Gowns from the 1970s for Queen Elizabeth II with pearls and sparkles.
Selection of gown for Q E II from the late 1970s and early 1980s
An Evening gown coat for QE II possibly created to wear at an Opening of Parliament ceremony.
Summer 2013, Fashion Rules at Kensington Palace, London Fashion Rules: Dresses from the Royal Collection. KP Royal Magic in Silk, Satin and Pearls, the exhibit this Summer at Kensington Palace. Royal Fashion styles of 3 Royal Ladies, created for a different time, each in a different style. The exhibit allows us to look at the different styles of fashion in a different era and different personalities.
Queen Elizabeth II in an early photo wearing a splendid cream embroidered evening gown. Possibly early 1950s.
...a sparkling cream gown with blue and red floral embroidery, possibly mid 1950s.
Queen Elizabeth II wearing a cream embroidered gown and the Lover's Knot tiara and possibly the Nizzam of Hyderabad necklace. One of the rare photos of E II. wearing the Lover's Knot Tiara, later given to Diana.
The young Queen Elizabeth II
A Queen. The exhibit shows gowns from her formal early years, High-waist with a full often crinoline skirt, embroidered Duchesse Satin, with overlays, suggested trains, or layers of floating Tulle. Gowns were designed in shimmering Silk Taffeta with pearls or diamanté embellishments.
Her best fashion years are clearly the sumptuous gowns of the 60s. We see bejeweled A-line gowns, or more Column style, often strapless with a tight bustier, bejeweled high-waist, ball gown style. All fitted to accentuate her beautiful figure.
The 1970s was a more experimental time, with more ornamental styles, unusual silhouettes or cuts, often designs in flowery prints, Chiffon, Silk, or bright Sorbet colors. The progression through the 1990s was a return to the flattering A-line cut, or Sheath created in glittering weaves or Satin.
Princess Margaret in early 1950s Glamour, all pink ruffles and sparkles, a true Princess.
Princess Margaret in a Summer fun gown, very playful with bows.
A sensual portrait of a 1950s beauty.
Princess Margaret
The Queen’s sister. Royal darling of the fashionable Set in the early 60s, is represented with gowns that highlighted British designers, emphasizing her young hourglass figure. A foray into French Haute Couture with Dior for the evening created her magic princess image in the late 50s.
The 60s was a time for her style awakening. Her life was filled with parties and Glamour, her gowns reflect that mood, shimmering Satins, bejeweled, streamlined cuts. Her party dresses had modern silhouettes in bright colors, shimmering Satin Silk.
Princess Margaret in her home on the island Mustique in the 1970s.
In the 70s she embraced a more liberated life style, from Hippie-Chic and Gypsy styles in Chiffon to flowing Caftans in wild bright colors and patterns. Shift dresses in flowing colorful prints, Tunics and Caftans. Her styles in the 70s reflected her more informal life style.
She was the Royal Trend Setter of her time, right on the pulse of the moment, often redefining her personal style to reflect her changing life style and changes in British society.
Diana, Princess of Wales in a cream Catherine Walker gown in a natural pose photographed by Mario Testino.
photo credit: see below
Diana, Princess of Wales
The unforgettable Royal bride of the early 1980s seduced us with frilly ruffles and bows, over-sized silhouettes and unconventional hats, often flowing skirts, long waists, most designs emphasized her very long legs.
Then she transformed herself into a dazzling Star with sparkling Charisma, sprinkling magical Star Dust into our eyes. She became a contemporary modern woman with short skirts, suit jackets in classic lines and shift dresses by day, while starring in strapless Bustier, Column or Greek Goddess styles for the evening.
Diana, Princess of Wales in the famous black Versace dress and some of her signature earrings.
photo credit: see below
She wore signature pieces by mostly British designers at first, Catherine Walker, Victor Edelstein and Bruce Oldfield. Later she embraced international designers who often created dresses and gowns just for her.
We remember the Versace dresses, John Galliano for Dior created a memorable blue creation for an opening at the MET in New York.
She wore creations by Ungaro, Valentino, and often by Moschino for more casual wear.
We all remember some of the more memorable gowns for official occasions. Of course, the famous black chiffon dress by Greek designer, Christina Stambolian, with the long sash flowing in the wind was her own personal statement, modern and sexy, when she emerged from her car, smiling on a day when she had no reason to smile at all.
...in the famous black Catherine Walker Chiffon flirty dress on a famous evening when her soon to be EX was trying to steal the show...
The couple in Cannes, at the Festival du Filme.
photo credit: see below
... one of the most sensual photos in this figure hugging Catherine Walker gown, just so memorable. What is she trying to tell us in this photo...
photo credit: see below
She established her own classy and sexy international style by wearing iconic designers of the moment, right up to her untimely death in 1997. I think these photos by Mario Testino capture her true essence, a young woman who had learned to embrace life, who was free to show us the woman she had become.
This is an opportunity to see 3 very different Royal styles in fashion from different times, set in the public rooms at Kensington Palace, with their whimsical modern artifacts in a historical home. I hope you have the opportunity to see this exhibition this Summer.
Enjoy,
Jasmin
When: July 4th 2013 - ongoing
photo credit: The Royal collection, various, Cecil Beaton, Lord Lichfield, Lord Snowdon, Mario Testino, and others.
For more information: www.hrp.org.uk/Kensington Palace
