Princess Diana-inspired looks on the runway at Tory Burch spring 2020 (photos: Getty Images)
Cover Princess Diana-inspired looks on the runway at Tory Burch spring 2020 (photos: Getty Images)

The American designer looked to the People’s Princess for inspiration

While Princess Diana’s iconic ‘80s style has never really gone out of style, fashion seems to be particularly enamoured with the People’s Princess’ laissez-faire looks as of late. From Virgil Abloh's Spring 2018 collection for Off-White to the recent Vogue Paris editorial starring Hailey Bieber, the late Diana Spencer’s lasting influence on fashion has become particularly relevant.

The latest ode to Princess Diana’s style arrives in the form of linen, leather, and macrame tweed at Tory Burch’s NYFW show earlier this week.

Sunday’s show was held at the Brooklyn Museum, where Burch noted that she took care “to be careful not to be too literal, because she’s clearly a style icon but that’s not what was so interesting to me.”

What was interesting to the American designer was Diana’s humanitarian work, “her fearlessness, her being a mom that protected her family and just how strong of a woman she was.” Burch said.

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Princess Diana-inspired looks on the runway at Tory Burch spring 2020 (photos: Getty Images)
Above Princess Diana-inspired looks on the runway at Tory Burch spring 2020 (photos: Getty Images)

Rather than translating her inspiration literally, Burch chose to take loose cues from the late style icon; leaning into her fearlessness and strength. This came through as a feminine whimsy that was equally grounded and graceful.

The runway show included broad-shouldered suit jackets, poofy, ‘80s style sleeves, floral prints, and practical footwear, including sneakers, flat sandals, loafers, and polka-dot slingbacks. Large pearl drop earrings were included in nearly every look as well, and minimal makeup and swept back hair completed the look.

Unlike the other recent translations of Princess Diana’s style, Burch’s interpretation was considerably less literal; resulting in a much more intellectual ode and thoughtful ode to the late Princess. The range of looks will all be available in Burch’s spring-summer 2020 collection.