Fashion Sketch

This design for Diana, Princess of Wales is by the British fashion designer David Sassoon and is one of the earliest designs for a maternity dress. She wore it to an official dinner in February 1982, when she was pregnant with her eldest son Prince William. In these earlier sketches sent to her by the designer the princess's interest in fashion and her wardrobe is evident.

On this sketch the Princess has added a hand written suggestion for an alternative shade of blue and has written 'this in dark Blue please' in pencil next the design. A fabric swatch in dark blue is attached to the sketch, this was most likely added following her comments. The final dress was made in dark blue velvet with a wide lace collar. Fashion sketches were sent to clients for approval and comment. Designs for members of the royal family were often subject to royal protocol and suitability for a royal occasion such as a state visit abroad.

David Sassoon is a leading British couturier and designer known for creating some of Diana, Princess of Wales' most iconic looks. After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1958, Sassoon joined the designer Belinda Bellville and they formed the design house and label Bellville Sassoon in 1970. They counted Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and members of the royal family as clients. Belinda Bellville handed over control of the company to David Sassoon in 1981 following her retirement.

Diana, Princess of Wales was introduced to Bellville Sassoon by her mother Frances Shand Kydd, this marked the start of a long-term professional relationship between the Princess and the designer.