A Dress for Diana

This is a wonderful book detailing the steps taken to design the "wedding dress" for Princess Diana. Plenty of sketches of the progress of the design, personal notes and invitations to various balls and parties make this a personal accounting of the creation of this dress. This is a pictorial telling the story of the design team and the journey they took to design a beautiful dress for one of the worlds most beloved person. Without a doubt this is a great addition to anyone's personal library.

It was nice to read a book that focused on when it all began and Diana seemed so happy. It seems like yesterday that I got up at 3 in the morning and sat on my parent's couch to watch the wedding. This is a sweet, pretty little book that takes you back and reminds you what a really big event it was for everyone involved. I like that David and Elizabeth were just starting out - it makes the dressmaking seem like a little family affair, especially when Elizabeth's mom has to pitch in with the needlework. I've always wanted to see that little gold horseshoe they sewed into the dress but they kept it their little secret with Diana and that's okay! I loved every word and picture in it and appreciate the Emmanuels creating this golden book that's as lacy and girly and beautiful as any of their dresses without dishing any dirt - rather just reliving a happy and innocent time 25 years ago when it really seemed we had a real life Cinderella if only for far too short a time.

When I saw this book in the store, I was interested by the cover and quickly flipped through the pages. As I did, I became more intrigued at its content. This is not just a photographic history of "the most photographed dress in the world" but a visual lesson in how the dress was created, from the initial design to the final bow on the back. Knowing what we all know (and I am not one who follows the English Royalty very closely) about Diana and her life after the wedding, it is especially interesting to read about how this fairy tale wedding featured a supporting cast of players who also went on to great success. David Emanuel and his wife, Elizabeth, were just starting out when they were chosen to design the gown. I have recently seen Mr. Emanuel on American t.v. hosting his own weekly shopping show, and he is a fantastic personality. WE network recently had a 1 hour documentary on the Royal Wedding, but this book, cleverly and interestingly written, focuses on one aspect of that wedding and gives readers an interesting and in-depth look at the dress and the Lady who wore it.

How wonderful to read about and see pictures of how the wedding dress of the century was made. Lots of behind the scenes information on how Princess Diana wanted her wedding and in a very tastefully done manner. It was great fun to read and brought back all the excitement I missed since the passing of Diana. I have over 250 books on this topic and it will be one of the more treasured additions to my collection that I have had in a long time. I don't think Diana would feel betrayed, but proud of the