Jacques Azagury was not only the couturier who helped shape Princess Diana's style during the most confident chapter of her life, but he was also a close confidant. Having designed some of her most memorable evening gowns as her marriage drew to a close, he witnessed firsthand her transformation into an independent global icon.
Speaking at a special live recording of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, the designer shared his vivid memories of attending her funeral at Westminster Abbey in September 1997.
Reflecting on the atmosphere inside the Abbey, Jacques described the experience to co-hosts Andrea Caamano and HELLO!'s royal editor Emily Nash as entirely overwhelming.
"I was in the front row, which was completely surreal," he told the live audience, assembled in the newly renovated ballroom of the hotel. "I could see the entire royal family. Everyone was there - Nicole Kidman, Luciano Pavarotti, Valentino."
"Initially, I was kind of fine - a bit anxious and a bit nervous. I had Victor Edelstein, who was another one of Diana's designers, with me and we were chatting, and I was okay until the coffin came in. At that point I completely broke down."
Even nearly three decades later, the designer noted that the Princess' influence remains as powerful as ever.
"She is still incredibly present, whichever way you look at it," he said. "People are still constantly talking about her and her life. She truly was a phenomenon, the likes of which we will not see again for a very long time, if ever."
© WireImageWhen asked by Andrea how he felt looking back on the moment the Princess first walked into his atelier, and how it altered the course of his life, Jacques expressed a profound sense of gratitude.
"I just feel incredibly privileged and lucky; it is still a bit of a 'pinch-me' moment," he reflected. "When I think of all the designers across the world who were clambering to dress her, the fact that she still chose to come to me was the ultimate reward for my career."
The Famous Five
For royal fashion enthusiasts, the name Jacques Azagury is synonymous with Princess Diana's sleek, post-divorce style. Based in Knightsbridge, the Moroccan-born British designer became an integral part of her style evolution in the mid-1990s, famously creating the 'Famous Five' glamorous evening gowns that redefined her public image.
Jacques' designs allowed Diana to experiment with shorter hemlines, dramatic necklines, and striking column silhouettes - most notably the black Chantilly lace dress she wore to the Tate Gallery on her 36th birthday, which tragically became her final major gala appearance.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via Get
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetThis revelation was just one of many shared during our exclusive live event. From Diana's worst flight with Prince William to the reason why she started wearing black in her post-royal style, the full conversation is a must-watch for any royal follower.
Between recordings, our guests were treated to the hotel's delectable Midsummer Night's Dream afternoon tea, and had the chance to snap a selfie with one of Diana's dresses on display, which was acquired by HELLO! magazine at auction.
Guests also left with a goodie bag packed with treats including Weleda Skin Food Original cream, Bronnley Lime soaps, ilapothecary Supreme Silk Face Cream, Dr. LEVY Switzerland skincare cream, and Michael Van Clarke haircare products.
How to watch the podcast episode
Watch the full episode of HELLO!'s special live A Right Royal Podcast episode below:
