This week, Buckingham Palace unveils a highly anticipated exhibition titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style.” This showcase offers an unprecedented look into the late monarch’s illustrious wardrobe, featuring over 300 items that span her remarkable life, including childhood dresses previously unseen by the public, iconic outfits, and personal accessories.
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Among the highlights of the exhibition is a curated selection of more than 50 hats, along with personal belongings such as monogrammed trunks. These items are complemented by gowns crafted by renowned designers including Norman Hartnell, who designed many of the Queen’s most notable pieces. Curator Caroline de Guitaut expressed her hope that the exhibition would help visitors appreciate the significance of fashion in the Queen’s public life.
Located at The King’s Gallery, this exhibition celebrates the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, inviting visitors to explore her evolving style throughout various stages of her life. One particularly charming item on display is a bridesmaid dress created by Edward Molyneux, which Princess Elizabeth donned at a family wedding in 1934 when she was just eight years old. Alongside this, a pair of gold lame dresses crafted by Jeanne Lanvin for the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, add to the exhibition’s charm.
De Guitaut, who has dedicated more than thirty years of her career to the Royal Collection Trust, elaborated on the importance of these garments not just as fashion statements, but as reflections of the dynamic relationship the Queen had with her couturiers. “Clothing is intensely personal, and it feels like the next best thing to being with that person,” she noted.
The exhibition highlights the Queen’s preference for bold colours, famously stating, “I must be seen to be believed.” This vibrant display is particularly evident in the collection of her diverse hats, which range from traditional designs to more avant-garde creations. De Guitaut commented on the boldness of the Queen’s choices in millinery and how those attributes reveal a quirky side of her style.
Adding to the exhibition’s allure are archival materials, including invoices, fabric samples, and sketches annotated in the Queen’s own handwriting. The exhibit also encompasses a range of accessories, from her iconic Launer handbags and Rayne shoes to less formal items like sunglasses and headscarves, alongside personal pieces such as binoculars and vanity cases featuring her initials.
Among the stand-out pieces are evening gowns that have withstood the test of time, including a rare dress from her 1953 Commonwealth tour and the stunning turquoise silk gown by Hartnell worn during Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960. These pieces represent not just fashion but also significant moments in the Queen’s public and private life.
However, De Guitaut was also keen to highlight the Queen’s less glamorous outfits, exemplified by her signature casual looks, which included tweed jackets and tartan skirts. Such styles have influenced contemporary design and are recognisable as hallmarks of the Queen’s personal aesthetic.
In the exhibition’s finale, a section dedicated to contemporary British designers features the works of Erdem, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane. Each of these creators has drawn inspiration from the Queen during their careers, illustrating her lasting impact on the fashion industry. De Guitaut emphasised her hope that visitors would leave with a deeper understanding of the Queen’s contribution to fashion across decades.
As the exhibition opens its doors to the public, visitors have an opportunity to not only admire the late monarch’s fashion choices, but also to reflect on the cultural and historical significance woven into her wardrobe. “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” promises to be a captivating journey through the fashion legacy left by one of the most iconic figures in British history.