The Princess & The Platypus Foundation

The 1980s were a big turning point for royal fashion. Clothes became bolder, softer, and more expressive. One designer who quietly shaped this change was Victor Edelstein . Long before a dress reached a palace event, it first lived on paper. His sketches were not just drawings. They were ideas that helped define 80s royal style, especially for Princess Diana. Victor Edelstein’s vision started with a pencil, not a spotlight. From Sketchbook to Royal Wardrobe Victor Edelstein was known for his clean lines and strong shapes. His drawings showed confidence even before the fabric was chosen. These sketches helped Diana move away from stiff royal looks into something more modern and elegant. The Victor Edelstein drawings now preserved by The Princess Diana Museum show how carefully he planned every detail. Necklines, sleeves, flow, everything was thought through. You can see how much attention he gave to balance and movement, even on paper. Why His Drawings Mattered So Much in the 80...

  When people talk about Princess Diana’s fashion, they often talk about freedom. Freedom from rules, from expectations, from the old royal image. One designer who played a big role in that change was Jacques Azagury . His dresses were not just clothes. They were part of Diana’s journey into confidence and self-expression. Jacques Azagury did not dress Diana like a princess trapped in protocol. He dressed her like a woman who knew who she was becoming. How Jacques Azagury Entered Diana’s Life Jacques Azagury first met Princess Diana in 1987. The introduction was done by British Vogue editor Anna Harvey. At that time, Diana was slowly moving away from stiff royal looks. She wanted clothes that felt modern, soft, and personal. Azagury understood this very well. His design style was elegant but relaxed. It allowed Diana to shine without trying too hard. This connection soon turned into one of the most meaningful fashion collaborations of her life. The Famous Five Dresses That Ch...

Princess Diana’s fashion legacy continues to appeal to the world decades after her passing. From iconic evening gowns to casual chic, her wardrobe was precisely curated by some of the most talented designers of the era. Among them, Andre Van Pier played an important role in shaping and preserving Diana’s distinctive style, combining timeless elegance with daring creativity. What Makes Andre Van Pier A Designer of Distinction? Andre Van Pier was popular for his exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to create garments that complemented the wearer’s personality effortlessly. His designs often included intricate beadwork, luxurious fabrics, and innovative silhouettes. The “Under the Sea” dress, an iridescent pale fog blue gown with pearl and sequin embellishments, showcases his skill in blending fantasy with sophistication. Worn by Princess Diana at a high-profile event, it stands out as one of her most memorable ensembles. Designers as Keepers of Royal Style Desi...

Beyond glitzy dresses and red carpet appearances, Princess Diana had a significant impact on fashion. The Barbour khaki vest, a simple yet fashionable piece of outerwear that swiftly came to represent her off-duty charm, was one of her most recognizable and relatable looks. The vest is still a staple of fashion decades later, valued for its effortless country chic, elegance, and functionality. Princess Diana's transformation of a practical garment into a worldwide fashion icon is essential to understanding the timeless appeal of her Barbour khaki vest. The Ideal Combination of Style and Function  Originally created as tough outdoor clothing, the Barbour khaki vest was perfect for outdoor activities , brisk weather, and walks in the countryside. Diana enthusiastically embraced this feature. The vest offered warmth and mobility without compromising style during her childhood days. But the way she wore the vest was what really set her look apart. Diana frequently wore it with butt...

  Princess Diana stands out as one of the most photographed and beloved style icons in history. Among the many luxury brands she embraced, Chanel played a significant role in shaping her signature look. Even today, her fashion influence continues to guide the choices of modern royals, ranging from the Princess of Wales to global aristocrats who appreciate timeless elegance. Please read this post and know how Princess Diana’s Chanel fashion choices shaped modern royal style: Why Princess Diana’s Chanel Style Still Matters? Princess Diana had a rare ability to combine royal sophistication with contemporary trends. Her polished silhouettes, minimalist palettes, and confident use of designer labels showed what royal fashion could be. Chanel, with its classic tailoring and understated luxury, became a natural extension of her style. For many royals today, Diana’s Chanel moments balance between tradition and modernity effortlessly. These moments were showcased like a blueprint for d...

Some fashion pieces just go beyond fabric and thread to become living history. The “Under the Sea” evening gown is a rare creation with an exquisite blend of design, emotion, and legacy that continues to captivate fashion lovers throughout the world. Designed by Andre Van Pier and worn by Princess Diana, this dress is one of the most breathtaking garments ever associated with royal style. A Dress Inspired by the Ocean The main inspiration behind the gown was as poetic as its appeal. Made in an iridescent pale fog blue, the fabric shimmered like sunlight reflecting off seawater. The dress had silver-blue beads, abstract shell shapes, starfish sequins, and pearl-like embellishments delicately stitched by hand. With long sleeves, a floor-length silhouette, and a dramatic thigh-high split, the gown balanced elegance with boldness. This attire captured the gentle mystery of the sea and the quiet strength of the woman who wore it. A Designer’s Vision Andre Van Pier was renowned for his...