Diana: The Secrets of Her Style

Rating:
Summary: A stylish and substantive tribute
Review: I own all the books written about Princess Diana and this one is very special. Yes, the writer is a fan but I think it adds something to the sincerity of the text. It seems Ms. Clehane spent a great deal of time researching her subject and got some very touching material from those who knew her well.

The photos are beautiful (many that I've never seen before) and the sketches are very interesting, too. I love the tribute that Ms. Clehane wrote in the introduction of the book. She expresses her feelings beautifully.

I found all the stories to be accurate. And as for errors, I found several in the Georgina Howell book that was $10 more.

This book has a lovely spirit.

Rating:
Summary: This is a great book.
Review: In the Foreward, the author writes, "DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES, WAS ONE OF FASHION'S BRIGHTEST STARS. She found a way to articulate something all women instinctively know: our clothes speak more fluently - and honestly - about ourselves that words ever could. While Diana popularized pearl chokers, designer handbags and short hair, her greatest contribution to fashion was her intuitive understanding of the power of style. It was a gift she used wisely.

"Diana made us believe in transformation and reinvention and she did it through the clothes she wore. Her emotional life was mirrored by her appearance. Her journey from a rather ordinary-looking kindergarten teacher to Her Royal Highness to a stunning, independent single woman was rifle with images every woman could relate to. To women of all ages who grew up believing in fairy-tale endings, Diana in her unabashedly romantic wedding dress was the embodiment of a modern day Cinderella. In her short black cocktail dress worn as 'revenge dressing' to upstage her unfaithful husband and strike at those who underestimated her, she became a role model for embattled survivors. In photographs which captured her toned body dashing off to the gym in colorful workout closthes ( the same ones we own!), she represented the physical ideal of the ninties: radiantly healthy, sensual and strong.

"Many of us saw our own reflection in Diana. When she exchanged ball gowns and tiaras for simple suits and straight hair, we recognized - the idealized version of ourselves - in her. We wanted to be like her, and she, it seemed, wanted to be like us. That is the essence of her appeal: Diana was Everywoman.

"...Ultimately, Diana was not a woman that could ever be completely understood. Complicated and simple, outwardly sophisticated and emotionally naive, she was - so we made ourselves believe - just like us. In truth, she was like no one else in the world."

Diana had that innate ability of putting clothing, colors, and accessories together which others dared not to try. She possessed a sense of style in clothing and in colors which always seemed to complement her surroundings regardless of where she was. In short, Diana looked elegant in everything she wore, and she always chose clothes that clearly conveyed respect for her hosts. As the most enduring fashion icon of the modern age, Diana was the woman that millions of women wanted to look at and look like, but unfortunately, there will never be another Princess of Wales like her.

This is a great book and a must for all who collect book on Diana, Princess of Wales.

Rating:
Summary: Author Captures Diana's "Style"
Review: More than just a "fashion parade" of Diana's clothes, this book captures the real essence of the Princess of Wales herself as seen via what she wore. The author, Diane Clehane, admits that she is a great fan of the Princess, yet she gives an honest account of Diana's transformation from unknown nursery-school teacher to international superstar. She candidly points out "fashion mistakes" that the Princess made along the way in her public life while also leading the reader to an understanding that Diana's "style" was so much more than her clothes.

Diana had a figure and height which enabled her to wear clothes beautifully, but even more important than that is the personality which shone forth. It is this which Ms. Clehane has successfully revealed in the pages of this book. She has, with grace and eloquence, drawn the line between fashion and style and shown that the clothes did not make Diana. Diana made the clothes.