Yes, Princess Diana Really Did Own All These Chic Bags and Clutches

Published on 11/12/2020 at 3:38 PM

The Crown's costume design team was right on the money when it came to re-creating some of Princess Diana's most memorable looks for actress Emma Corrin — including her Elizabeth and David Emanuel-designed wedding dress, of course. But the outfit similarities trickle down to the accessories, too. Some might know that it's thanks to Diana that the Dior Lady Bag is so iconic. That purse, alongside Salvatore Ferragamo's Lady D design, was named for her!

Diana did keep those luxury items in heavy rotation during the late '80s and early '90s, but costume designer Amy Roberts also chose to pay tribute to some of Diana's simpler designs in the Netflix series. It's true; after watching season four of The Crown, you'll probably wonder whether Diana did carry a brown leather shoulder bag and white envelope clutch. The answer is yes — and we're here to give you proof. Ahead, find some of the best comparisons we were able to make between the bags worn by Emma on The Crown and the styles Diana wore in real life. We even confirmed the exact dates the late royal accessorized her looks with these bags, so you know around the time she favorited them in her own wardrobe.

Princess Diana's Metallic Clutch

Emma Corrin carries a metallic clutch for the re-creation of the red polka-dot look Diana wore for the premiere of Bond film For Your Eyes Only in 1981.

Princess Diana's Metallic Clutch

Diana did, in fact, pair a similar clutch with her gown on the red carpet.

Princess Diana's Metallic Clutch

Princess Diana also brought along that same silver metallic clutch to a fashion show in London that raised funds for Birthright in 1982.

Princess Diana's Metallic Clutch

Diana's 1983 evening gown was jazzed up by yet another metallic clutch, this one with quilted texture, at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Princess Diana's White Shoulder Bag

Corrin wears the dainty white leather shoulder bag to pop against a yellow skirt suit on The Crown.

Princess Diana's White Shoulder Bag

Diana's most similar shape that we could find is seen here, worn with a casual white shirtdress for a visit to Ayers Rock during a tour of Australia in 1983.

Princess Diana's White Shoulder Bag

Diana also owned this more structural version, which she paired with a powder-blue suit and pumps in 1995 (we see you over there, Prince Harry!).

Princess Diana's White Shoulder Bag

Diana also owned plenty of envelope-style bags, and the one she brought on her visit to Thailand in 1988 came equipped with a convenient crossbody strap.

Princess Diana's Brown Leather Shoulder Bag

While simple in design, the bag Corrin wears as Diana on The Crown could be representative of the many similar styles she owned while running errands, instead of for more formal events.

Princess Diana's Brown Leather Shoulder Bag

Here's Diana walking down the street in 1982 wearing what is perhaps her most similar bag.

Princess Diana's Black Box Clutch With Gold Hardware

Coordinated with a checked, double-breasted skirt suit on The Crown, Diana definitely carried her box clutches when it was time to dress up.

Princess Diana's Black Box Clutch With Gold Hardware

Diana wore her most similar minaudière with an LBD and pearl-and-diamond drop earrings to the premiere of 1995's Apollo 13 in London.

Princess Diana's Black Box Clutch With Gold Hardware

Diana also owned this square design with an envelope flap, which she carried to a concert in 1988 while wearing a polka-dot pussy-bow blouse.

Princess Diana's White Envelope Clutch

Corrin slips into a blue blouse and skirt with a netted fascinator to play Diana on The Crown.

Princess Diana's White Envelope Clutch

This modest blue look, finished with a white leather fold-over clutch, was worn during Diana's 1983 tour of Australia and perhaps best mirrors the one Corrin wears on The Crown.

Princess Diana's White Envelope Clutch

Diana also owned a white leather clutch with a scalloped edge, seen here with the feminine outfit she wore to her first Ascot meeting with the royal family in 1981.