Why Princess Diana Refused to Wear Chanel After Her Divorce

Written by Catarina Araujo

To this day, Princess Diana is known for being one of the biggest fashion icons of the 20th century. Despite her death over 20 years ago, her classic style and use of many highly-regarded fashion brands, such as Dior and Versace, are still fresh in the public eye. 

Although known for her expensive fashion choices, Diana refused to wear Chanel in the years following her divorce from Charles. In an interview with Harper’s BAZAAR in 2018, the Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon discussed working with Diana back in 1996, during her final visit to Australia for a charity event.

According to the interview, Brunsdon’s friend, Joh Bailey, had been appointed as Diana’s hairdresser. Since Bailey was aware of how much of a fan Jayson was of the Princess, Joh offered for him to go as his assistant, to which Jayson excitedly complied.

After finishing up Diana’s hair, the Princess told them she would be wearing a cream Versace skirt suit but that she didn’t know how to accessorize it. Bailey insisted that Jayson could help her since he had a good fashion style. The Princess agreed and went to her room, returning shortly after with handfuls of shoes and bags, all of which she dumped on the couch. Jayson picked out a particular pair of Chanel shoes, which he suggested would go well with the skirt. Diana refused, reportedly having said that she “can’t wear linked Cs, the double C […] it’s Camilla and Charles.” She ended up resorting to Guccis. 

Brunsdon explained that since Diana had worn Chanel various times in the past, her reluctance was more about the timing, as she was freshly divorced from Charles. The linked Cs seemed to automatically remind her of her ex-husband and Camilla. He went on to say that he did not believe she had anything against the French brand itself, only what the logo could stand for and what it constantly reminded her of.

The divorce was finalized in August 1996, and Camilla Parker Bowles was present not only through it but also throughout their relationship. Before the separation of the royal couple was even announced, romantic phone calls between the prince and Camilla were leaked, sparking rumors of infidelity. Said rumors were confirmed by the now King Charles in an interview in 1994, where he openly admitted to committing adultery when married. He tried defending himself by claiming it only happened after he noticed that the damage to their marriage was irreversible. 

Sources:
https://www.marieclaire.com.au/why-princess-diana-didnt-wear-chanel
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a20730810/princess-diana-wearing-chanel-logo/