Fashion and Lifestyle
As we say goodbye to the Elizabethan era, and to Her Majesty The Queen, the world has been left with a bit of a hole in it. The death of her majesty, at 96 years old, has had a global impact, amongst industries of all and on those who appreciated her service to the country. When people picture Britain, the queen was at the forefront. From postal stamps and British passports, her legacy as the head of state really signified Britain. And with this, came a strong sense of identity which was partially made up by her fashion choices. Often understated, but confident, over the 70 years of her reign she has taken the personal fashion and often some trends with stride and really made a journey with it. Today I want to shine a light on Her Majesty The Queen’s most iconic fashion moments.
Her fashion journey has been a long-aged talking point, going through many different eras such as post-war Britain, to the pandemic. The first, most notable moment, some might say, was her wedding dress. During her marriage in 1947, her dress was crafted out of satin bought using rationing vouchers – whilst still being designed by a designer (Norman Hartnell), it showed the British public her understanding of the nature of the post-war world.
Another notable moment in her fashion history, which became an iconic look thanks to publications and shows such as Netflix’s The Crown, was the blue full-skirted gown she wore when meeting President John F Kennedy and Jackie in 1961. Really taking the term ‘royal blue’ to the full effect.
A dress that made a reoccurrence in the latest years thanks to Princess Beatrice wearing the dress during her marriage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, was a full-skirted beaded gown with white gloves and a minimal silver clutch. Originally this was worn in 1962 to the premiere of Lawrence of Arabia.
However throughout her reign, her fashion choices whilst understated have not frayed away from bold colours and patterns. These choices were picked specifically to represent each occasion she was attending and to reflect the mood of her trips. As mentioned by Elle.com, one of the more notable referenes to colour was on her trip to Ireland in 2011, where she wore a very specific shade of green that was not too bold or emerald, in order to provide homage to her being the first British monarch to visit Ireland in 100 years, whilst being sensitive to not be presumptuous.
It is undeniable that the Queen had access to some of the greatest brooches, headpieces, sentimental jewels, and handbags. Many of the pieces, chosen for occasions were selected with her heart, with her wearing The True Lover’s Knot for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to signify the occasion. The message her accessories often gave out formed secret messages between the Queen and her staff, with her signature handbag, often being used to signal when the Queen was ready to move on, or if she was happy in conversation.
But, the Queen’s outfits did sometimes come with some commotion. The most relevant example was her 1999 sequin-covered, brightly coloured dress for the Royal Variety Performance – her noted most controversial outfit of all time. In reflection though, a dress that showcases the Queen’s statement that she has a confidence in her choices.
But the most iconic element of her fashion journey is how she is praised and will be praised for her familiarity. Knowing that she will always be carrying her choice of a brooch, the pops of colour and her sensible but formal choice of footwear. When it comes to her majesty the Queen, she will live on in fashion’s history and will set president for royals to symbolise in their own way in the future.
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