Princess Diana’s ‘hugely significant’ maternity coat will soon go on display

Diana, Princess of Wales’s style was admired by royal fans worldwide during her short lifetime.

One section of Diana’s fashion, which is seldom spoken about but is also very popular, was her maternity style.

Now, a maternity coat that was worn by the Princess after announcing her pregnancy with Prince William is about to go on display.

For the first time in more than 10 years, this red coat will be on view as part of the new, important exhibition “Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style”, which debuts in October at the Museum of London Docklands.

Princess Diana wore the red coat, created by British fashion designer David Sassoon, in 1981 when she announced her pregnancy with the current Prince of Wales.

She paired this coat with a blue fascinator designed by John Boyd and looked absolutely brilliant.

Diana’s preferred designer David Sassoon worked for Bellville Sassoon, and this coat is one of many items that will show how Jewish designers helped to make London a famous fashion hub.

The garment will be displayed along with goods from some of the most recognised high street businesses in the UK, such as Marks and Spencer’s, Wallis, and Moss Bros.

In addition, it will be shown alongside a recently acquired Alexon tweed coat worn by the beloved EastEnders character Dot Cotton, portrayed by the late June Brown.

Dr Lucie Whitmore, the Curator at the Museum of London said: “Princess Diana played an active role in the design process of her Bellville Sassoon outfits, and wore them for some hugely significant life moments.

“Similarly, June Brown was involved in shaping Dot Cotton’s wardrobe, and the Alexon coat is instantly recognisable as a piece of EastEnders history.

“We are delighted to be able to show both coats as part of the exhibition, as they represent the significant cultural impact made by London’s Jewish designers.

“Fashion City will explore a wide range of experiences, with stories that are both deeply personal and connected to major events in global history.

“We hope people will enjoy finding out more about the people who made London the iconic fashion capital we know today.”

Fashion City explores the tale of the Jewish designers, producers, and retailers behind some of the most recognised looks of the 20th century, from East End tailors to the West End couture salons.

People who established retail chains still in operation on the high street rose to prominence in their fields and contributed to the expansion of the British economy after World War II will be celebrated.

Tickets for the exhibition, which debuts on Friday, October 13, 2023, are now available as of today.