Become a Member
News

Sassoon showcases the days of Diana and debutantes

September 25, 2013 18:30
Princess Diana in her famous Belville Sassoon going-away outfit (Photo: PA)

ByJan Shure, Jan Shure

1 min read

Bellville Sassoon was the first couturier to make clothes for Lady Diana Spencer when she was a shy, 19-year-old nursery teacher about to marry Prince Charles.

The black taffeta dress with the striking décolleté which David Sassoon designed for her to attend the Royal Opera House in 1981 had the cameras clicking in the frenzied way that was to become the soundtrack to her life as Princess of Wales.

Bellville Sassoon later made the going-away outfit in which she left for her honeymoon. And this is one of many on display at the 10th anniversary exhibition of the Fashion and Textile Museum in London’s Bermondsey, exploring the work of the salon, since the 1950s.

The outfit was loaned by Princes William and Harry and is the centrepiece of the royal display showcasing dresses — and sketches — made for many members of the royal Family.