On His Royal Badness

A garment-by-garment exploration of Prince's singular style and continued influence on contemporary fashion.

Not only was Prince a musical genius and one of the greatest artists of all time, he was a fashion icon, a trailblazer devoted to the art of dressing. Lifelong fan and fashion historian Casci Ritchie assembles a greatest-hits compilation of the best pieces in Prince's wardrobe from ornate ear cuff down to bespoke heel telling each garment's incredible origin story and showing how his tastes disrupted hegemonic, heteronormative, and Black masculinities.

On His Royal Badness considers Prince as a visionary artist and fearless provocateur who revered fashion and self-expression, and whose sartorial brilliance continues to shape contemporary culture.

Unaffiliated with the Prince Estate.

'On His Royal Badness by Casci Ritchie, a fashion historian. Timed for the 10th anniversary of Prince's death, this is a rerelease of a fascinating garment-by-garment analysis of what he wore and why it mattered (and how it may have changed what you wear). Also, it has Prince paper dolls. Those alone would have sold me.' Vanessa Friedman, New York Times

'Ritchie balances her fandom with a wider discussion of why the "art of dressing" can be transgressive, and just what Prince was transgressing against. In doing she so offers fresh insight into the man and not simply the legend.' Alastair Braidwood, Scots Whay Hae

'Ritchie [has] brilliantly merged her academic background she has three fashion-related degrees with her lifelong fandom of the so-called Purple One...I couldn't have asked for a better crash course.' Sydney Urbanek, Mononym Mythology

'A delightful set of essays analysing Prince's aesthetic of dress through characteristic garments and different stages of his career...I particularly liked the tracing of the development of key garments and looks.' Lisa Wynne

'This book is an excellent & accessible read for both longtime fans of Prince and those who are just beginning to learn about him. Jam-packed with fashion history, cultural references and the exploration of Prince's personal style throughout the years it was informative, fascinating & charismatic.' Ashley Ross