Diana: A Celebration Exhibition

I went to see the Diana: A Celebration Exhibition at Cincinnati Museum Center Wednesday. The exhibit has traveled worldwide since 2003. Did you see it? Did it come to your city/country? Cincinnati was the FINAL STOP on the worldwide tour and the exhibit officially ends this Sunday August 17th. I saw it just in time. I must say there's nothing like seeing an exhibit in person, up-close and with your own eyes. I was a little girl when Diana married Charles, but I remember waking up early with my family, sitting in front of the television eating doughnuts & milk, and being mesmerized by their wedding. I thought it was so regal and compared it to the only wedding I knew at the time...The Sound of Music. After that, I loved everything about Princess Diana and followed her throughout her life. I also remember the night I heard the devastating news of her death. My heart sunk and it all seemed so unreal. It was very sad. So for me, it was important to see this exhibit. Photography inside the exhibit was not allowed. So I took pictures & gifs outside and also of the book I purchased at the exhibit. I also found some press, unofficial and official Cincinnati Museum Center pictures...so I added them below. All of these will give you insight as to what I saw. Enjoy :)

Tiara

This tiara took my breath away! It was so beautiful and sparkled so. It was the first item you saw when you walked into the exhibit. It was literally the icing on the cake for me to see. They also displayed many Spencer family jewels that were passed down from generation to generation and their family tree (not shown).

Diana's Childhood 

It was really awesome to see many of Diana's childhood toys, ballet & tap shoes, academic report cards and photo albums. Her father took many pictures of his children and he put together albums for each of them. It was funny seeing the albums (My mom did the same thing! They're just like us! HaHaHa) Diana's school uniform looked exactly like the uniforms featured in the Harry Potter movies. I loved it! I could also relate to Diana's love for ballet. She had to stop because she became too tall. I stopped for the same reason. They showed some film of Diana as a child. It was awesome to see. Also, loved her childhood portraits.

The Royal Wedding

The wedding dress I saw as a child, left me awestruck when I saw it in person. The details were so amazing and I think I walked around her dress at least five times. I loved the lace on the sleeves. The dress was very Marie Antoinette. The scattered sequins on the cathedral length veil were gorgeous. I also loved the bows (so 80's). The flower girl's dress was adorable. Despite preservation, you can see how age has affected both dresses. The dress looked lighter (in weight) than what I envisioned. Loved Diana, but I wasn't fond of her wedding shoes lol (hearts!) or purse, but they did go with the "period" theme of her wedding. I didn't see (in person) the parasol that was made for her. However the book stated it was made in case it rained on her wedding day. A fact I was totally unaware of. Another WOW moment for me was when I saw the guest wedding cake boxes. I so wanted to go through the glass and take touch it! HaHaHa You know my love for sweet anything!!! There was also a stunning picture of her, that she sent to her father when she became engaged (shown below).

Dress Gallery

The blue Chanel suit and Gianni Versace designs entranced me. I was witnessing impeccable craftsmanship that truly endured time. It's funny, how cameras and television can alter the color of a design sometimes. As I looked at her outfits, some items were lighter or darker than what I remembered. I also didn't know the safari inspired outfit she wore to Africa was actually culottes! I always thought it was a skirt.

The only thing I wished was there (that wasn't) was the black "revenge" dress! LOL I have another name for it, but I won't say it. Remember when she hopped out that car with that awesome dress (by Christina Stambolian). That was THE baddest dress! It definitely made a statement. Maybe I'll have to go to Althorp to see that one ;)

Tribute
There was an entire room of condolence books! I know people sign condolence books at funerals, but I was oblivious to the fact that each country put together one for her representing their country. Thar was amazing to see. There were SO MANY of them! There was also the written speech her brother talked from and Elton John's Candle In The Wind sheet music. She was truly loved. I really admired Diana. She contributed much to society: humanitarianism, fashion, classiness and love. I'm so happy I had a chance to see this beautiful exhibit. I purchased the book for this exhibit and also a mirror as a keepsake.You can to, by going to the Diana A Celebration Website, Althorp Website or visiting Althorp

picture credits:

all gifs (a very sweet blog) / all pictures a very sweet blog unless noted on the picture (instagram picture credits) or cincinnati museum center / some photos are from the book Diana: a celebration