The dress solidified Diana's place in fashion history. But Randy Fenoli, wedding-dress designer and Kleinfeld Bridal fashion director of "Say Yes to the Dress" fame, told Insider he didn't care for the dress.
Insider spoke to Fenoli ahead of the premiere of the 20th season of "Say Yes to the Dress," which will include a special episode starring Fenoli that will reflect on the series.
Fenoli has been on the show since it premiered 15 years ago, and his charismatic personality and obvious connection to brides who walk into Kleinfeld have made him a fan favorite.
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When looking back on his career in bridal while speaking to Insider, Fenoli said he didn't care for the oversized dresses of the 1980s, pointing to Princess Diana as the inspiration for the bridal trend.
"Princess Diana had such an influence on the '80s," he told Insider. "After seeing her wedding, everybody wanted that big dress with the poofy sleeves and the big, long train."
Fenoli went on to say that although he believed Diana became a "fashion icon," her wedding dress wasn't one of her best style moments, nor was the trend her wedding look started.
"I think at that moment she was young, and it was the '80s and everything had to be bigger and better. And I think it really took away from her beauty," he said of the late royal's wedding look.
"Anytime I think that the dress is taking away from the bride's beauty, it's something I cringe at," he added.
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But Fenoli said part of his job is supporting whatever dress a bride feels best in, even if he thinks she is making a mistake or that another gown would suit her more.
"That's when I have to really realize this dress makes her feel beautiful, so I can't change what she feels and I just have to sometimes let it go," he said. "But it's hard to sleep some nights."
"Say Yes to the Dress" premieres on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on TLC.
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