We all know that a handbag is a vital accessory. On a practical level, we need somewhere to put our keys and our lipstick. It can also lift an everyday outfit from average to striking. But for the royal family, a bag is even more important. The way one holds or positions a bag can send signals –the Queen has special codes– and even protect oneself from embarrassment. Just look at the late Princess Diana, and the way in which she wielded her so-called ‘cleavage clutch’ as a weapon against the paparazzi.
Diana was hounded by photographers until her tragic death in 1997, and was aware that they would always be on the lookout for negative angles. That’s why she always stepped out of the car with a clutch held to her chest: to avoid anyone snapping a photograph of her bust.
According to Anya Hindmarch – iconic handbag designer and a favourite of Diana’s – the princess herself used the term. ‘We used to laugh when we designed what she called her “cleavage bags,” little satin clutches which she would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars,’ she once told The Telegraph.
‘She was a very loyal customer and a lot of fun. She would come and see us with no bodyguards or any fuss.’
So there you have it. Never underestimate the power of a handbag.
Diana Throwbacks At Wimbledon - Grazia
1 of 121981
Peak Sloane Ranger: a puff-sleeved floral wrap dress worn over a white high collar blouse, worn with the most famous engagement ring in the world.
2 of 121984
The Princess tended towards looser shapes for her maternity wardrobe, much like this striped shift dress, worn while expecting Prince Harry.
3 of 121986
Lose the belt, shift the neckline a little and this blue and white striped dress could be new season Ganni...
4 of 121987
Proof that a white suit will always be a sartorial power move...
5 of 121987
A summery Peter Pan collar and swirling floral print (complete with obligatory blue eyeliner...)
6 of 121987
With a few tweaks (a more exaggerated wrap front, ditching the bow and the lace inset) this floral style wouldn't be too far from 2018's ubiquitous day dress.
7 of 121990
More Wimbledon whites for Diana, pictured here greeting her sister-in-law Sarah Ferguson.
8 of 121991
Another ditsy print, this time in regal purple, for a day out with Prince William.
9 of 121991
The Kate - Diana comparison is one that gets a little too much airtime, but we could actually see the Duchess wearing this delicately printed, tiered style.
10 of 121994
Fact: Princess Diana kickstarted the blazer dress trend. Bonus points for Prince William's cartoon chic tie.
11 of 121994
This button-down sleeveless shift in the brightest of reds was a favourite outfit, one which the Princess re-wore for a number of more casual royal occasions.
12 of 121995
Loved Virgil Abloh's homage to Diana's pastel suits in his OFF/WHITE collection last season? This is the real deal.