What You Never Knew About Princess Diana's "Cleavage Bags"
Don't ever assume those clutches were just for show.
![Automotive design, Vehicle, Human body, Vehicle door, Dress, Automotive tire, Alloy wheel, Car, Fender, Rim,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vaRtiguMJEJXFtAV3wJWxH-415-80.jpg)
Diana, Princess of Wales, had red carpets DOWN. As "the most photographed woman in the world," she knew how to pose for the cameras and, more importantly, how not to pose.
Every formal event she attended, the royal predictably carried a small clutch in her hand, matching her gown to a T. The tiny purses couldn't fit more than a lipstick, but she toted them anyway for another very specific purpose.
Handbag designer Anya Hindmarch regularly helped the princess with accessories after she opened her Chelsea store in 1993. "She was a very loyal customer and a lot of fun," Hindmarch told the Telegraph. "She would come and see us with no bodyguards or any fuss."
The low-key royal kept her appointments so informal, she even came up with a cheeky name for the project at hand. According to Hindmarch, "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."
And now we know the trick, we see how well it worked in every single getting-out-of-a-car pic:
The Princess of Wales wasn't the first royal to adopt a multitasking purse. The Queen reportedly uses her famous Launer purse to send secret messages to her staff. For example, when she switches the handles from one glove to the other, she supposedly relays that she'd like to wrap up her current conversation. Putting it on the table implies a real emergency–the monarch wants the event to end within the next five minutes.
Not to be outdone, Kate Middleton uses her clutch as as safety net as well. The Duchess holds her bag in front of her with both hands when shaking hands might be awkward, etiquette expert Myka Meier told GoodHousekeeping.com.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Don't ever assume those tiny bags are just for show—all of the royal ladies wield them just like the experts they are.
RELATED STORY
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Lady Gaga Performs in Full Moulin Rouge Glam—and Flamingo Feathers
The pop star is bringing her glamorous residency feathers to her highly-anticipated Paris performance.
By India Roby Published
-
Why Did Prince William Remove Queen Camilla's Sister From His Payroll?
She was hired by King Charles in 2005.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Céline Dion Channels Her Inner Track Star at the Olympics
Logomania is back.
By Julia Gray Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published