Catherine Walker Collection
Catherine Walker was one of Princess Diana’s favorite designers. The Princess Diana Museum is proud to display three dresses and a navy blazer designed by Catherine Walker. Each one reflecting a different side to Diana’s fashion evolution.
This Catherine Walker couture beaded blue-grey Taroni silk cocktail dress is one of only two dresses made and identical to the one worn by Princess Diana to a London gala preview for the auction of her dresses, 2nd June, 1997. It's beaded and embroidered in high relief with roses and scattered petals in silver threads, the motifs at the bodice edge further encrusted with diamanté. Often designers made two identical dresses in case something happened to the original. Diana was fitted in both.
The designer -- the late Catherine Walker -- described her approach: "I always try to give my embroidery a three-dimensional quality not only by tilting the image in perspective, but also with the texture itself. Here, the bugle beads and diamanté are so dense that they rise from the surface of the fabric like florets made of sugar."
Image Source: © Getty
Princess Diana's Chelsea Design Company navy wool blazer from the late 1980s, early 1990s. It is double-breasted with sharp lapels and gilt metal buttons each bearing the Royal Arms of England (three cast lions passant guardant). It also has diagonally slanted pockets and is lined in blue acetate.
Mr. Said Ismail of Catherine Walker remembers making a number of these blazers for the Princess over the years.
Pictured Below: Princess Diana's Catherine Walker navy wool day dress, circa 1989 bearing "Catherine Walker for Chelsea Design Co." label, was worn for private, non-official engagements and reflects Diana’s stylish working wardrobe.
Image Source: © Getty
Princess Diana's Catherine Walker printed peach silk polka dot coat dress, 1988. Bearing "Catherine Walker for Chelsea Design Co." label, double-breasted, of loose cut but with slimmer fitting skirt, padded shoulders, lined in white silk.
Princess Diana wore this dress on four public occasions:
June 13, 1988 - to attend the Order of the Garter ceremony with Prince Charles; accessorized with a peach sailor bonnet with rear bow and upturned brim and single strand pearl choker.
July 12, 1988 - to welcome President Evren of Turkey on a State Visit, with Prince Charles; accessorized with a peach sailor bonnet and double strand pearl choker.
July 12, 1989 - on a visit to The Freeman Hospital, and Percy Hedley School in Newcastle Upon Tyne; accessorized with a white clutch bag and court shoes.
May 15, 1991 - for an International Spinal Research Charity event at the Langham Hilton Hotel, London; accessorized with peach leather shoes.
Image Source: © Globe
Princess Diana's Catherine Walker navy wool day dress, circa 1989 bearing "Catherine Walker for Chelsea Design Co." label, was worn for private, non-official engagements and reflects Diana’s stylish working wardrobe.
Visit The Princess Diana Museum to see this from one of Diana's favorite designers.
