Few women’s outfit choices were as consequential as Princess Diana’s. That’s why it comes as a surprise that one of the famous royal’s most iconic outfits was chosen, essentially, by fluke. After getting married in St Paul’s Cathedral, Diana wore a peach suit with ruffle detail when she left on her honeymoon with Prince Charles. The pink ensemble was crafted by the designers at Bellville Sassoon, who almost did not let her enter their store.
As the story goes, then-Diana Spencer visited the Bellville Sassoon shop in London shortly after she became engaged to Prince Charles. The 19-year-old was looking for an outfit for her engagement photos. It was almost closing time at the store and, not recognizing Diana, the sales associate told her that Harrod’s department store “is just around the corner.” It was there that Diana picked out the now-iconic blue Corjana suit for the photoshoot.
“You can imagine how Belinda [Bellville] and David [Sassoon] felt when they realized the future Princess of Wales had been turned away,” said Curator Matthew Storey, per People. Storey organized the ongoing Royal Style in the Making fashion exhibition, which features a number of Diana’s outfits, including her wedding dress.
Because Diana was turned away, Storey note that her eventual collaboration with Belville Sassoon “almost didn’t happen.” However, the Princess ventured back to the shop, was welcomed with open arms, and began a long association with the brand. Belville Sasson created the peach honeymoon suit just for her—and the outfit is now on display at the Royal Style exhibits. Apparently, two versions of the look were created: one with short sleeves and one with longer sleeves, depending on the weather. Sketches by designed David Sassoon appear in the exhibit alongside the suit.
The Princess clearly enjoyed the honeymoon outfit and went on to wear on several other occasions, including her 1983 tour of Australia. The pink suit, along with Diana’s wedding dress, will be on display at Kensington Palace until January 2022. For more information and to book tickets, visit hrp.org.uk.
You Might Also Like