Princess Diana's First-Ever Maternity Look Is Going on Display

On November 5, 1981, Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles were expecting their first child, and were "delighted by the news." The Palace added, "The Princess is in excellent health. The Princess hopes to continue to undertake some public engagements but regrets any disappointment which may be caused by any curtailment in her planned program."

On the day she announced her pregnancy, Princess Diana was photographed in a red Bellville Sassoon coat and blue hat by John Boyd at the Guildhall in London—marking her first-ever maternity look:

Now, that piece of fashion history is going on display in London this fall at a new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. The exhibition, "Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style," will celebrate Jewish designers in London, including David Sassoon, who designed Diana's red coat in 1981.

Sassoon frequently dressed Diana, making more than 70 outfits for the Princess of Wales, including outfits for her honeymoon and what she wore to Prince William's christening. "When I first made dresses for her, she was 19 years old and liked to wear pretty and romantic dresses. But over the years, her taste changed and she became more glamorous and sophisticated," Sassoon told the Jewish Chronicle a few years ago.

Sassoon will be one of the designers featured in the upcoming exhibit. "We are delighted to be able show both coats as part of the exhibition, as they represent the significant cultural impact made by London's Jewish designers," curator Dr. Lucie Whitmore told the BBC, referencing Princess Diana's maternity coat and a tweed coat worn by EastEnders actress June Brown. "Fashion City will explore a wide-range of experiences, with stories that are both deeply personal and connected to major events in global history."

The exhibit will be open from October 13, 2023 through April 14, 2024. You can get tickets here.

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