A new exhibition, Fashioning a Reign: 90 years of Style from
The Queen’s Wardrobe, which is now on at Buckingham Palace, reveals the secrets
of how she always manages to look so elegant and the care and attention that
goes into making her clothes. Each outfit tells its own story.
It is interesting to see how Her Majesty has incorporated
the trends of the moment into her own style and how that too has evolved over
the years.
Unlike the Queen
we do not have to take into consideration the colours and embroideries of
our host's nation when we choose what clothes to wear but we can still pick up
a trick or two from the monarch.
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Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress, 1947, designed by Norman
Hartnell
Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
2016
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If you are travelling to other countries think about the
fabrics that you buy. Are your clothes going to work with the country’s
culture? If you are going to the
more relaxed Muslim countries it is a sign of respect for
women to keep knees and shoulders covered.
Block-coloured jewel
outfits with a matching hat are favoured by the Queen as they make her stand
out and ensure that she is seen by everybody. We do not often see her wearing
prints. Having a signature style makes you memorable.
What also makes this exhibition fascinating is something we all
know: classic outfits
will always stand the test of time. Those with real style do not let fashion
dictate.
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| A display of dresses from Fashioning a Reign: 90 years of style from The Queen's Wardrobe, Buckingham Palace Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016 |
Her Majesty has always supported British couturiers
including Sir Norman Hartnell, Hardy Armies and Ian Thomas, which is reflected
in this exhibition. The Queen, who works with the leading British designers of
the day, is involved in the decision making and will reject designs if she does
not like them. Looking at the clothes you will also note that fastenings are
concealed so that the outfit looks as good from the back as it does from the
front.
Nipped in waists of the 1940s, beautiful feminine lines from
the 1950s, even a glimpse of Jackie O’s influence, there are plenty of numbers
on show that you would want to wear now. On the other side of her life are the
outfits she wore for her military duties and as head of the armed forces.
There are several highlights of the clothes and accessories
exhibited which were worn by the Queen from childhood up to the present day.
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| Crystal and lace peach beaded cocktail dress designed by Angela Kelly. The dress and headpiece were worn by The Queen when she appeared in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics with James Bond (Daniel Craig) Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016 |
Her Majesty’s wedding dress worn in 1947 made from ivory silk decorated with crystals and 10,000 seed pearls designed by Sir Norman Hartnell is absolutely stunning and is one of the stars of the show. The train seems to go on forever.
The Duchesse satin Coronation gown with a scheme of national
and Commonwealth floral emblems in gold, silver and pastel-silk colours is
encrusted with pearls, crystals and sequins. It is an exquisite creation by Hartnell, who, unbeknown to her
Majesty, added for good luck on the left side a four-leave shamrock.
There is also the peachy pink lace dress designed by Angela
Kelly worn by the Queen at the
London Olympic Games ceremony with Daniel Craig in 2012. The colour
was chosen because it was not associated with any of the participating
countries.
Another outfit on display for the first time is the primrose
wool crepe coat and dress that Her Majesty
wore for the wedding of Catherine Middleton to Prince William in 2011.
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| Designed by Sir Norman Hartnell |
My personal favourite was a black and velvet silk gown worn
by the Queen in 1948. Designed by Hartnell, this stunning creation paid homage
to Christian Dior’s New Look which embraced femininity. Skirts were longer, the
waist more fitted and shoulders rounded.
This is a fascinating exhibition and is well worth seeing.
By Daralyn Danns
Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The Queen's
Wardrobe (until 2 October 2016) at Buckingham Palace. For more information and
tickets visit royalcollection.org.uk
