Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most stylish and instantly recognisable women of the twentieth century, and her fashions have influenced subsequent generations of fashion designers. This book explores the late Queen's unique and significant personal dress collection.

Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most stylish and instantly recognisable women of the twentieth century, and her fashions have influenced subsequent generations of fashion designers. Her ensembles were seen on a global stage and designed with purpose: consciously selecting colours and deploying accessories that would serve to subtle diplomatic effect on tour, or when meeting heads of state. Queen Elizabeth II was acutely aware of the impact of her dress when performing public duties, while her unmistakable off-duty and ready-to-wear style was equally elegant and quintessentially British.

The author Caroline de Guitaut explores Queen Elizabeth II's fashion archive in detail for the first time - from favourite childhood dresses and stylish daywear ensembles to exquisite evening gowns and uniquely tailored ceremonial dress - which documents the evolution of royal fashion during the 70 years of her reign. This book also celebrates the work of such renowned fashion designers as Sir Norman Hartnell and Sir Hardy Amies, among other designers and makers who created the wardrobe, and the unique relationship they had with Queen Elizabeth II through accessories and supporting archive material, including fashion sketches, design albums and correspondence. The Queen remained a steadfast supporter of British fashion throughout her life, from the couturiers of the 1940s to the creation, in 2018, of an award in her name by the British Fashion Council.

The book includes a tribute by Dame Anna Wintour CH, DBE, an essay by Amy de la Haye, Professor of Dress History and Curatorship at the London College of Fashion on the wider context of British fashion in the twentieth century, and reflections by contemporary designers, including Richard Quinn and Erdem Moralioglu.