FAMILIES filed into Blenheim Palace to soak up fashion trends of centuries past and present.

Grand hooped skirts and towering wigs worn by old aristocracy were dotted around the stately rooms, displayed alongside more modern garments.

But fans of Princess Diana may have been disappointed by the Passion for Fashion exhibition, which launched at the historic Woodstock house yesterday.

Renowned designer Elizabeth Emanuel was supposed to have items on display, including sketches detailing the dress-making process of Diana’s wedding dress - which seemed to have been quietly pulled from the programme.

One of the stately rooms did document the princess’s famous ‘revenge dress’, displaying a replica of the black off-shoulder garment designed by Christina Stambolian.

The Long Library was brightened by a multicoloured catwalk and television display marking Dior’s show at Blenheim last year, alongside sketches and vintage dresses created by the iconic fashion house.

The palace’s visitor services manager Gareth Guilt said: “The exhibition is about different fashions that have been in and around the palace for the last 300 years.

“Lots of people have a real interest for it, there are lots of aspects. Some people are fascinated by the historical items, some people may be brought in by the section on Diana’s revenge dress.”

The Winston Churchill exhibition, a regular fixture at the palace, has been updated for Passion for Fashion with examples of clothing that a young boy like Churchill might have worn - including a lacy pink dress.

Visitor Michaela Walker, who travelled from Kent, said: “It was interesting to see his slippers and gown and the notes he wrote, it’s just beautiful. It’s fantastic to see those things retained here at Blenheim.”

The 50-year-old added: “He was an amazing man who guided the country through turbulent times - it is so humbling that he was buried here where he was born. It was an important part of his life.”

David Foxcroft, who was visiting from Essex, described the exhibition as ‘fascinating’.

The 71-year-old said: “It’s unbelievable to think that 300 years ago people could manufacture these things; the artefacts and watches and personalised clothing. It’s terrific.”

The exhibition continues until April 23.