PRINCESS DIANA, muse to many, missed by most. Princess Diana, muse to Virgil Abloh, inspiration for Off-White‘s SS18 collection. Potentially the biggest risk-taking hybridising of styles of the current decade turned out to be the most ingenious show of recent years. Interweaving the ironic and casual approach to fashion that the streetwear label is famed for into the grace and glamour of the on and off-duty looks of the departed princess makes for looks that are nostalgic, delicate and blossoming with beauty.
The respectful tribute turned ultra-modern extravaganza celebrates style-icon Diana as being a role model for all but also celebrates Virgil Abloh as being a multi-talented creative director. Taking a completely new approach to keep Off-White fresh and exciting, Abloh exhibits how he is also able to get creative with refined styles. The show invitations  hinted at the direction of the show as it included an image of the Princess of Wales plastered on the front layered with NATURAL WOMAN in the brand’s now recognisable font on top.
Ever since the delivery of such invites, the event has been surrounded in hype – hype that it managed to live up to. Starring a stellar line up of models including fashion royalty Naomi Campbell, the red-carpet runway influenced by the princess’s fashion archives left guests astonished. Expect to see Diana’s remixed wardrobe inspiring women around the world once again as her fits are manipulated and exaggerated for the future season.
by Joseph Furness