Diana continues to inspire through memorabilia, dresses

Dresses worn by Princess Diana will be on display at The von LIebig. COURTESY PHOTO Months of painstaking work by experts and collectors from around the world. Thousands of manhours. It’s finally here.

The von Liebig Art Center presents the much anticipated “Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration” exhibition showcasing a collection of the late Princess Diana’s gowns, shoes, handbags and royal memorabilia. Several of the dresses on display were purchased at the Christie’s auction held just weeks before the princess’ untimely death.

The exhibit opens Saturday, March 13, and runs through June 27,

No detail has been overlooked. Even the walls of the Frederick O. Watson Gallery at The von Liebig have received a special coat of periwinkle blue paint to form a perfect backdrop for the gowns. After the exhibition ends in June, the gallery walls will return to white.

<< This eggshell-blue chiffon-and-lace gown is trimmed with ribbon-work flowers and sequins. The gown originally had long sleeves when Princess Diana wore it for a banquet in Portugal and on an earlier official tour of Qatar. She then asked designer Catherine Walker to alter it to its present form. She donated this strapless version for a charity gala in London in 1989 — and later selected it for an official tour to the Cameroons in 1990. By the loving care given to the exhibit by the individual owners of the dresses and all those who have worked to set up the show, it’s easy to believe that Diana herself would smile down upon the rooms at The von Liebig where some of her most beloved items now hold court. Arranged by the team of dedicated collectors and a renowned textile curator, every piece of Diana memorabilia has been placed for careful appreciation.

Ticketholders could spend as little as 45 timed minutes breezing through the collection, but it’s more likely they’ll spend their maximum of two hours savoring it.

This could be the last showing in American for several dresses in the exhibition. “This is likely the last time many of these dresses will be exhibited,” says organizer and collector Suzanne King. Because several of the owners of the dresses have decided not to exhibit them again, the dresses will go back to England for permanent display after The von Liebig event, she explains. Mrs. King owns seven Diana dresses, six of which she has loaned to The von Liebig for “Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration.”

The world watched the People’s Princess as she graced the halls of royal and everyday events and watchers kept an eagle eye on everything she wore. That included a purple and black cocktail dress Diana made famous on the cover of People Magazine. Although the publication acquired the gown some time ago, this is the first time the garment has been put on display. Visitors to The von Liebig also will see the dazzling designs Diana wore to the America’s Cup Ball and to the premiere screenings of films including “Back to the Future,” “The Last Emperor” and “Hook” (to which she took her young sons).

<< This striking two-tone gown was worn by Princess Diana on numerous occasions. In 1986, she chose it for a London film premiere and for the America’s Cup Ball. A year later, she wore it with one red glove and one black glove on an official tour of Spain. Made of scarlet silk taffeta and black velvet, the gown was created by British designer Murray Arbeid and was one of 79 evening dresses auctioned by the princess in 1997 to raise funds for charity. The royal memorabilia room showcases many items that have never been on display to the public before. The exhibition includes letters and invitations, holiday cards, signed photographs, gifts Diana gave and memorabilia from other royals including Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother and Prince Charles. Collectors have employed the use of bios in the memorabilia room to ensure ticketholders can easily understand the items they see.

There is also a hard cover exhibition collectors catalogue about “Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration” available at The von Liebig for $25.

While the exhibition honors the historical importance of Diana’s journey from royal princess to humanitarian, it will also benefit the Pink Ribbon Crusade, a nonprofit organization founded by Mrs. King and several other Diana dress owners to support women with breast cancer. Locally, a portion of the funds raised through “Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration” will be distributed to Bosom Buddies and the NCH Hospital Foundation. 

>> The Princess of Wales wore this elegant long-sleeved gown on two public occasions. She initially selected it in 1991 when she took young Prince William and Prince Harry to the London film premiere of “Hook,” where they were all photographed with stars Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams. .. in the know

>> What: “Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration” >> Where: The von Liebig Art Center >> When: March 13-June 27 >> Tickets: $10 for members of the Naples Art Association, $12 for non-members, $5 for children 10 and younger >> Preview: A members-only preview reception takes place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 12. >> More: Tickets are sold in time slots for entrance at 10 a.m. and 12:30 and 3 p.m. daily except Tuesdays, when times are 12:30, 3 and 5:30 p.m. >> Information: 262-6517, ext. 115, or www.NaplesArt.org

Before You Go Interested in brushing up on royal facts before visiting the exhibit? Here are a few of the many Web sites with a wealth of information about the British monarchy: www.royal.gov.uk www.britianexpress.com www.pbs.org/opb/monarchy www.bbc.co.uk/history

Make a date In addition to seeing “Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration” during regular hours at The von Liebig Art Center, these special activities are happening: • Diana’s Personal Chef: lectures by Darren McGrady, personal chef to Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II and author of “Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen” March 13-14 SOLD OUT • Tuesday Tea: tours in conjunction with Brambles Tea Room and the Jolly Cricket, beginning April 6 for groups of 10 or more Call Nicole Dupont Strub, 262-6517, ext. 110 • Naples Princess Cruises: Champagne and cupcakes with style and image expert Cheryl Lampard of Style Matters International Topics include: The Royal Male, Princess Diana Fashion Fever, From Nanny to International Icon, Royal Fashions and Faux Pas, Royal Weddings and Elizabethan Style 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 1, 15 and 29; May 13 and 27; June 10 and 24 $49 per person (includes tax and donation to The von Liebig Art Center, Bosom Buddies and the NCH Mammogram Fund) Call 649-2275 or visit www.naplesprincesscruises.com