violet evening gown she wore to a fundraising dinner at the Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

The Royal Albert Hall dress, 1995

The dress Princess Diana wore to the Royal Albert Hall in 1995 (SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces )
SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces

Next up is a dress that will catch everyone's attention, a striking two-tone number boasting a black bodice and pillar box red skirt.

The garment was designed by Catherine Walker for a Pavarotti concert at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Red Cross 125th Birthday Appeal.

Style File: Princess Diana

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The gown is a perfect example of the way in which Diana communicated through her choice of clothing. The red hue reflecting the British Red Cross, and the braid detail referencing the military aspect of the evening as it was part of the VE day 50th anniversary celebrations.

The New Zealand dress, 1983

The dress Diana wore during a royal tour of New Zealand in 1983
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A second Catherine Walker design is also on display.

The light blue day dress was worn by the princess in 1983 on her first official tour of New Zealand with The Prince of Wales and Prince William, who was just 10 months old.

Speaking to the Standard last month, co-founder of Catherine Walker, Said Cyrus revealed: "The princess was always very aware of the fact that wherever she went she needed to pay due respect to the traditions and cultures of the country she was visiting."

The Tokyo Dress, 1990

The Prince and Princess of Wales with Japan's Emperor Hirohito
PA Archive/PA Images

Another royally-approved number going on show is a pleated evening gown Diana wore to a State Dinner with Emperor Hirohito in Tokyo.

For the occasion, Diana made a diplomatic gesture through the ensemble as it was designed by London-based Japanese-born designer, Yuki.

The Portrait dress, 1986

The green gown designed by Victor Edelstein (SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces )
SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces

Although Diana is now considered one of the most photographed women in the world, back in 1986 she posed for official portraits for Terence Donovan.

A proud advocate for British fashion, the princess chose to wear a jewel toned gown by Victor Edelstein, who was considered one of London’s top couture designers in the 1980s.

Featuring an elaborate Victorian silhouette, the style was quickly coined the ‘Princess-style’ due to its striking opulance.

The Plaid dress, 1982

The tartan dress Diana wore to the Braemar (Highland) Games in 1982 (SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces )
SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces

During her second visit to the Braemar (Highland) Games in Scotland, in 1982, Diana fittingly wore a tartan dress by Caroline Charles.

Diana was adhering to tradition, as protocol called for the royal family to wear tartan when attending the games. But, ever the style inspiration, Diana managed to add an '80s twist with the addition of contrasting white collars and cuffs.

The honeymoon dress, 1981

The Prince and Princess of Wales make their way to Waterloo Station to depart for their honeymoon
PA Archive/PA Images

Lastly, her honeymoon dress has also made it into the collection.

The princess wore the pink two-set to board a train at London Waterloo for her romantic break.

The elegant number was commissioned by one of Diana's favourite designers, David Sassoon, who she worked with throughout her life.

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