The Art of The Revenge Dress
In 1994, on the night Prince Charles confessed to adultery in his marriage on live television, Princess Diana wore what is now famously known as the Revenge Dress. The little black dress was her most revealing look and is now considered one of history's most iconic fashion moments. Ever since, there have been dozens of dresses the media has sorted under the category of revenge.
The revenge dress is not just a dress you throw on; for Princess Diana, it was one of the first steps in distancing herself from the Royal Family. She had the dress for three years before wearing it, according to Christina Stambolian, the designer. But she feared it was too daring and revealing, especially under royal protocols. That night she intended on wearing something different but switched to the revenge dress last minute. Princess Diana opting for this dress was not only a method in a small act of revenge but a big step toward embracing her femininity in an environment where she was not allowed to.
Ever since Princess Diana, a slew of revenge dresses have followed. In 1997 Pop Diva Mariah Carey wore a black two-piece to the MTV VMAs. The look has become synonymous with her split from Tommy Mottola, her husband and music executive who had control over her image. They were married in 1993 and split in 1997. So when Carey’s revenge dress made its debut, it was a way for her to reclaim her power, signaling that she was free from her marriage and a toxic work environment.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Many revenge dresses are regarded as an act done post-breakup, but for Florence Pugh, it was about the drama circulating in her movie Don't Worry Darling.’ The behind-the-scenes rumors are a whole different feat, but there was speculation of mistreatment and neglect on set by director Olivia Wilde resulting in multiple confrontations with Pugh. At a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, Wilde had announced that Florence Pugh would not be joining the cast on the red carpet premiere, but low and behold, ‘Ms. Flo had shown up in a gorgeous black Valentino dress. Being the star of the film and of that night, Pugh was able to change the narrative.
Image Courtesy: Teen Vogue
Getting your revenge doesn’t just have to be in black. Here are a few more of my favorite revenge dress moments.
Image Courtesy: Enews
Lady Gaga at the 2019 Grammys following her split from fiance Christian Carino.
Image Courtesy: People
Zoe Kravitz at the 2021 Met Gala following her divorce from Karl Glusman.
Image Courtesy: Pop Sugar
Britney Spears at the London Premiere of her movie Crossroads following her split from Justin Timberlake.
Nothing is wrong with wanting to seek a little revenge, especially in the form of a dress. It is a chance for women to embrace their femininity, reclaim their power and change the narrative. Wearing the revenge dress is meant to make you feel empowered and confident, and who doesn’t like looking hot and unbothered while doing so?
Strike Out,
Morgann Rhule
Boca Raton
Morgann (yes with 2 n’s) is a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com
