One of Princess Diana's more experimental hat moments took place on November 12, 1990, while visiting Tokyo, Japan. Though she was far from her lavish London dinners or countryside garden parties, the Princess of Wales still managed to wow the upper-crust crowd with her non-traditional hat choice. While her dress created an understated figure in stone blue, it was the princess' one-of-a-kind fascinator that stole the show.
Traveling to Japan with Prince Charles at her side, the royal was expected to make an appearance at Emperor Akihito's enthronement, sip some tea, shake hands, and generally fly under the radar at the high-profile event. However, ever the hat lover, the princess couldn't resist turning up in a bob-bearing visor that had all eyes on her.
Resembling more of a headband, this piece included a thick, powder blue band and a short, netted veil that draped gracefully over Diana's blue eyes. Dotted across the veil were monochromatic square patterns, drawing the observer's eye even closer. Could this hat be called a topless visor since it's crownless? Or perhaps it would be more fitting to label it a low-sitting fascinator? No matter the label, this unique headpiece shows just how cutting-edge Princess Diana, and her fashion choices, remain nearly 30 years after her tragic death. Ultimately, choosing to don this look while surrounded by foreign dignitaries instead of her usual adoring crowds proves once again that the princess wasn't afraid to take risks.
