David Emanuel
Last updated: 14 November 2008
David Emanuel trained at the Cardiff College of Art, and then studied at the Royal College of Art from 1975-77.
Since graduating from the Royal College of Art, David Emanuel has been heralded as a couturier of international stature. The Welsh designer became a leading figure in the early 1980s fashion scene, and became famous for creating the wedding dress for Diana, Princess of Wales.
From his initial time under the design house of Emanuel from 1977 to 1989, he has designed clothes for royalty in Britain and Europe, and for public figures including Joan Collins, Shirley Bassey, Faye Dunaway, Patsy Kensit, Lesley Garrett and Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1981 David was commissioned to co-design the wedding dress for Diana, Princess of Wales. The dress was seen by over 700 million people worldwide, and incorporated ivory silk, pure taffeta, lace, a 25ft train and 10,000 pearls and sequins. David continued to dress her for private and public engagements following her wedding.
His own label, David Emanuel Couture, was established in 1990. Since then he has offered clients an exclusive and personal service at his private suite at the Lanesborough Hotel in Knightsbridge, London.
"I want my clients to know I'm there from my first sketch to the final creation," he says. "After which I offer advice on accessories, hair and make-up. My clients know I'm on their side and that I want them to look and feel their very best."
Rather than producing vast off-the-peg creations, David Emanuel specialises in tailored, individual chic designs, from simple daywear to evening dresses and bridal wear.
He also has a career in the media, contributing to and presenting TV and radio programmes in a number of countries, including appearances for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Wales. He writes a weekly style column for the Western Mail newspaper.
David has also designed sets and costumes for ballet, theatre and television productions, including Cinderella at the London Palladium and Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus for the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden. Additionally, he has branched into photography, including a session with Elizabeth Taylor for the Sunday Times.
