Belinda Bellville, who passed away at the age of 94, was the founder of the fashion house Bellville et Cie (later Bellville Sassoon).
Her designs were loved by society ladies, brides-to-be, and even members of the Royal family for over four decades.
The press affectionately called her “Belinda Bellville, the top peoples’ darling.” Her esteemed clientele included Princesses Margaret and Alexandra, the Duchess of Kent, as well as celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Julie Christie, Jackie Kennedy, and Catherine Deneuve.
In the 1950s, the Daily Mail reported on one of her early shows where titled ladies gathered to see her latest creations modeled by young women like Lady Beatty. The show drew attention with its elegant setting and notable attendees arriving in luxury cars.
One of her memorable projects was designing Lady Pamela Mountbatten’s wedding trousseau in 1960, including the dress worn by her bridesmaid Princess Anne. Belinda’s cousin, the designer Cath Kidston, recalled a story about Queen Elizabeth II commenting on one of Belinda’s dresses with a practical question about its washability.
Throughout the years, Bellville Sassoon gained fame for crafting numerous society wedding dresses. In 1981, they made history by designing Lady Diana Spencer’s engagement announcement outfit, her wedding trousseau, and her going away ensemble. Over the following years, they created over 70 outfits for Princess Diana.
Belinda’s passion for fashion stemmed from her family background and her grandmother’s influence. She ventured into fashion journalism and retail before founding Bellville et Cie in 1953. The company grew, eventually becoming Bellville Sassoon in partnership with David Sassoon.
After stepping back from the fashion world in 1982, Belinda enjoyed a quieter life in Dorset and later Norfolk with her family. She was known for her keen eye for fashion and continued to engage with the industry, even after major brain surgery in 2011.