'Diana, A Celebration' honors the Princess of Wales

​Last Saturday, "Diana, A Celebration" opened at the Mall of America. The exhibit honors the life and legacy of the late Princess of Wales. Known as the "people's princess" and "the Queen of hearts," Diana charmed the world with her beauty, grace, impeccable fashion sense, and her passion for helping those in need.

"Diana was such an extraordinary woman," says Nick Grossmark, who, along with Graeme Murton, helped curate the show and serves as the art handler for the exhibition. "'Diana, A Celebration' allows you see her life, starting with her very normal childhood and continuing through to her time as the princess who was loved and admired by so many people."

Each room in the exhibition highlights an important aspect of Diana's life, from her childhood, to her courtship with Charles, to her wedding, to her untimely death, to her charity work that lives on today. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Spencer family jewels, childhood mementos, home videos, family photographs, and clothing.

​One of the most celebrated items in the exhibition is Diana's wedding dress, complete with its 25-foot train. Made from a silk taffeta, the train and body of the dress are very light, with the body of the dress weighing in at less than two pounds. It is the underskirt, made from layers and layers of tulle that give the dress weight.

"St. Paul's Cathedral was so enormous and Diana had to make an impact, hence the 25-foot train," says Murton, who along with Grossmark are the only people in the world trusted to care for Diana's dress. "It was the longest royal train in history."

In addition to her wedding dress, visitors can see a handful of Diana's clothing, including the gown she wore to the last public appearance before her death. Murton and Grossmark describe her wardrobe as timeless, noting that the Chanel, Armani, Valentino, and countless other designer garments could be worn today.

"I think it was incredible the fashion influence that Diana had across the world," Nick says. "There wasn't a woman or girl at the time who wasn't watching the way she wore her hair, her wardrobe, her jewelry, and even her shoes. She developed a very sophisticated style that resonated with women around the world. There was nothing outlandish or garish about the way she dressed. Her attire was subtle and sophisticated."

Murton notes that while Diana understood the power of fashion, she more importantly realized how her status could bring attention to charities around the world.

​"Diana had a saying that she wanted to be a work horse, not a clothes horse," he says. "The great thing about Princess Diana was that she used her presence to draw people's attention to important causes."

The exhibition, on loan from the Althorp Estate in England, will run through June 10 of this year.

"Princess Diana was an iconic goddess and a true people's person," Murton says. "This exhibition gives an overview of this exceptional woman. There's something here for everyone to enjoy."

IF YOU GO:

Mall of America
Level 4 East
Through June 10
Tickets from $13.50-$23.50
For more info, visit www.mallofamerica.com/events/feature/diana-a-celebration