Starting Saturday, September 14, visitors will have the opportunity to view Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress at the Putnam Museum in Davenport. The exhibit, titled “Diana: A Celebration,” highlights the life of Princess Diana, covering her early years, royal wedding, and humanitarian efforts.
At the heart of the exhibit is her legendary wedding gown, a masterpiece designed with a fairytale vision in mind. The dress is handled exclusively by two authorized experts and is maintained under strict preservation standards. Adorned with around 10,000 sequins and over 100 yards of tulle forming its voluminous skirt, the gown is both intricate and surprisingly delicate in appearance.
For transportation, the dress is carefully packed in a tall wooden crate and wrapped in protective cloth. It is stored separately from its accessories, including the 25-foot train, tiara, and veil, which will be displayed alongside it in a glass case. The exhibit is further enriched with photographs documenting Diana’s life and legacy.
The display will remain at the museum until January 5. Visitors who sign up for or renew a Putnam membership will also have a chance to win a 5-carat sapphire ring inspired by Diana’s famous engagement ring, later worn by Duchess Catherine. The ring was designed and donated by Revell Jewelers in the Quad Cities. After this exhibition, the dress will be returned to Princes William and Harry, marking one of its final public appearances.
In a completely different turn of events, television personality Michael Barrymore is launching a men’s clothing line—though with an unusual twist. The brand, called Made By Dave, is humorously credited to Barrymore’s Jack Russell dog. The website features quirky and often crude humor, including jokes written from the dog’s perspective and references to Barrymore’s controversial past.
While the branding may raise eyebrows, some of the clothing items—particularly the shoes—have received praise for their style and quality. Despite its unconventional marketing, the line shows surprising promise.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) has made history by including menswear in its official lineup for the first time in its 19-year run. Traditionally focused on womenswear, the event expanded to feature men’s fashion collections from local brands such as Autonomy, Jack London, Calibre, and Kings of Carnaby.
One standout show by designer Dom Bagnato brought the elegance of the Roaring Twenties to life, featuring tailored pieces crafted from wool, silk, linen, and cotton. The collection showcased a refined color palette of blue, terracotta, and grey, with sharply tailored vests and both single- and double-breasted jackets.
The nine-day event attracted over 100,000 attendees and included contributions from around 30 designers, retailers, and fashion students. Adding to the excitement, designer Alexi Freeman presented his vibrant “Python” collection, featuring sports-chic designs made from luxurious fabrics such as silk, leather, and georgette.
