| (Born 1950)Bruce's family' rarely strayed far from living just above the bread line. To make up the finances Bruce's foster mum worked as a seamstress. Fostered by tailor and dressmaker Violet Masters. Trained at Ravensbourne College of Art 1971-72 at the age of twenty-three. He immediatley staged a one-man show in New York for Henri Bendel, returning to London to show his first collection. and then worked as a freelance designer. Launched his own ready-to-wear label in 1975, and couture in 1978.He opened his first ready-to-wear and couture shop in 1984. Famous for pretty and glamorous eveningwear. Author with Ceorgina Howell, of Bruce Oldfield's Seasons (London Pan 1987).His autobiography, Rootless, was published in 2004.He has also designed for several films and more recently refurbished a Georgian and Victorian terrace in Newcastle. |  Diana with her friend designer Bruce Oldfield at a Barnardo's Ball in the mid-1980s. The Princess was president of the charity and was wearing an off-the-shoulder Oldfield frock of purple velvet. |