LOOK: Princess Diana 'revenge dress' wax figure revealed in Paris
The wax museum has unveiled a new figure of the late Princess Diana in one of her most iconic looks.
The Grévin Museum in Paris, France, has a rich history and is a wax museum unlike any other.
READ: Scientist shares technique to help you fall asleep faster
The building houses an Italian-style theatre, a marble staircase, a Hall of Mirrors, and The Dome and the Hall of Columns, all covered in a baroque framework designed and constructed in 1882 to house the first waxworks of celebrities.
It was listed on the Inventory of Historical Monuments in 1964.
READ: Expert warns viral relationship test could 'do more harm than good'
There isn't a more fitting place for a wax figure of the beloved Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales.
The Musée Grévin is home to over 250 waxworks, having displayed more than 3,000 figures during its 130-year history.
READ: Win R25,000 with Hi-Lo on The Drive with Rob and Roz
Now the late Princess Diana joins them, and unlike some wax figures or statues found elsewhere, this one is not only accurate but beautiful.
According to AP News and Grévin Museum officials, the director of the museum was inspired to create this piece after feeling underwhelmed by her representation at London's Madame Tussauds (another legendary wax museum).
Lady Diana has always held a special place in people's hearts. Her kindness, her warmth, and the way she connected with others left a mark on the world. Today, Grévin is honoring her legacy by welcoming her statue into the museum.
The outfit of choice was also carefully and intentionally selected.
READ: 'The Simpsons' kill off beloved character after 35 seasons
The wax figure is dressed in a replica of the black, off-the-shoulder cocktail dress Diana wore to an event in London in 1994.
It was the same night that, during a television interview, King Charles III - at the time Prince Charles - acknowledged that he had been unfaithful in his marriage to Diana.
READ: SARS targeting influencers promoting fake designer items
The look was soon dubbed Diana's 'revenge dress', with the museum stating the dress became a symbol of confidence, empowerment and freedom, which it still represents to this day.
The life-size and compelling figure of the late Princess carries much weight for Paris, as it is where her life ended after a car crash in a tunnel by the Seine in 1997.
The museum called the unveiling a 'symbolic inauguration' as the date, 20 November, was also a significant day in Diana's life.
Three decades ago, to the day, Lady Diana sat down for a BBC interview that would change everything.
For the first time, she spoke openly and sincerely about her personal life - a moment that changed the way the public saw her. Her now-legendary line, "We were three in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded", is still remembered today.
It's speculated that the explosive interview caused controversy behind the scenes and within the Royal Family.
READ: Former First Lady explains why she won’t run for President
French novelist and writer of 'Mademoiselle Spencer' said that the figure was long overdue.
And it hasn't gone unnoticed by visitors that Diana's wax figure is placed quite far away from her royal ex-husband and mother-in-law.
READ: Fan attacks Ariana Grande at 'Wicked' movie premiere
Here are some of the reactions from locals who have been to see the figure:
Julien Martin (38): “It brought back that night in the tunnel, even though I was a kid then. Paris never completely let go of Diana, so it made sense that a big wax museum finally did this.”
Lina Ben Amar (24): “I wasn’t even alive, but for my generation, she seems like the first modern princess — glamorous, but also vulnerable. If tourists come to see celebrities in wax, she is one of the first they will look for.”
Diana's memory will forever live on, not only in wax, but as 'The People's Princess', in the hearts of Parisians who still lay down flowers as tribute and with those who were near and dear to her.
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: @spencerxphotography/Instagram