Princess Diana: The story behind how late Princess Diana's pixie haircut was born | - Times of India (2024)

Princess Diana

, renowned for her grace and timeless style, is perhaps best known for her iconic

pixie cut

, a symbol of boldness and independence. This chic and striking hairstyle that defined her look in the '90s was born out of a spur-of-the-moment decision, as revealed by her hairstylist,

Sam McKnight

in an interview with

British Vogue

as a part of the Youtube series ‘Vogue Visionaries
In 1990, during a photo shoot for British Vogue, Sam

McKnight

had the privilege of working with Princess Diana.

His first impression was of her warmth, charisma, and innate beauty. During the shoot, he styled her hair in a faux bob, cleverly tucking it under a tiara to give the appearance of shorter locks. It was an experiment, a subtle hint that a shorter hairstyle might suit the Princess more than her long, feathered locks, which had been her signature look throughout the '80s.

Princess Diana: The story behind how late Princess Diana's pixie haircut was born | - Times of India (1)

In a new youtube series by British Vogue called Vogue Visionaries, Sam Mcknight spilled the back story of how Princess Diana adopted the look. Source: Tim Graham

As the photoshoot concluded, Princess Diana posed an intriguing question to McKnight: "What would you do with my hair if you had complete freedom?" In a bold and spontaneous response, McKnight suggested cutting it all off and starting afresh. He drew inspiration from the androgynous, sharp, and business-like styles popular among models and celebrities during the '90s.
To McKnight's astonishment, Princess Diana immediately agreed. In a moment of audacity, she consented to an impromptu haircut right then and there. With a few decisive scissors snips, McKnight transformed her look, creating a sleek pixie cut that framed her face and accentuated her features. It was a pivotal moment in the history of her style.

Princess Diana: The story behind how late Princess Diana's pixie haircut was born | - Times of India (2)

An impromptu decision, the haircut went on to symbolize independence and self-assuredness and was wildly popular. Source: Tim Graham

The pixie cut was more than a change of hairstyle for Princess Diana; it became a statement of independence and self-assuredness. In a life characterized by media scrutiny and royal expectations, it symbolized her ability to assert her individuality. The pixie cut reflected her modern and progressive outlook and marked her personal and professional growth as she increasingly engaged in humanitarian causes and public events.

This bold and liberating decision also had a profound impact on the world of fashion and beauty. Women from all corners of the globe sought to emulate her elegant and sophisticated look. The pixie cut came to symbolize courage and empowerment. It wasn't just a hairstyle; it was a powerful statement.

Malaika Arora's Boss Lady act at Lakme Fashion Week

Looking back, it's remarkable how a spontaneous decision during a photoshoot gave birth to one of the most iconic and enduring hairstyles in history. Princess Diana's pixie cut is more than a fashion choice; it's a testament to the power of personal expression and a symbol of strength and independence. It inspires and captivates us, reminding us of a beloved and timeless icon of style and substance.

Princess Diana: The story behind how late Princess Diana's pixie haircut was born | - Times of India (2024)

FAQs

Princess Diana: The story behind how late Princess Diana's pixie haircut was born | - Times of India? ›

Princess Diana's iconic pixie cut

pixie cut
A pixie cut is a short hairstyle, generally short on the back and sides of the head and slightly longer on the top, with very short bangs.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Pixie_cut
, which became a symbol of independence, was born out of a spontaneous decision during a photoshoot in 1990. Her hairstylist, Sam McKnight, suggested cutting off her hair, and to his surprise, she agreed immediately.

Why did Princess Diana cut her hair short? ›

“As she was leaving, Diana asked what would I do to her hair if I had free reign,” McKnight writes. “I suggested cutting it short and she, to my surprise, agreed, and we did it there and then.”

Did Princess Diana have a perm in her hair? ›

Princess Diana, Hair

He has also spoken about the fact that Princess Diana used to get perms at the time, and it was he who finally weaned her off the permanent hair solution.

What color was Princess Diana's hair? ›

It was caused by a genetic mutation or aberration which means she didn't have blonde genes and that's why her hair naturally darkened to brunette as she got older. She was told if she wanted to get Prince Charles's attention, she would have to dye her hair blonde, which she did by 1980.

Did Princess Diana have bangs? ›

Diana's hair transformation throughout the '90s saw her blonde get brighter and her bangs get wispier, giving her a look that would feel just as at home today as it did more than three decades ago.

Did Princess Diana have a Down syndrome daughter? ›

The only children Diana had are William and Harry. There are no secret children.

Did Diana wear wigs to go out? ›

In real life, the Princess did wear different disguises at points, with Vogue UK writing, "Diana did, in fact, wear dark wigs and sunglasses when venturing out with Khan in his Chelsea neighbourhood or queuing with him outside jazz clubs." Princess Diana and Khan had a two-year relationship, from 1995 to 1997, until ...

Did Princess Diana wear false eyelashes? ›

Princess Diana's makeup artist has shared that she would never use false eyelashes on the late Princess, as she never wanted anything too "flashy". Mary Greenwell, Diana's longtime friend and makeup artist throughout her life, revealed the secret behind creating her famously gorgeous looks.

Did Diana have thick hair? ›

Princess's Diana's hair grows lush and thick and blond, all qualities I am prepared to find beautiful; it's bobbed, and I often find a bob fetching.

What were Diana's last words? ›

What were Princess Diana's last words? The firefighter on the scene of Princess Diana's accident revealed the last words she spoke before her death in an interview with The Independent. According to the firefighter, Xavier Gourmelon, the Princess of Wales asked: “My God, what has happened?”

Who had red hair in Diana's family? ›

It has also been pointed out that, in the Spencer family on Diana's side, the red hair gene is common. Her brother, Earl Spencer, and sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, are both redheads. Besides, Harry is not the only redhead in his family. His cousin, Princess Beatrice, also has red hair.

What color eyes did princes Diana have? ›

Princess Diana had deep blue eyes that were much less pigmented with melanin than the royal family. Despite the event, lighting, and other factors, her blue eyes always stood out. Like the royal family, the Spencer family also has several members with blue eyes, such as her brother Charles, Earl of Spencer.

What was Princess Diana's favorite color? ›

Princess Diana Exhibition | Princess Diana's favorite color was… PINK! Pink is a nurturing, playful, and nostalgic color that takes people back to their childhoods...

Why was Princess Diana's hair so short? ›

Princess Diana's iconic pixie cut, which became a symbol of independence, was born out of a spontaneous decision during a photoshoot in 1990. Her hairstylist, Sam McKnight, suggested cutting off her hair, and to his surprise, she agreed immediately.

Did Diana always hang her head? ›

Diana revealed: "When I first arrived on the scene I'd always put my head down. "Now that I interpret it, that did look sulky. I've never sulked. I've been terrified out of my tiny little mind.

Did Princess Diana have mood swings? ›

Diana often wept before and after public engagements due to both her own high expectations for herself and the public's expectations of her. She was prone to mood swings, bulimia, self-mutilation, lying, and inattention. These symptoms could suggest any number of diagnoses other than borderline personality disorder.

Why did Princess Diana put her head down? ›

She wasn't actually shy

If she kept her head down while talking, Arbiter explains, it's only because she was so much taller than most. Diana's brother, Charles, 9th Earl of Spencer, agrees. “She was never shy,” the Earl told People.

Why was Princess Diana's dress so wrinkled? ›

Her wedding gown barely fit in the royal coach.

Paul's Cathedral, as the excessive amount of fabric made it difficult for her to fit in the coach. Folding the fabric over and over to fit Diana into the carriage was what caused the wrinkles on her dress, designer Elizabeth Emanuel told the Daily Mail.

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