Diana: The Secrets of Her Style

More than just a "fashion parade" of Diana's clothes, this book captures the real essence of the Princess of Wales herself as seen via what she wore. The author, Diane Clehane, admits that she is a great fan of the Princess, yet she gives an honest account of Diana's transformation from unknown nursery-school teacher to international superstar. She candidly points out "fashion mistakes" that the Princess made along the way in her public life while also leading the reader to an understanding that Diana's "style" was so much more than her clothes.Diana had a figure and height which enabled her to wear clothes beautifully, but even more important than that is the personality which shone forth. It is this which Ms. Clehane has successfully revealed in the pages of this book. She has, with grace and eloquence, drawn the line between fashion and style and shown that the clothes did not make Diana. Diana made the clothes.

In the Foreward, the author writes, "DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES, WAS ONE OF FASHION'S BRIGHTEST STARS. She found a way to articulate something all women instinctively know: our clothes speak more fluently - and honestly - about ourselves that words ever could. While Diana popularized pearl chokers, designer handbags and short hair, her greatest contribution to fashion was her intuitive understanding of the power of style. It was a gift she used wisely."Diana made us believe in transformation and reinvention and she did it through the clothes she wore. Her emotional life was mirrored by her appearance. Her journey from a rather ordinary-looking kindergarten teacher to Her Royal Highness to a stunning, independent single woman was rifle with images every woman could relate to. To women of all ages who grew up believing in fairy-tale endings, Diana in her unabashedly romantic wedding dress was the embodiment of a modern day Cinderella. In her short black cocktail dress worn as 'revenge dressing' to upstage her unfaithful husband and strike at those who underestimated her, she became a role model for embattled survivors. In photographs which captured her toned body dashing off to the gym in colorful workout closthes ( the same ones we own!), she represented the physical ideal of the ninties: radiantly healthy, sensual and strong."Many of us saw our own reflection in Diana. When she exchanged ball gowns and tiaras for simple suits and straight hair, we recognized - the idealized version of ourselves - in her. We wanted to be like her, and she, it seemed, wanted to be like us. That is the essence of her appeal: Diana was Everywoman."...Ultimately, Diana was not a woman that could ever be completely understood. Complicated and simple, outwardly sophisticated and emotionally naive, she was - so we made ourselves believe - just like us. In truth, she was like no one else in the world."Diana had that innate ability of putting clothing, colors, and accessories together which others dared not to try. She possessed a sense of style in clothing and in colors which always seemed to complement her surroundings regardless of where she was. In short, Diana looked elegant in everything she wore, and she always chose clothes that clearly conveyed respect for her hosts. As the most enduring fashion icon of the modern age, Diana was the woman that millions of women wanted to look at and look like, but unfortunately, there will never be another Princess of Wales like her.This is a great book and a must for all who collect book on Diana, Princess of Wales.

I own all the books written about Princess Diana and this one is very special. Yes, the writer is a fan but I think it adds something to the sincerity of the text. It seems Ms. Clehane spent a great deal of time researching her subject and got some very touching material from those who knew her well. The photos are beautiful (many that I've never seen before) and the sketches are very interesting, too. I love the tribute that Ms. Clehane wrote in the introduction of the book. She expresses her feelings beautifully.I found all the stories to be accurate. And as for errors, I found several in the Georgina Howell book that was $10 more. This book has a lovely spirit.

This is a beautiful, thoughtful book about the transformation of Diana Spencer from a shy, shetland-clad school girl to an ultra-glamorous, international, woman of the 90s. The book is PACKED with great photographs and pretty designer sketches. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the Princess, but Ms. Clehane proved me wrong! (I even bought a few extra copies to give as Christmas gifts for my Diana-loving friends.) Kathy Mackenzie

I wish someone would donate the proceeds of their book to the Landmine cause that Diana championed. I had the pleasure of seeing her gowns at the preauction show along with my professor. The monarchy never got it: Diana was the best ambassador Britain ever had and there will never be another. (Trying to replace her with Edward's girlfriend is a joke; Diana was more than just a "gown and pretty jewels.") Her fashion sense was a joy to see; she presented the British fashion industry at its best and the British fashion industry gave her its best. Most of my classes covered a minimum of British fashion and tailoring and only with the menswear; Diana showed the workmanship in womens' clothing and everything in or on these gowns was right up there with the very best of French or Italian tailoring. You had to see those gowns up close to really appreciate them and, with a few of them, how she honored the hosts of the countries she visited. It is hypocritical to see how the monarchy has trashed Diana's name and memory lately and how the Diana-fication of the monarchy has progressed. It's all in the name of public relations, not a true change. BUY this book!