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The Tale Behind Princess Diana's Iconic Pixie Haircut

As told by her hairstylist, Sam McKnight - by Isobel Larkin
  • 27 Nov 2019

Although Princess Diana experimented with many fashion and beauty trends over her life, her fondness for cropped hairstyles remained a constant. And, during the early '90s, the late princess took her love of short hair even further and went for a bold pixie cut.

WATCH BELOW: Prince Harry Pays Tribute To Mother Diana In A Beautiful Video

Princess Diana's pixie cut became completely iconic, and almost as famous as the princess herself, inspiring many generations since to try the elegant look.

Princess Diana attending a concert in aid of Bosnian children on September, 12 1995.

Princess Diana attending a concert in aid of Bosnian children on September, 12 1995.

But, as it turns out, the hairstyle choice came about spontaneously during a photo shoot for British Vogue, according to an anecdote from her hairstylist Sam McKnight.

“She came bounding up the stairs in a studio in Hackney, this beautiful long-legged blonde, and immediately made us all feel totally at ease. She had an amazing way of disarming you and kind of getting rid of all the nerves, and laughing and making jokes,” McKnight told Vogue before going on to explain how the impromptu chop came about.

After tucking Princess Diana's hair beneath her tiara to give it a shorter appearance for the shoot, Princess Diana loved the look and asked McKnight what he would do with her locks if he "had free reign."

"I replied: 'I’d just cut it all off.' Her hair was fabulous, but it was time for a change, and I think she felt that, too. So she said: 'Okay, do you want to do it now?' So I did."

Princess Diana shares a laugh with American performer Liza Minnelli at a party following a charity film premiere in London ton September 20, 1991.

Princess Diana shares a laugh with American performer Liza Minnelli at a party following a charity film premiere in London ton September 20, 1991.

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Isobel Larkin
Isobel Larkin
Isobel is a contributor to marie claire Australia. She's completely obsessed with skincare and when she's not hunting for the latest news, you’ll find her arranging her product collection in search of the perfect “shelfie.”

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