Designer Elizabeth Emanuel on her life in fashion
Sun Feb 08 2026
Elizabeth Emanuel designs for stars like Rita Ora, Courtney Love and Madonna but her name will forever be remembered for creating Diana, Princess of Wales’, fairytale wedding dress with her then partner David Emanuel.
From her London studio, Elizabeth shares stories behind the surreal royal experience which changed the young designers' lives forever. She recalls the extreme tactics used to conceal the iconic dress from the press; a rehearsal with Diana on a locked down floor at Buckingham Palace and smuggling the finished gown into Clarence House by lorry the night before the ceremony.
Almost 45 years on, Elizabeth is recreating Diana’s stunning veil, which has been lost over time, for a private US collection and she's currently working on a new children's line.
Elizabeth with one of her designs for Rita Ora
Diana's engagement day, wearing a blouse by the Emanuels
David and Elizabeth Emanuel
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Elizabeth Emanuel designs for stars like Rita Ora, Courtney Love and Madonna but her name will forever be remembered for creating Diana, Princess of Wales’, fairytale wedding dress with her then partner David Emanuel. From her London studio, Elizabeth shares stories behind the surreal royal experience which changed the young designers' lives forever. She recalls the extreme tactics used to conceal the iconic dress from the press; a rehearsal with Diana on a locked down floor at Buckingham Palace and smuggling the finished gown into Clarence House by lorry the night before the ceremony. Almost 45 years on, Elizabeth is recreating Diana’s stunning veil, which has been lost over time, for a private US collection and she's currently working on a new children's line. Elizabeth with one of her designs for Rita Ora Diana's engagement day, wearing a blouse by the Emanuels David and Elizabeth Emanuel