There are moments frozen in time that, decades later, not only retain their relevance but gain new, deeper meaning. Such are the photographs taken in the summer of 1997. On board the Jonikal yacht off the coast of Saint-Tropez, Diana, former Princess of Wales, was vacationing with her sons. At the time, no one could have imagined that these images, captured by ever-present paparazzi, would serve not only as the last visual records of her life but also as an endless source of inspiration for generations to come.
Nearly thirty years have passed, and now, in 2025, social media and fashion experts have unanimously declared: Diana’s summer wardrobe is the main trend of the season. The name has changed, but the essence remains. The aesthetic now known as ‘coastal grandmother’ is a hymn to relaxed elegance. Picture white linen, loose shirts, simple camisoles, beige trousers, flat sandals, and large sunglasses. All these elements create an aura of understated seaside luxury—the very look Diana displayed with striking ease long before influencers coined a term for it.
Those days on the Côte d’Azur were filled with a unique atmosphere of glamour and gentle melancholy. In the photos, Diana appeared happy, free, almost weightless. She effortlessly set the tone, appearing in swimsuits with bright prints, complemented by golden sunglasses and pareos skillfully tied at the hips. These images traveled around the world, becoming a symbol of an independent and strong woman who, having cast off the shackles of royal protocol, was rediscovering herself and her unique style.
So what exactly is this ‘coastal grandmother’ phenomenon? A term that gained popularity a couple of years ago, it describes not just a way of dressing but an entire lifestyle. It paints a portrait of a mature woman living by the sea, tending her garden, and preferring noble fabrics and neutral tones. Her wardrobe is dominated by white linen shirts, lightweight jumpers casually draped over the shoulders, cotton palazzo pants, straw hats, and espadrilles. This style radiates tranquility, harmony, and a connection to nature, but above all—effortless sophistication. Precisely what Diana projected while playing with her children on the beach or reading a book in the sun on a yacht’s deck.
Beyond her tremendous personal influence, Diana was a true visionary in the world of fashion. Many silhouettes and garments seen today in the collections of popular Spanish and global brands—from linen kaftans to twill shorts and flowing blouses—look as if they stepped straight out of those photographs from the ’90s. If Diana excelled at anything, it was dressing for herself. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone—she simply wanted to feel comfortable. In those summer months after her divorce, away from the formalities of the court, she found a sense of stylistic freedom that remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration to this day. At a time when ‘quiet luxury’ has become a leading trend, her beachside wardrobe serves as the perfect guide to combining simplicity, class, and individuality.
