From the Archive: British Designers Who Shaped Princess Diana’s Iconic Royal Style

Excerpts taken from a 1997 article written by James Fallon.

“Fashion is not my big thing at all. I think there is too much emphasis on clothes. But sometimes, I get to wear something outrageous, which is nice,” Princess Diana said in an interview she and Prince Charles gave to Britain’s independent television network (ITV) in 1985, as quoted by Women’s Wear Daily. In the moment, Diana may not have been fully aware of her growing influence, but fashion — and the real-life “fairy-tale” image she symbolized — was already defining her.

“The Princess was far from a fashion plate in the first few years of her marriage as she veered from one style to another. Her look was dictated by what designer she wore, since she was obliged to buy only British,” WWD wrote upon her death on Aug. 27, 1997. That influence, however, proved enduring.

At 19, Diana’s personal taste reflected her youth, and like any young woman, she sought to find her persona in fashion. She would find it in looks crafted by Britain’s emerging designers — a mix of ladylike English classics exaggerated to reflect the boldness of the 1980s. “Everything was big — hair, the shoulders, the makeup, the jewels. It was ‘Dynasty meets Royalty,’” noted WWD.

Following Diana’s passing in 1997, WWD took a poignant look at her early style as a royal. Documenting not only the princess’ evolving choices but also the contributions of the designers with whom she loyally worked with. Bruce Oldfield, Catherine Walker, Betty Jackson, Jasper Conran, Rifat Ozbek, Bellville Sassoon, Victor Edelstein, Stephen Jones, Philip Treacy and Manolo Blahnik, have all been captured in the pages of WWD, their collaborations granted Diana the freedom to express herself and, in turn elevated her into one of the most enduring icons in royal fashion history.