The Classic ’90s Manicure That Princess Diana Loved

One thing Princess Diana was never without was an immaculate French manicure. In a revenge dress or ice blue Catherine Walker gown, a fruity-print blouse, chic skirt suit, or a jewel-toned swimsuit: the sophisticated manicure reflected her sartorial elegance and timeless style.

The French-tip nail design was first created in 1976 by Jeff Pink, founder of nail brand Orly, and it’s come a long way in the decades since. Princess Diana, like so many women did back in the ’90s, really loved the French manicure–the combination of a neat white cap and sheer pink base became incredibly popular across the decade. We have Di to thank for that, and everyone from supermodels like Claudia Schiffer to Madonna who sported it.

The Princess of Wales’s classic mani lent optimal polish to royal fingertips, paired perfectly with every ensemble, and looked just as glamorous on glittering nights out as it did soft and subtle for visits to community projects and hospitals. In later years, she sometimes made the swap for a more daring flash of red, but it wouldn’t be long before that white-pink combo was back on her tips. Her nails always remained between a short style and mid-length, usually squoval in shape.

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

And any obsessive watcher of The Crown (I’ve just finished another re-watch) will see that the royal—when played so brilliantly by Elizabeth Debicki—always sporting a classic pink and white-mooned set; whether holidaying in the south of France with Dodi Fayed, on the step and repeat, or at home with her sons in London.

“The French manicure was—and still is—an effortless way to ensure your nails look really well put together,” says manicurist Julia Diogo, who counts Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Maya Jama among her clients. “It’s a neutral that ensures nails look clean and chic. Plus, it’s great to help elongate the appearance of fingers.”

“It’s incredibly versatile, universally flattering, and never goes out of style,” celebrity nail artist Kim Truong previously told Vogue. “Its neutral colors complement every skin tone and outfit and suit all nail shapes. Plus the design is easy to refresh, so it always feels current.”

“It’s pretty much failproof,” adds Selena Gomez and J-Lo’s go-to nail artist Tom Bachik. “If you don’t know what to do with your nails, you really can’t go wrong.”