Princess Diana’s revenge dress is back in the spotlight – but what does God say about getting even?

At the end of June 1994, UK news headlines carried a double royal whammy that left the country reeling.

ITV had shown its 150-minute Jonathan Dimbleby documentary-cum-interview with Prince Charles, in which he publicly admitted to his affair with Camilla. Thirteen million people watched Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role and wondered whether the breakdown of his marriage had really been the ignition point for the liaison.

Meanwhile, Princess Diana, as she still was then, had arranged to attend a high-profile Vanity Fair charity fundraiser at the Serpentine Gallery in London, where the dress she wore drew audible gasps from attendees as she emerged into the evening with practised elegance.

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The bespoke black silk gown instantly upstaged her husband, appearing prominently in all the national newspapers the next day. One tabloid announced: Revenge is Chic. Another shouted: The Thrilla He Left to Woo Camilla. Ouch.

The Greek designer Christina Stambolian handcrafted an ensemble that communicated confidence and self-assurance in the face of the public humiliation that was being broadcast on television. It’s the famous little black dress that shouted, ‘I’m still standing and I’m still in control.’

Having previously sold it herself in 1997, when it raised over £39,000 for charity, Diana’s dress goes up for auction again at Sotheby’s, New York, on 9 December, after its own tour through London, Hong Kong and Geneva. It’s expected to raise between £110,000 and £220,000, but probably more, given the interest.

READ MORE: What Princess Anne’s vintage coat made me think about God’s daily provision

There’s no doubt that our clothes speak.

There’s no doubt that our clothes speak. They express something of ourselves, whether we’re trying to blend in, stand out boldly or just be comfortable. Diana’s strategically chosen outfit that particular summer night became known, with good reason, as the revenge dress.

Revenge is a popular theme in the arts; indeed, there are entire series created in which characters plan, scheme and execute their brand of retaliation, meting out punishment to those deemed to have crossed or betrayed them (soap operas, anyone?).

When we’re hurt, there’s an involuntary reaction and innate desire to hit back in some form or another. Our ‘justice buttons’ demand that we try to ‘get even’ or dispense the same kind of hurt on the individual who’s caused us pain. Our sense of integrity is offended and sharpened; there’s a feeling of moral outrage as well as personal attack.

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Is it legitimate to take revenge on the one who has hurt us, physically, emotionally or financially?

But what do we do with those feelings? Is it legitimate to take revenge on the one who has hurt us, physically, emotionally or financially? Is tit-for-tat payback ever justified?

People talk about ‘karma’, which is basically a philosophy that says, ‘What goes around comes around’, believing that the universe will dish out its own consequences in the course of time.

The Bible says something else. The Old Testament prophet Micah reminds us that God requires us to ‘act justly’ (6:8) – an instruction to defend the vulnerable and stand against exploitation. But his contemporary, Isaiah, insists that God’s kingdom operates on God’s justice. God is the one who vindicates, if he chooses, in his own way and in his timing. God’s justice is based on mercy and grace, as well as on the recognition of a need for repentance followed by lavish and full forgiveness from him. We’re asked to forgive others in the same way.

It’s legitimate to ask God to move on our behalf where there’s been injustice. David asks God for vindication in several Psalms (7:8; 17:2; 26:1; 35:24, 27; 43:1; 54:1).

We too may be facing unfair accusations, injurious rumours, slander, deception or dishonesty. Formerly strong relationships may be crumbling under pressure, so it’s reassuring to remind ourselves that God sees, hears, knows and cares about the details of every situation. I’ve found myself dismayed in the past by events over which I had no control, which were based on false information. I literally cried out to God for help.

With quiet and gentle kindness, it was as though he came alongside, cupped my chin in his strong hand and lifted my face to him, whispering, ‘Did you think I didn’t know?’ I was undone. We, who have been forgiven much, have the resources to love much and leave revenge, justice and retribution in God’s loving hands.