Princess Diana’s Iconic Dress Collection Embarks on Global Tour

A remarkable collection of dresses, shoes, and personal items belonging to Princess Diana is set to embark on a worldwide exhibition tour, allowing fans to experience her legacy firsthand. Comprised of approximately 3,000 pieces, this collection is the brainchild of Renae Plant, an Australian woman who has dedicated her resources to amassing these treasures over several years.

The exhibition tour will commence in November 2026, with the first stop planned for California. While Renae Plant has not yet revealed the exact location of the tour’s premiere, she expressed her hope that it will ultimately return to the UK for a permanent display. “Every piece has a unique story,” she stated, highlighting the personal significance of each item in her collection.

Renae’s passion for collecting began in her childhood, fueled by posters of Diana from her friend’s father’s newsagent. Following Diana’s tragic death in 1997, Renae attended an auction at Christie’s in New York, where she first laid eyes on the iconic dresses. “I was just there to watch,” she recalled, but it sparked a deep desire to own a piece of history.

In 2014, Renae made her first significant purchase, acquiring a burgundy Caroline Charles wool coat that Diana wore while carrying baby Prince William for £115,000. This was just the beginning. Renae later acquired the famed ice-blue Versace dress, which Diana wore in 1991. To secure it, Renae and her husband took out a second mortgage on their home in Los Angeles, ultimately outbidding Kensington Palace in the process.

Among her proudest acquisitions is the “caring dress,” worn during her second meeting with Diana in 1988. Renae recalled the emotional moment when she won the auction for this dress at £260,000. “I never thought it would come up for auction; I thought it was just gone, part of history. I collapsed when the auction ended and we’d won,” she said.

Renae’s dedication to this collection is reflected in her correspondence with Prince William and Prince Harry, which she sought to obtain as a sign of respect for the royal family. “Once I got serious about collecting, I wrote to William and Harry, as it was important to have their blessing. William wrote back, and we have corresponded a couple of times since,” she shared.

With over 100 pieces of Diana’s clothing and nearly 3,000 items overall—including baby shoes and wedding slippers—Renae’s collection stands as a testament to Diana’s enduring impact on the world. Among the most poignant pieces is a dress designed by Jacques Azagury, which Diana never wore. “It still has the pins in it from her last fitting,” Renae reflected, emphasizing the emotional weight of her collection.

The upcoming exhibition promises to be a significant event for admirers of Princess Diana, offering a unique glimpse into the life and style of one of the most beloved figures in modern history. As Renae Plant prepares for this monumental journey, she aims to share the stories behind each piece, connecting people around the world to the legacy of Princess Diana.