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Elizabeth: reigning in style
The wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II, as befits any monarch, is one of exquisite and sumptuous occasion frocks, dignified hats and coats for state visits and national walkabouts and practical clothes for off-duty pursuits. At every appearance, her public watch her closely and her outfits always come in for scrutiny and comment. The Queen remains the most high-profile monarch in the world, enjoying enduring and wide-ranging popularity. From the Coronation to the present day the Queen’s clothes have attracted in the 1950s her wardrobe was characterised by romantic and glamorous dresses with fashionable, nipped-in waists and full skirts designed by Norman Hartnell. A more simply tailored silhouette took over in the 1960s when the couturier Hardy Amies contributed to her wardrobe, while in the 1970s she embraced a rather more floaty and relaxed style as promoted by the couturier Ian Thomas to match the feel of the decade. With maturity, she has acquired a surefooted sense of what suits her best and how to maintain dignity on the world stage. Even in her mid-nineties, the Queen still commands our attention and remains immaculately turned out. This sartorial biography charts a woman’s move from wasp-waisted princess to stately national icon and is a must-buy both for the vintage clothes enthusiast and dedicated followers of Her Majesty the Queen. Her fabulous wardrobe tells us much about the times she has lived in, as well as a glimpse into the complexities of dressing for the world stage.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 29, 2019
Not terribly accurate but lovely photos.
March 18, 2024
I was surprised that this book was so small; many other fashion books I have checked out have been oversized, to better show the images of the clothes and their details. That said, this was a nice stroll through the Queen's closets. Of most interest to fans of Queen Elizabeth II and/or fashion.
I did have difficulty finding this title on Amazon and Goodreads, as the book cover states Queen Elizabeth II: A Lifetime Dressing for the World Stage, not Queen Elizabeth II: Celebrating the legacy and royal wardrobe of Her Majesty the Queen; who reigned in style for a historic seventy years.
Book Description:
Exquisite and sumptuous, immaculately tailored, dignified and, above all, practical. The wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II was as distinctive in style as her position in the world was unique. This remarkable book is a fond reflection of the days when her Majesty led the field in fashion, showcasing some of the world's best designers.
At every appearance, as the world looked on, the impeccable outfits of Queen Elizabeth II were at the centre of keen discussion and debate. This sartorial biography celebrates Her Majesty as a much-loved and timeless style icon. Showcasing the best of the world’s designers, including Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas, it also tells us much about the many years in which she reigned.
Journey through the decades to discover classic designs with nipped-in waists and full skirts, strong tailored silhouettes, as well rather more relaxed styles from the 70s, all worn by Her Majesty, who always dressed with poise and diplomacy for the world stage.
Princess Elizabeth was the leading style influencer of her day. Young and beautiful (and a real princess), she represented postwar optimism and renewal, both personal and cultural. She had a wardrobe most could only dream of, custom-made in the finest fabrics. From practical clothes for her beloved outdoor pursuits to exquisite and sumptuous gowns, her personal style reflected cultural and social changes over nine decades and reveals a rare understanding of the value of impeccable dressing. In our current era of casual clothing for nearly every occasion, the Queen's formal attire signalled respect for those she was visiting.
With stunning formal portraits and candid photography, discover the careful work that underpinned the royal wardrobe and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s enduring legacy.
I did have difficulty finding this title on Amazon and Goodreads, as the book cover states Queen Elizabeth II: A Lifetime Dressing for the World Stage, not Queen Elizabeth II: Celebrating the legacy and royal wardrobe of Her Majesty the Queen; who reigned in style for a historic seventy years.
Book Description:
Exquisite and sumptuous, immaculately tailored, dignified and, above all, practical. The wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth II was as distinctive in style as her position in the world was unique. This remarkable book is a fond reflection of the days when her Majesty led the field in fashion, showcasing some of the world's best designers.
At every appearance, as the world looked on, the impeccable outfits of Queen Elizabeth II were at the centre of keen discussion and debate. This sartorial biography celebrates Her Majesty as a much-loved and timeless style icon. Showcasing the best of the world’s designers, including Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas, it also tells us much about the many years in which she reigned.
Journey through the decades to discover classic designs with nipped-in waists and full skirts, strong tailored silhouettes, as well rather more relaxed styles from the 70s, all worn by Her Majesty, who always dressed with poise and diplomacy for the world stage.
Princess Elizabeth was the leading style influencer of her day. Young and beautiful (and a real princess), she represented postwar optimism and renewal, both personal and cultural. She had a wardrobe most could only dream of, custom-made in the finest fabrics. From practical clothes for her beloved outdoor pursuits to exquisite and sumptuous gowns, her personal style reflected cultural and social changes over nine decades and reveals a rare understanding of the value of impeccable dressing. In our current era of casual clothing for nearly every occasion, the Queen's formal attire signalled respect for those she was visiting.
With stunning formal portraits and candid photography, discover the careful work that underpinned the royal wardrobe and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s enduring legacy.
December 31, 2023
Great pictorial history about Queen Elizabeth's wardrobe, from childhood until her later years.
Rather disappointed that the pictures on p 109 are missing, which I'm guessing it was a problem with the print run.
Rather disappointed that the pictures on p 109 are missing, which I'm guessing it was a problem with the print run.
July 20, 2023
Beautiful and informative
March 20, 2024
Interesting view of the lady and the queen.
December 9, 2015
If you've ever wondered how Queen Elizabeth maintains such immaculate style and always manages to look perfectly primped and poised, here is your answer.
A compact book but with tons of beautiful photos of the queen through the ages, Reigning in Style talks about the queen's wardrobe from the time she was but a wee infant, to present day matriarch, covering all the different stages of her life in between (e.g. wife, mother, etc). The details taken into consideration for almost every aspect of her clothing choices are sometimes staggering.
A compact book but with tons of beautiful photos of the queen through the ages, Reigning in Style talks about the queen's wardrobe from the time she was but a wee infant, to present day matriarch, covering all the different stages of her life in between (e.g. wife, mother, etc). The details taken into consideration for almost every aspect of her clothing choices are sometimes staggering.
August 26, 2012
This was a lovely book - she really was stunning when she was younger.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews