Glamorous pictures of the late Princess Diana go on display at a show beginning Thursday in Kensington Palace in London, where the princess lived until her tragic death in 1997.

Some of the 15 photographs, clicked by celebrity photographer Mario Testino, have never been seen in public. They stem from Diana's last fashion shoot with Testino, the Peruvian-born fashion photographer of international fame.

Testino took the pictures for Vanity Fair magazine. Most of the dresses worn by Diana were later put up for auction, but some are shown at the exhibition.

The Peruvian-born photographer is credited with capturing Diana's transformation from a shy young princess to a fashion icon, and reportedly brought out a "happy side" in her.

Lauding Diana's "sense of style", Testino said in London: "She teamed with designers across the world to create a wardrobe that inspired people everywhere and has left a lasting legacy for those who love fashion."

The centrepiece of the exhibition is an off-white, one-sleeve dress, embroidered with mirrored glass beads and crystal, which she first wore in 1983.

The exhibition, which will open in the State Apartments of Kensington Palace Thursday, will run for 18 months.