British fashion designer Elizabeth Emanuel became a household name when she and her then-husband David created a stunning ivory taffeta and antique lace wedding dress with a record-breaking 25-foot train for Lady Diana Spencer.Â
An estimated 800 million people were glued to their television screens to get a glimpse of the beautiful dress and watch what was then believed to be the future Queen of England tie the knot to The Prince of Wales.
This July 29th marks the 30-year anniversary of Princess Diana’s wedding day (and today, Canada Day, would be Diana’s 50th birthday) and FASHIONOTES sat down with Elizabeth Emanuel to talk about her impressive career as a fashion designer and learn more about her new label Art of Being.
Jacalyn: You made one of the most beautiful and famous wedding dresses in history. How did Princess Diana first learn about you as a designer? After all, you were fresh out of college when you got the call for this life-changing commission?
Elizabeth: David and I had lent some pieces to Vogue and they were used for Diana’s engagement shots, she asked Vogue who designed them and then she personally contacted us and gave us the big commission.
Jacalyn: Discuss your new couture label Art of Being.
Elizabeth: I launched Art of Being in 2010. It’s a ready-to-wear line that is edgy, contemporary and very glam. Last summer I introduced Art of Being to that catwalk for London Fashion Week SS’11 and it was a great success, the venue was over-capacity! Everyone knows me as the woman who dressed Diana, and while designing for the Royals was incredible, there is so much more I can do. I believe returning to the catwalk to introduce my Little Black Dress SS’11 collection proved my diversity as a designer.
Jacalyn: What can we expect to see next for you and your label Art of Being?
Elizabeth: Right now I am currently working on a 30-year retrospect of my career. I will be bringing out rare and unique dresses from my archive and will revive them on the catwalk. The dresses will span from the 80’s through to the present day with element of my new label Art of Being.
Jacalyn: You have dressed some of the most influential women in the entertainment industry, including Elizabeth Taylor, Helena Bonham Carter and Charlize Theron. FASHIONOTES would love to know, what was it like to dress the iconic Elizabeth Taylor?
Elizabeth: Elizabeth Taylor always made an entrance when she walked into a room; she had the most amazing presence about her. She was incredibly beautiful and the definition of Hollywood glamour. I designed several looks for Taylor, including caftans. She loved caftans and no one could pull them off as well as she could.
Jacalyn: Which Hollywood star do you have your eye on next to dress?
Elizabeth: I would love to dress Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley or the lovely Emma Watson.
Jacalyn: We noticed you have a Twitter and Facebook account that you proactively use to connect with your fans.  What exciting updates can we expect to see by following you on Twitter?
Elizabeth: I simply love using social media tools to connect with my fans. I always respond to all my followers’ questions and tweets as well. Last week I threw a contest on my Twitter asking my loyal followers a question about my designs and the winner received a jewelry set I had designed for the Daily Mail. I have a lot of exciting news that will be popping up on my Twitter this summer so stay tuned and follow me @ElizabethEmanue!
It was a pleasure to chat with Elizabeth Emanuel, she is truly one of the most genuine and talented designers in the fashion industry. Be sure to add her to Twitter @ElizabethEmanue and check out her website: http://www.elizabethemanuel.co.uk/ for more info on her label Art of Being.
