Catherine Walker Succumbs To Breast Cancer.

My life has been so much war as of late. When someone like Michael Kors says "the military look" is in, I shake my head. For me, military is camouflage, guns, and dirt. In fashion, it's epaulets, brass buttons, and crappy old jackets that most veterans wouldn't wear.Anyway, but some things snap me out of all this military stuff. Fashion is always on my radar, even though most times these days, I feel so far away. But I have to mention this.

Catherine Walker has died at the age of 65 of breast cancer. The French-born designer made her life's work building one of the most respected ateliers in Great Britain. The client she is most well remembered for is the late Princess Diana. Well tailored suits and crisply cut day dresses became Diana's trademark as she made her way through official functions. Admittedly, some were almost treasonously campy, like this little get up, which she wore to an appearance at Sandhurst. Remember, this was the 80's, this was the time when Michael Jackson wore sequined military looks.

In addition, Catherine Walker designed many gowns for Princess Diana. Who could forget the "Elvis" jacket --the high collared white beaded jacket and ball gown? Worn, of course with a tiara. It later went up for auction, at a benefit for Diana's favorite cause --AIDS research. This was after her divorce, and shortly prior to her tragic death. When she wore it --once, because really, one couldn't wear a dress like this twice, it set off a stir. Beads...lots of them were in.

Catherine Walker was known for polished, tailored clothing that made women look elegant, rich, but most of all --pulled together. She could play with rich colors, do the military schtick, and camp but what she might always be remembered for is the designer who guided a posh country girl into becoming a modern, stylish princess.
So much for my hiatus.