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Princess Diana's Wedding Dress Designer Sues Las Vegas Show
Princess Diana's wedding dress designer sues Las Vegas exhibition for copying her 25ft train replica without permission.
In brief
Princess Diana's wedding dress designer sues Las Vegas exhibition for copying her 25ft train replica without permission. Elizabeth Emanuel, designer of Princess Diana's wedding dress, has sued five companies behind a Las Vegas exhibition that replicates her gown's 25ft train without authorization. Originally reported…
Princess Diana's Wedding Dress Designer Sues
Elizabeth Emanuel claims the Las Vegas exhibition disrespects her artistic integrity by allowing visitors to walk over a replica of her 25ft train.
“The designer has begun legal action against five companies behind Princess Diana & The Royals : The Exhibition, accusing them of copying her designs without permission.”
Exhibition Uses Unauthorized Replicas
The exhibition includes replicas of Elizabeth Emanuel's wedding gown, the black dress Diana wore after engagement, and the gold-and-white gown from 1986.
“Among them is the daring black dress Diana wore for her first public appearance following her engagement to Charles, and the gold-and-white gown she wore to the Royal Opera House in 1986.”
Designer Claims Unauthorised Copies
Elizabeth Emanuel alleges the exhibition copied her designs without permission and used her name without authorization.
“Elizabeth claims the exhibition repeatedly uses her name without permission, potentially leading visitors to believe she has approved its contents.”
Legal Action Against Organisers
The designer has filed court papers against five companies for copying her designs without permission.
“Court papers filed in Nevada reveal that organisers first approached the designers in 2019 and began negotiations the following year.”
Exhibition's Replica Details
The exhibition's replica is made entirely from paper and is so convincing that visitors standing a few feet away can mistake it for the genuine dress.
“According to the lawsuit, they eventually commissioned Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave to make a life-size replica entirely from paper.”
Designer's Emotional Distress
Elizabeth Emanuel claims the dispute has caused her emotional distress, embarrassment, and damage to her reputation.
“She alleges the dispute has caused her emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation and damage to her reputation.”
Suing for Injunction and Damages
The designer is seeking damages and an injunction to force the exhibition to remove the disputed exhibits.
“The designer is seeking damages and an injunction which could force the organisers to remove the disputed exhibits.”
Organisers Turned to Ex-Husband
The exhibition organisers allegedly approached Elizabeth Emanuel's ex-husband David Emanuel separately after initial negotiations with her broke down.
“In a further twist, she claims the organisers went behind her back to approach her ex-husband, David Emanuel, after initial negotiations with her broke down.”
Ex-Husband Lacked Authority
David Emanuel, who designed Diana's wedding gown with Elizabeth, allegedly had no authority to approve the replica.
“David, who designed Diana’s wedding gown alongside Elizabeth, allegedly had no authority to approve a replica.”
Designer's Original Creation
Elizabeth Emanuel created the ivory silk taffeta dress with its enormous train, puffed sleeves and intricate lace for Diana's 1981 wedding.
“The former couple created the ivory silk taffeta dress with its enormous train, puffed sleeves and intricate lace for the royal wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1981.”
Exhibition's Replicas Include More
The exhibition also includes replicas of royal bridesmaids' dresses and a pale-blue sequinned gown.
“Replicas of the royal bridesmaids’ dresses and a pale-blue sequinned gown are also included in the complaint.”
No Response from Defendants
The five defendants have yet to respond to the allegations.
“The five defendants have yet to respond to the allegations.”
The short version
Elizabeth Emanuel, designer of Princess Diana's wedding dress, has sued five companies behind a Las Vegas exhibition that replicates her gown's 25ft train without authorization.
