Princess Diana's royal closet had a deep connection with India

The world today features monarchy across its many continents; and yet, Princess Diana is far from being forgotten. Adored by the world at large, the People's Princess was a humanitarian and spread joy with every hand she shook. From omitting the word 'obey' in her marital vows for her 1981 wedding to then-Prince Charles to racing barefooted at her son's school day to dismissing stigma and shaking bare hands with HIV patients, she broke norms and changed perceptions which the world wouldn’t talk about and no one in her position had ever done before. Her presence marked a legacy that can never be forgotten in many, many lifetimes. Even after her tragic passing in 1997 at the age at 36, the late Princess Diana's light continues to shine bright. A large part of it can be attributed to her timeless fashion choices. Today on her 64th birth anniversary, we remember Her Highness, who was also known for her impeccable taste in fashion before it became a trend. 

Princess Diana created many of the aesthetics that exist in fashion today. Her iconic revenge dress once started an uproar in the fashion world. The time she paired her cycling shorts with a sweatshirt and sneakers was snapped by the paparazzi, who would even hide themselves outside the gym for a single photograph of hers. Lady Diana is the reason that the globally-famous purse, Lady Dior, became a coveted accessory. Besides international designers, Princess Diana's sartorial choices also had a connect with the rich culture of India.

During a heartfelt visit to Lahore, Pakistan in May 1997, Princess Diana was seen in a royal blue salwaar kameez by designer Ritu Kumar. Hosted by Imran Khan and Jemima Khan, Diana's attire echoed both; cultural respect and sartorial elegance. In an Instagram post by Ritu Kumar, the designer revealed that Lady Diana was also patron of Ritu Kumar’s store in London. In a 2021 post, Ritu Kumar mentioned an encounter with Her Highness, saying, “Diana was a patron of my store in London. She would call the store herself when she wanted to visit. She would cycle down to the store, park at Mayfair beyond our store, and walk a few minutes to it. She would only request us to keep some part of the store free of customers to give her some privacy, and would enjoy browsing there.”

Besides being a patron of Indian wear, Lady Diana also sought out other designers from India that spoke of the country and its heritage through its creations. Yet another solid connection she had with India was through a jewellery designer based in Jaipur. For the princess, it was diamonds and gemstones that added to her flair. Angara, a brand that is American headquartered with a 400-year-old family legacy in Jaipur, shares history with the People's Princess and her fondness for their craft and culture.

Aditi Daga, Founder of Angara, said, "Princess Diana came to the showroom and tried on many pieces, while my grandfather's brother, Padmashri Prakashchandji Surana, played polo with the then-Prince Charles. She entrusted the family with repairing many of her jewels."

Princess Diana will forever be remembered for the person for who she was; fashion and all, with a legacy of values that is still remembered by many.

Edited by Dayle Pereira