The Crown Returns: Elizabeth Debicki Channels Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress at Season 6 Premiere
Last night at the star-studded premiere of the highly anticipated sixth season of The Crown in Los Angeles, all eyes were on leading lady Elizabeth Debicki, who portrays the beloved Princess Diana in the Emmy-winning Netflix series. And the Australian actor did not disappoint, turning heads in a slinky black dress that subtly channeled one of Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: the infamous off-the-shoulder “revenge dress.”
Stepping onto the red carpet at the premiere, Debicki looked every inch the glamorous princess in a sleek black bustier gown from Bottega Veneta’s spring 2024 runway collection. With its structured, off-the-shoulder bodice and curve-hugging skirt, the minimalist dress was reminiscent of the plunging Christina Stambolian number Diana famously wore on the evening Prince Charles’ tell-all television interview about his infidelity aired in 1994.
Dubbed the “revenge dress” by the press, Diana’s bold black cocktail dress was viewed as a sartorial middle finger to her estranged husband. Debicki seemed to pay subtle sartorial homage to the iconic look, while giving it a modern twist for the 2022 premiere. Forgoing the pearls and sapphire choker necklace Diana accessorized with, Debicki let the architectural bustier bodice be the focus, accentuating her décolletage. She added sleek BB pumps by Manolo Blahnik and diamond drop earrings for a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
The clever style nod delighted fans and fashion commentators, who praised Debicki for channeling one of Diana’s most memorable fashion statements. “It was a brilliant sartorial choice, at once completely appropriate for a glitzy red carpet event yet still evoking the strength and resilience Diana projected with that legendary dress,” noted Harper’s Bazaar senior fashion editor Claudia Marshall.
Of course, The Crown fans know recreation of the iconic revenge dress is slated to appear in season 6 itself. Speaking to Vogue about the upcoming portrayal, Debicki revealed, “When people in my life found out that I was going to play this part, this was the dress that everyone texted me about.”
No doubt this subtle homage on the red carpet has only elevated the anticipation for that already buzzed-about scene. And based on the glowing early reviews of Debicki’s performance, it seems the actor has truly embodied Diana’s style and spirit.
“Debicki is mesmerizing. She moves with grace, speaks with warmth and authority, and projects reservoir upon reservior of hurt,” raved Vanity Fair’s critic Richard Lawson.
From the premiere’s red carpet to the show itself, Debicki has proven she can capture Diana’s fateful yet fearless fashion sense that still captivates today. Whether donning replicas of the princess’s most famous ensembles or crafting modern looks imbued with subtle tributes, Debicki continues Diana’slegacy as a style icon who used fashion to speak volumes.
