FIT FOR A PRINCESS
DRESSING DIANA
THE JEWELS AND GOWNS THAT TRANSFORMED NAOMI WATTS INTO CINEMAS QUEEN OF HEARTS
aking Diana was a labour of love for all involved, but for Chopard co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele it was the perfect marriage of film and fashion. Princess Dianas style is iconic and she will always be remembered for her unforgettable elegance, Caroline tells . Diana is still admired all over the world. She is a woman who will always be remembered for her amazing charisma and elegance, both in her personality and style. I feel privileged to be part of such a prestigious and unique project. The watch and jewellery company was approached by the films production team to re-create Dianas jewels. I was absolutely thrilled because we already have a close relationship with Naomi Watts and it has been an honour to collaborate on a film based on Princess Diana, says Caroline, whose companys designs have been worn by stars such as Uma Thurman, Brnice Bejo and Eva Herzigova. I worked closely with Julian Day, the films costume designer, and between us we chose Chopard creations that we felt matched the status and personality of such an influential figure. ADDING GRAVITAS True to the Princesss style, this included plenty of diamonds, pearls and sapphires. It is so important for films to use genuine jewellery where possible because it adds gravitas to the screen. I also believe it adds weight to the actresss character, says Caroline. When I watch Naomi wearing Chopard in the film, I see contri i how it contributes to her overall aura and p poise when playing Diana. Naomi loves poise
Diana will always be remembered for her amazing charisma and elegance
Caroline Scheufele
I was always thrilled when she wore one of my dresses. The fittings were special informal
Jacques Azagury
e was the man responsible for streamlining Diana, Princess of Wales and for taking her away from the frills and fuss. So it was to Moroccan-born designer Jacques Azagury that the makers of the film Diana turned for help when transforming Naomi Watts into the Princess. Jacques, 56, first met Diana in the mid-1980s and designed many of her gowns over the next decade, becoming a close friend and favourite designer, particularly during her final years. He had reservations about becoming involved in the film. I thought, Do I want to go there? It felt a bit like a step back, a bit too nostalgic, he says when meets him at his Knightsbridge studio. Then I read the script and saw it was serious. When I heard Naomi was doing it, whom Ive always liked, I thought, You know what? Ill do it. Jacques who dresses many red carpet princesses from Dame Helen Mirren and Helen McCrory to Sheridan Smith and Kelly Brook made eight gowns for the film, two of which are identical to ones worn by Diana. One of the most memorable was the powder-blue silk georgette dress with crystal bugle beads, which she wore to a performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall and is featured on the films publicity poster. Its one of the dresses I loved on her the most because it brought out the colour of her amazing eyes. She was tanned, her legs were looking great so it was the perfect dress for the moment. The dcolletage was low but not indecent and yes, it was short. She wanted to go even shorter. Paul Burrell [Dianas butler] and I advised her it was quite short enough! The other replica featured in the film is the black Chantilly lace hand-beaded dress Diana wore to Tate Modern on her 36th birthday her last before she died. She had planned to wear something else but, as a thank you to me she wore it. I was always thrilled when she wore one of my dresses, says Jacques, who describes his designs as prt couture. She had the choice of any designer in the world so it was flattering that she kept coming back to me. JUST THE TWO OF US His happiest memories of Diana, he says, are of visiting her at Kensington Palace for fittings. It was special. It was informal, just the two of us in a room, chatting. The boys would be running around but theyd be quickly ushered away because they were so noisy, he laughs. g time before we get g He believes it will be a long someone who has the mass appeal of Diana and so is reluctant to draw comparisons with the Duchess of Cambridge. Kate is very beautiful and has a great figure, but theyre very different creatures. Diana was what youd call a handsome woman. In shoes she was over 6ft tall. You noticed her as soon as she walked in the room. H
INTERVIEW: ROSALIND POWELL
MAIN PHOTO: IAN JONES. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES. GOFF PHOTOS. NICK HARVEY FOR CHOPARD
Naomi Watts and Caroline Scheufele at the Diana afterparty. Naomi wears Chopard earrings and a polka-dot Saint Laurent LBD
jewellery and often wears Chopard creations on the red carpet. It was Caroline who won the opportunity to redesign the Palme dOr award at the Cannes Film Festival and Chopard has been officially partnering the event since 1998. Ive always been fascinated by the world of film. For me it is a symbol of absolute glamour that inspires a wealth of dreams and emotions, she says. Diana even has the Princess shopping in a Chopard store, although the company never designed items for her. I would have loved to have created an elaborate piece with sapphires, as I know Diana loved this beautiful stone, which suited her so well, says Caroline, adding that, style-wise, the Duchess of Cambridge is often compared to Princess Diana. Kate also has an effortless elegance and charm about her. Her jewellery is always classic, tasteful and understated and it would be an honour to work with her. A supporter of the monarchys charitable causes, Caroline and Chopard champion the Princes Foundation. I think its so important to help those less fortunate than ourselves and its a great honour to be partner to such a worthy cause. Prince Charles has visited Chopard stores and we have always been hugely honoured by his support. From glamorous diamond chokers to delicate drop earrings, Caroline says she cant choose a favourite from the films jewels. Its like asking a mum which of her children she prefers, she says. H I like them all.
INTERVIEW: MICHELLE JOHNSON
Jacques in his Knightsbridge studio with of some of the dresses Naomi Watts wears in Diana. He had reservations about being involved with the film: Then I read the script and realised it was serious, he says
Wearing Dianas diamond, pearl and sapphire jewellery, re-created by Chopard, helped give Naomi the Princesss aura and poise
Jacques sketches (below) of two of Dianas most iconic dresses (centre right and far right). He loved her in the blue dress it showed off her tan and brought out the colour of her amazing eyes. Shortly before Diana died, she gave him this touching memento (right)
