Let’s talk about Princess Diana, shall we? The late royal’s style was nothing short of iconic, and even today, her influence on fashion continues to inspire. If you’ve noticed, Kate Middleton often channels her late mother-in-law’s timeless elegance with her own wardrobe choices. But here’s something you might not know: despite being a fashion icon who could pull off just about anything, there was one designer Diana hesitated to wear after her divorce—Chanel. You’d think the legendary French fashion house would be a no-brainer for someone like Diana, but there was a deeply personal reason behind her reluctance.
The Chanel Connection That Brought Pain
Back in 1996, Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon was helping Princess Diana get ready for a hospital charity event. She was wearing a cream Versace skirt suit and needed help picking out the perfect pair of shoes. Brunsdon, who was assisting her, suggested a pair of Chanel shoes. “I said, ‘Well, these would look great with the Versace,’ and Diana replied, ‘No, I can’t wear linked Cs, the double C,’” Brunsdon recounted to Harper’s Bazaar. When he asked why, she simply said, “It’s Camilla and Charles.” Talk about a poignant moment. In the end, Diana opted for a pair of Gucci shoes instead.
A Brief History of Diana and Chanel
Now, let’s clear one thing up: Diana had worn Chanel before, so it wasn’t the brand itself that bothered her. The issue was the timing. According to Brunsdon, this particular incident happened post-divorce, a period when Diana was still processing the emotional turmoil of her split. “She would have seen those linked Cs, and they would have reminded her of Charles and Camilla,” Brunsdon explained. The shoes in question were quite bold, featuring prominent gold Chanel logos. Considering how fresh the divorce was, Diana likely felt that wearing them would draw unwanted attention to her personal struggles.
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Revenge in Style: Diana’s Iconic Post-Divorce Look
It’s heartbreaking to think about how Diana’s divorce impacted even the smallest details of her life, like her wardrobe choices. But let’s not forget—Diana wasn’t one to let heartbreak define her. At her first public appearance after Charles publicly admitted to his affair, she made a bold statement with her now-famous “revenge dress.” Designed by Christina Stambolian, the off-the-shoulder black gown was both daring and elegant. While it may not have won Charles back (and honestly, who could blame her?), it certainly sent a message: Diana was a strong, resilient woman who refused to be defined by her pain.
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This article was written by Melanie Aman and originally appeared on our sister site, Woman’s World.
