Some wardrobe classics will always be associated with Princess Diana: a Lady Dior handbag, a houndstooth blazer, a slogan sweatshirt and bike shorts paired with a smart tan. Of course, let’s not forget the elegant heels she wore with Catherine Walker dresses in the 90s. Characterised by its closed toe, utilitarian mid-heel and delicate straps, the royal uses these shoes as the basis of her formal wardrobe decades before Jules Lebron uttered the immortal words “very prestigious, very discreet”.
Now, Princess Diana’s favorite subtly sexy shoe is dominating the party scene once again after becoming a micro-trend on the 2024 runways. At Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello showed a satin version that night owl princesses will undoubtedly love, while Matthew Blazy’s Bottega Veneta featured a softly curved heel and supple pleated leather that was perfect for dinner in San Francisco.
In Alanya, Pieter Mulier offers a more extreme version of the shoe, which Princess Diana would have hesitated to test on the street (look at the heel height!), but as we know, Victoria Beckham tried this shoe without hesitation. Shiny stilettos – after all, this is a woman who refuses to wear flats, even if one of her feet is hidden in a medical boot. The designer was photographed ahead of his Spring 2025 show in Paris this week wearing a red Alais ankle strap. Whether it’s understated or voluminous, we’re all about the revival of Lady Di’s tried and true shade.
Here’s a selection of lace-up party shoes.
