Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk channeled British royalty this Halloween, but her choice of dress left some social media users wondering if she had crossed a line.
Elsa Hosk recreated the iconic post-separation outfit of the late Princess Diana as a Halloween costume, but some online critics felt her choice was anything but festive.
A netizen’s remark on Elsa Hosk’s Halloween costume, posted on October 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/hoskelsa
The 35-year-old supermodel channeled Diana’s “Revenge Dress,” the iconic black gown the late princess wore nearly 30 years ago.
A netizen’s reaction to Elsa Hosk’s Halloween costume, posted on October 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/hoskelsa
To complete the transformation, Elsa added Diana-inspired details: sheer black tights, classic black heels, and a choker with a prominent jewel, capturing the late royal’s daring yet sophisticated style.
Elsa Hosk as the late Princess Diana for Halloween, posted on October 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/hoskelsa
Elsa even styled her blonde hair in a layered, chin-length cut, bringing Diana’s 90s era to life. Posting on Instagram, Hosk wrote, “Wishing you an ICONIC Halloween🖤.”
Princess Diana attends a gala at the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, London, on June 29, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
The 35-year-old model also shared a video of herself walking and tilting her head mimicking Diana’s grace and poise, captioned simply, “The people’s princess 👑.”
Princess Diana arrives at the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, London, on June 29, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
The costume, however, quickly divided her followers. “Beautiful but unethical towards Diana 😔,” one user remarked. Another echoed the sentiment, “This IS Just direspectful ! Shame on you [sic].”
Elsa Hosk as the late Princess Diana for halloween, posted on Octber 31, 2024| Source: Instagram.com/hoskelsa
For some, the idea of Elsa dressing as Diana for Halloween felt unsettling. “A bit creepy though. I mean draw inspiration yes, dress up as Diana look alike no [sic]!” wrote a concerned fan.
Elsa Hosk as the late Princess Diana for halloween, posted on Octber 31, 2024| Source: Instagram.com/hoskelsa
Another suggested an alternative, “Dear Elsa, you look wonderful. But Princess Diana is not for Halloween. The point of Halloween is to dress scary. You could have been Camilla instead.”
Queen Camilla attends The King’s Parade during an official visit to St. Helier, Jersey, on July 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others, however, were struck by how closely Elsa resembled the late Princess. “I thought It was Diana 😮 [sic],” shared one surprised fan.
Another marveled, “Wooowwww you look just like her,” while a particularly impressed commenter raved, “i almost thought Princess Diana come back to life 🔥🔥🔥🔥[sic].” One fan noted one of Diana’s mannerisms, “Omggg! you even nailed the way she would have her head tilted down 🥺.”
Despite divided opinions, Elsa remains unfazed, fully embracing the Halloween spirit in her own way. Originally from Stockholm and a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Elsa is celebrated more than her sense of style.
Elsa Hosk walks the runway at the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York City on November 8, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, she launched Helsa Studio, a fashion line inspired by her Swedish roots, known for its simplicity and elegance. Named after the Swedish word for health (hälsa), Helsa captures the Scandinavian style Elsa loves.
Developed with the Revolve Group, the brand has been praised for its understated luxury—a quality she seems to channel in her tribute to Diana, whose timeless elegance remains iconic.
Interestingly, Elsa is not the first to bring Diana’s famous dress back into the spotlight. Actress Elizabeth Debicki also donned this iconic outfit while portraying Diana in the fifth season of Netflix’s The Crown, reminding audiences of the dress’s unforgettable history.
Designed by Christina Stambolian, the off-the-shoulder, form-fitting black dress earned the nickname “Revenge Dress” after Diana famously wore it the same day her ex-husband, King Charles III, admitted to an affair with Queen Camilla on national television.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are seen together in late 1979 before his marriage to Princess Diana | Source: Getty Images
The King’s confession aired in a 1994 TV documentary interview with renowned British journalist Jonathan Dimbleby. Intended to humanize Charles, the admission ultimately shocked viewers.
King Charles III visits the Puente Adult Job Training & Literacy Centre on South Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, California, on November 2, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Seated at his Highgrove estate, Charles revealed he had tried to be “faithful and honorable” when he married Diana in 1981. However, he committed adultery after the marriage “irretrievably broken down” adding, “us both having tried.”
King Charles IIII and Princess Diana stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, on July 29, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
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For Diana, the daring dress became an unspoken but bold response to her then-husband’s controversial remark, transforming her into a symbol of resilience and independence.
Princess Diana in Majorca, Spain, on August 10, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Fashion writer Claudia Joseph highlights the dress’s cultural significance in her 2022 book, “Diana: A Life in Dresses.” The book chronicles Diana’s journey from a shy debutante to a global icon who used her wardrobe to make powerful statements.
Princess Diana arrives at the Tate Gallery on her 36th birthday, July 1, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
According to the author, each dress tells a story—none more iconic than the “Revenge Dress,” now displayed in museums worldwide as a testament to Diana’s impact.
“Sixteen years later, Diana would die, no longer the girl with one dress, but a global fashion icon who had raised more than £2 million ($2.4 million) for charity by selling 79 of her dresses at Christie’s auction house in New York,” the book stated.
From Elsa to Elizabeth, recreating Princess Diana‘s iconic dress shows that the late princess’s legacy continues to inspire new generations—even in the most unexpected ways and seasons.
