The Princess & The Platypus Foundation

Everyone has seen those photos. You know the ones. Princess Diana on the yacht Jonikal , sitting on the diving board, looking out at the ocean. August 1997. People look at the pictures and think they know what she was feeling. Lonely? Happy? Bored? But photos are just.. flat. They don't talk. If you really want to know what was going on, you have to ask the people who were actually standing right next to her. When the paparazzi cameras were too far away to hear. That’s why the Exclusive Interview: What Chief Stewardess Debbie Saw in Diana’s Final Days is probably the most important thing we have at the museum. She wasn't just "The Princess" Debbie was the Chief Stewardess on the boat. She spent those last few days with Diana. And when you listen to her tell the story, it’s not what you expect. You’d think a Royal would be demanding. Or distant. But in our recording, Debbie talks about a mom who just missed her kids. They were doing normal stuff. laughing, packin...

Some fashion moments stay forever. One such moment is when Princess Diana wore a simple knit sweater with sheep on it. It looked casual, soft, and very real. That sweater came from Warm & Wonderful , a small British knitwear brand that suddenly became part of royal fashion history. This is not just a sweater story. It is a story about two designers, a young princess, and how simple clothes can say a lot without shouting.   Who Were the Minds Behind Warm & Wonderful Warm & Wonderful was started by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne in the late 1970s. They were not big fashion names back then. They sold knitwear at small markets and fairs in London. Their designs were playful, bold, and different from usual luxury fashion. They liked telling stories through knit patterns. Sheep, animals, symbols. Things that feel warm and human. This simple thinking is what later connected with Princess Diana, even if no one planned it that way. The Black Sheep Sweater That Changed Every...

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...