Fashion Sketch

This design by British fashion designer David Sassoon is for Diana, Princess of Wales. Also known as the 'caring dress' it is thought to be one of her favourite dresses.

The Princess wore it in 1991 to visit a hostel for abandoned children in São Paulo, Brazil and went on to use it repeatedly to visit children's charities as she believed children were drawn to the bright colours and floral design of the fabric. The princess chose not to wear the hat shown with the dress and is quoted as saying 'You can't cuddle a child in a hat'. She also preferred not to wear gloves so she could hold hands with the children and people she met.

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 known for creating some of Diana, Princess of Wales most iconic looks. After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1958, David Sassoon joined the designer Belinda Bellville and 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 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.