Why Princess Diana Wouldn't Wear the Chanel Logo After Her Divorce
For a very sad reason.

Princess Diana, one of the most influential style icons of the 20th century, was known for wearing a lot of classic designer brands, from Jimmy Choo to Christian Dior. But there was one fashion house she avoided after her very public divorce from Prince Charles.
According to designer Jayson Brundson, who spoke with Harper’s Bazaar Australia about working with Diana in 1996, Diana couldn’t bring herself to wear Chanel because of the label’s iconic double C logo.
Brundson explained that while he was helping to style her during a trip to Australia, Diana told him she couldn't wear a classic pair of Chanel shoes:
"After [Joh Bailey] had finished her hair she had to get ready for a hospital visit and she said I'm going to wear a cream Versace skirt suit. It was a very fitted jacket and pencil skirt, and she said, 'but I don't know what accessories to wear with it.'"
Bailey suggested Brundson, who was there mainly because he was a fan of Diana's and volunteered to assist with her hair, help her pick what accessories to wear"
"She came out holding like handfuls of shoes and bags and just dumped them all down on the couch. Then said, 'What do you think?', so I went through them all and I found a pair of Chanel shoes, and I said, 'Well these would look great with the Versace,' and she said 'No, I can't wear linked Cs, the double C.' So I asked why, and she said, 'It's Camilla and Charles.'"
"It was definitely the timing, it being post-divorce," Brundson continued. "She would have seen linked Cs and they would have just reminded her of Charles and Camilla. The shoes were quite boldly Chanel, I think they had gold linked Cs on them. And I think for photo optics, people would have honed in on that considering it was so fresh after the divorce as well."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Princess Diana separated from Prince Charles in 1992 after finding out about his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. In a tell-all interview with BBC post separation, Diana famously said, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." The late royal's divorce from Prince Charles was finalized in 1996.
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
PSA: Your Fragrance Horoscope for Taurus Season Did Not Come to Play
Whether you're cocooning or blooming, your scent is written in the stars.
By Aliza Kelly
-
The Royal Family Easter Rule Kate Middleton Broke in 2018
The Princess of Wales was pregnant with her third child—Prince Louis—at the time.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Tracee Ellis Ross Reflects on "Grief" Over Not Marrying or Having Kids
"I grieve the things that I thought would be and that are not."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William Once Twinned With Mom Princess Diana on Easter Sunday in the Cutest Throwback Photo
The future king wore one of his mom's favorite designers.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana "Felt She Would Be Freer" Living in America, But Didn't Make the Move for One Reason
The late royal's friend opened up about the princess's American dream.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
One of Princess Diana's Most Iconic Dresses Is Going Up for Auction—And Its Expected Price Will Shock You
Julien's Auctions tells 'Marie Claire' that one famous dress could potentially break records.
By Kristin Contino
-
Queen Camilla Dazzles in a $10 Million Brooch With Ties to Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana
The Queen looked regal in blue during a state visit to Italy with King Charles.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana Lost Her Temper in a Relatable Mom Moment Caught on Camera: "Shush!"
The late princess got stern with one of her kids during a resurfaced interview.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana's Former Butler Says The King's First Marriage "Will Define His Lifetime" Vs. His Relationship With Camilla
"Isn’t it strange to think Charles has been married to Camilla longer than he was married to Diana?"
By Kristin Contino
-
King Charles "Deeply Regrets" Causing "Pain and Sadness" to Princess Diana With Queen Camilla Affair
"Asking someone to sacrifice happiness for the sake of their public persona seems really quite cruel."
By Amy Mackelden