Who can forget Diana’s stagy arrival at the Serpentine Gallery on the night in 1994 when Prince Charles admitted his unfaithfulness to Jonathan Dimbleby on Television? Diana’s last-minute outfit selection – an audacious, off-the-shoulder black outfit by Christina Stambolian, with a sprawling chiffon tail, which afterward became famous as ‘the revenge dress’ – was evident that this was a lady who understood the compelling power of clothes. It was her pinnacle as a style queen, the most photographed lady in the globe.
The people’s princess had a soft spot for several British Designers, including David & Elizabeth Emanuel (who designed her nuptial outfit), Catherine Walker (Princess Diana was veiled in a black outfit by her), Bruce & Jenny Packham, but her fashion voyage starts with a name that is perhaps less familiar.
One of her favourite designers, as well as trusted friend, David Sassoon relished extraordinary access to the royal inner circle.
David Sassoon is the designer, who, as one half of Bellville Sassoon, the label of choice among honoured young women in the late 70s, took Lady Di from junior Sloane ranger – all floaty skirts, cashmere cardigans and pie—crust collars – and unobtrusively piloted her in the course of fully fledged fashion icon. The Princess’s loyalty to him was evident: David designed over seventy gowns for her spanning almost 2 decades. His loving recollections present an intriguing insight into Diana’s world & the eccentricities of royal life, hidden behind the scenes.
He was the 1st person Princess Diana came to depend on as she found her style footing, reliable lifelong friend; a source of gossip and fun amidst the stuffiness of royal life.
Take a virtual tour of The Princess Diana Museum if you want to listen to exclusive personal interviews with the princess’s favourite fashion designers like David Sassoon! Listen to what he has to say about the People’s Princess and her love for fashion.
Some other individuals and artists interviewed in The Princess Diana Museum are Richard Dalton, Jacques Azagury, Caroline Charles, Roland Klein, Victor Edelstein, Mervyn Wycherley, John Minihan, John Swannell, Jeffrey Archer, Bill Mundy and Richard Young among others. You can listen to the personal interview of these individuals and take a tour of the princess’ world right from the comfort of your desktop, laptop or tablet – no matter wherever you are. Purchase your tax deductibe online ticket now to enter the world of Princess Diana and donate to a charitable cause to continue her incredible legacy!
You can follow along on Facebook + Instagram as we showcase more behind-the-scenes of The Princess & Platypus Foundation head to the UK!
