Inside the Lives of the Six Mitford Sisters: Jewelry, Politics, and a New TV Drama

Renowned for their aristocratic allure and political controversies in the 20th century, the Mitford sisters were not particularly known for extravagant jewelry. Nevertheless, accessories played a notable part in their public personas.

The six sisters were famously characterized by their sharply contrasting political views and personalities: Diana embraced fascism, Jessica was a committed communist, Unity was infatuated with Hitler, Nancy gained fame as a novelist, Deborah held the title of duchess, and Pamela was known for her quiet interest in poultry.

Their complex lives are now brought to the screen in 'Outrageous,' a six-episode series set to premiere on June 18 in the United States and Canada via BritBox, and on June 19 in the United Kingdom on U and U&Drama. The show revisits the 1930s, the decade when the sisters rose to both fame and notoriety. Its release coincides with the recent unveiling of Unity's diary, revealing her obsession with Hitler and claims of a personal relationship, excerpts of which were published earlier this year.

One of the earliest jewelry-related anecdotes involves a youthful prank by Unity and Jessica. According to Sarah Williams, the series' writer, a diamond ring was used to etch symbols of both the hammer and sickle and the swastika onto a windowpane in their family home. Despite their extreme political differences, their rebellious bond as children remained strong.

The siblings, which also included a brother, Thomas, who died during World War II, were the children of David Freeman-Mitford, the second Baron Redesdale, and Sydney Bowles. Though not exceptionally wealthy, the family provided private education before the sisters entered high society.

Claire Collins, the costume designer for 'Outrageous,' explained that the production team carefully gathered photographs of jewelry worn by the Mitford sisters. While some pieces could not be precisely recreated, these references helped guide the design process to authentically reflect the era and the sisters' distinctive styles.