Regal Threads: Jacques Azagury Reflects on Designing Princess Diana's $1M Dress, a Fashion Icon's Timeless Elegance
Diana, Princess of Wales, captivated the world not only with her grace and kindness but also with her revolutionary sense of style. A recent high-profile Hollywood auction witnessed a historic moment when a ballerina-length gown, adorned with purple stars and crafted by designer Jacques Azagury, sold for a staggering $1,143,000 (£900,049) on December 17th. This exquisite piece added another chapter to the fashion legacy of the people's princess.
Azagury, a Morocco-born designer, crossed paths with Diana in 1985, a mere four years into her marriage to Prince Charles. At the time, the young princess was navigating the complexities of royal life, while Azagury, with his recently acclaimed collection at London's Brown, was hailed as fashion's rising star. Their fateful encounter occurred at the London Design Trade Show, orchestrated by Vogue editor Anna Harvey, who introduced Diana to Azagury's stand.
Recalling that transformative moment, Azagury expressed his surprise and the overwhelming excitement of meeting the princess. Diana's remarkable ability to instantly make others feel at home left a lasting impression on the young designer. This initial meeting blossomed into a lasting friendship, and three weeks later, Diana graced Azagury's store in Knightsbridge, London, where she acquired the iconic gown.
The dress made its debut during a royal tour of Italy in April 1985, and decades later, it became the most expensive item of Diana's clothing ever auctioned, surpassing initial predictions by an astonishing 11 times. Azagury, upon hearing the news, expressed his absolute delight, considering the garment not just as fashion but as a valuable piece of art that encapsulates a moment in time.
Refusing to disclose the original price, Azagury emphasizes the dress's iconic status, comparing it to valuable art that speaks of a specific period. As the regal threads of Princess Diana continue to weave their magic, Azagury's creation stands as a testament to timeless elegance and the enduring legacy of a fashion icon.
Starry Elegance: Jacques Azagury's Timeless Creation and Princess Diana's Iconic Evolution
In the realm of fashion history, one dress stands as a beacon of elegance and style – a creation by Jacques Azagury that recently made headlines after fetching a staggering $1,143,000 at a Hollywood auction. Impeccably tailored in the Eighties style, the dress features a black bodice adorned with embroidered blue stars, a testament to Swiss textile genius Jakob Schlaepfer. The drop-waist design, exaggerated square shoulder pads, and a whimsical two-tier royal blue organza skirt complete with a sash and bow capture the essence of that era.
For Azagury, this dress is not merely fabric and threads but a piece of history, a sentiment amplified by the fact that it was worn by Princess Diana. Making its debut during a dinner hosted by the Mayor of Florence, the dress accompanied Diana and Prince Charles on their 17-day tour of Italy in the Eighties. Subsequently, it graced an appearance at the Orpheum Theatre in Canada, marking the beginning of Diana's style evolution.
This iconic ensemble, with its starry night aesthetic, signaled a departure from Diana's earlier 'Sloane Ranger' look, characterized by frilly collars and baggy blouses. Azagury reminisces about steering Diana's style towards simplicity, shape, and elegance, a departure from the frills and fuss. It marked the genesis of a decade-long friendship between Azagury and Diana, extending until her tragic demise in 1997.
Azagury's influence on Diana's style is undeniable, especially during and after her tumultuous split and divorce from Prince Charles in 1996. Referred to as 'the Famous Five,' a collection of five custom-made dresses showcased Diana's embrace of a more glamorous and liberated style, breaking free from royal protocol. Notable among these is the long black halterneck dress worn on the night of her BBC Panorama interview in 1995, an ice-blue mini dress for her last public appearance in 1997, and a delicate black chantilly lace gown gifted by Azagury on her 36th birthday.
Through these timeless creations, Azagury not only left an indelible mark on fashion but also played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic style of Princess Diana, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of sartorial history.
Preserving Elegance: Azagury's Nostalgic Auction and the Undisclosed Legacy
In a recent turn of events, Jacques Azagury, the renowned designer behind some of Princess Diana's most iconic dresses, has ensured the preservation of her sartorial legacy. Having retired just five or six weeks ago, Azagury sought to extend the narrative of Diana's elegance by creating 'twin' versions of five iconic dresses. Originally intended for auction, Azagury, not wanting the story to end, negotiated a private sale for the entire collection, including sketches and handwritten notes from Diana.
The undisclosed six-figure sum secured the collection's new home at the Princess Diana Museum in Los Angeles, a decision Azagury made to keep the dresses, letters, and sketches together. Despite the potential for higher prices at an auction, Azagury's priority was unity and the preservation of the collection as a whole.
The heartfelt notes exchanged between Diana and Azagury, including a 'thank you' note for her 36th birthday gown, underscore the personal connection between the designer and the princess. Diana's gratitude shines through as she expresses being 'quite overcome' by the beauty of the dress, making her birthday 'particularly special.'
Reflecting on the nearly 40 years since their first meeting, Azagury describes the experience of dressing Diana as a perpetual 'pinch-me' moment. The surreal journey, from designing for the princess to visiting the palace to dress her, remains etched in Azagury's memory as a testament to timeless elegance and a collaboration that transcends time.
As these dresses find a new home, their story lives on, and Azagury's decision to keep the collection intact ensures that Diana's enduring influence on fashion is preserved for generations to come.
In conclusion, Jacques Azagury's decision to retire marked not the end but a poignant continuation of Princess Diana's sartorial legacy. The creation of 'twin' versions of five iconic dresses, intended for auction, took a turn towards a private sale that secured their place at the Princess Diana Museum in Los Angeles. Azagury's undisclosed six-figure sum ensures the unity of the entire collection, complete with sketches and handwritten notes from Diana, an intentional move to preserve the narrative as a cohesive whole.
The heartfelt messages exchanged between Diana and Azagury, particularly a 'thank you' note for her 36th birthday gown, capture the genuine connection and gratitude shared between the designer and the princess. Diana's words reflect the profound impact of the dresses and the special moments they symbolize.
As Azagury reflects on the surreal journey of nearly 40 years, from their first meeting to designing for Diana and visiting the palace, the 'pinch-me' moment endures. The decision to keep the collection intact is a testament to the enduring influence of Princess Diana on fashion and the timeless elegance encapsulated in each dress. This legacy, now housed in Los Angeles, ensures that Diana's transformative style continues to inspire and captivate for generations to come.