British Designers Who Made Princess Diana Shine: Bruce Oldfield to Zandra Rhodes

Nearly 30 years after her untimely death, Princess Diana remains one of the world’s most recognizable women. The “People’s Princess” earned renown for her compassion, particularly towards those suffering from HIV and leprosy. Diana also captivated with her timeless style, from her fairytale wedding gown to her iconic “Revenge Dress.” She favored a select group of British designers who cemented her fashion legacy.

Victor Edelstein was a notable designer for Diana throughout the 1980s. His midnight-blue velvet dress transformed Diana into a global icon when she wore it at the White House in 1985, dancing with John Travolta. She wore the dress on several occasions, including her last official portrait in 1997. Following her divorce from Prince Charles, the famous “Travolta” dress was sold at Christie’s New York in 1997 for £100,000, setting a record. It was later sold again in 2013 for £240,000. Edelstein also created several other outfits for Diana, including a memorable monochrome polka dot dress that she wore to Royal Ascot in 1988.

Bruce Oldfield introduced glamour and modern refinement to Diana’s wardrobe. After launching his eponymous label in 1975, he caught Diana’s attention. She wore his designs frequently throughout the 1980s. One of Oldfield’s most famous pieces is a silver lamé dress with an open back, worn to the 1985 film premiere of “A View to a Kill.” Oldfield’s contributions were significant enough that he continues to work with the Royal Family, including Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Edinburgh. In recognition of his work, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1990.

Zandra Rhodes’s collaboration with Diana started on a shopping trip in 1981 when Diana wandered into her London boutique. Rhodes was later asked by British Vogue to submit a design for Diana’s wedding dress. Although unsuccessful, Rhodes went on to design five outfits for the Princess. One of her famous creations was a black gown remade in pink, worn by Diana during her visit to Japan in 1986. Diana also wore it to a Torvill & Dean party in 1985 and at Charleston Manor in 1987.

Bellville Sassoon, founded in 1953, dressed almost every female member of the Royal Family, including Diana. The brand, led by David Sassoon, designed over 70 outfits for her. It all started with 10 dresses chosen for her honeymoon. The brand is also known for creating Diana’s iconic going-away outfit, a peach-colored suit. Bellville Sassoon’s designs spanned from 1981 to Diana’s death in 1997, including maternity wear like the memorable ruffled red gown she wore to the Barbican Centre in 1982 while pregnant with Prince William.

Jasper Conran steadily dressed Diana throughout her life. He designed numerous notable outfits, including a striking red ensemble during her engagement to Prince Charles. A memorable scarlet outfit worn during the naming ceremony for the “Royal Princess” cruise liner in 1984 was later auctioned and became part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Conran often paired Diana with vibrant colors like fuchsia and emerald green, ensuring she stood out. One of his memorable designs is a menswear-inspired skirt suit with a matching tie that Diana wore during her visit to Livorno, Italy, in 1985.

These designers played key roles in shaping Princess Diana’s public image, making her a fashion icon whose influence extends far beyond her years.