When Princess Diana stepped away from the restrictions of senior royal life, her style underwent a fundamental shift. Free from the strict protocols of the Palace, she began redefining her look – drafting in designers like Jacques Azagury to help create a sleeker, sexier aesthetic.
Speaking at a special live recording of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, Jacques revealed that one of the biggest changes in her wardrobe was her sudden freedom to wear black – a colour traditionally reserved by the royal family strictly for mourning.
The designer shared the behind-the-scenes story of a particularly historic evening in November 1995. On the night the BBC broadcast her landmark Panorama interview with Martin Bashir, Diana was scheduled to attend a public charity gala, and she turned to Jacques for help planning her appearance.
"She called me to the palace and told me she had done the interview," Jacques told the live audience assembled in the Taj's newly renovated ballroom. "She explained her reasons, saying, 'Look, I haven't said anything bad. I just want to tell things the way they are.' But she knew the interview would be airing at the exact same time she was due to step out at a cancer research fundraiser that evening. She needed something great for her appearance.
"I took three dresses to her, all of them black, because I loved her in black. Of course, by that time, she was finally able to wear the colour whenever she pleased. If you notice, the minute she was free from royal restrictions, she wore as much black as possible."
Among the options presented, the Princess instantly spotted the look she wanted for the high-profile evening.
"Straight away, she knew which one it was," Jacques said. "It was a very simple dress with an Empire waist, made with layers of georgette and crêpe. It was incredibly light, just skimming her body, with a top made of embroidered lace. And again, the neckline was getting lower."
The gown proved to be a firm favourite in her wardrobe, making another memorable appearance across the Atlantic shortly after.
"She actually wore it again to an event with Henry Kissinger in New York," Jacques shared. "All the newspapers the following morning featured photographs of Henry Kissinger looking down at her cleavage. We had quite a laugh about that one."
© Getty Images
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetThe power of post-royal black
Jacques's recollections highlight a deliberate shift in how Diana approached her public image. Amongst the royals, bright colours are traditionally worn to ensure the wearer is easily spotted in a crowd, while black is strictly sequestered for times of grief. In claiming the shade for her high-profile evening appearances in the mid-90s, Diana transformed a colour once tied to restriction into a powerful visual assertion of her independence.
This revelation was just one of many shared during our exclusive live event. From Diana's worst flight with Prince William to the heartbreaking details from her funeral, the full conversation is a must-watch for any royal follower.
© Hoda Davaine
© Hoda DavaineBetween 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:
