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Our Rainbow Queen: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Her Colorful Wardrobe
A full-spectrum collection of photos of the Queen, paired with illuminating captions explaining each outfit, spanning nine decades of fashion and every color of the rainbow.
This riotously colorful book takes a photographic journey through Queen Elizabeth II's ten decades of color-blocked style. The photographs, which span the colors of the rainbow and a century of style, are gloriously accessorized with captions and commentary by journalist and broadcaster Sali Hughes, who gives fascinating context to each photo. Readers will learn how the Queen has used color and fashion in strategic and discreetly political ways, such as wearing the colors of the European flag to a post-Brexit meeting or a pin given to her by the Obamas to a meeting with Donald Trump.
With stunning photographs that span from the 1950s to today, and featuring brilliant colors ranging from the dusky pinks the Queen wore in girlhood through to the neon green dress that prompted the hashtag #NeonAt90, this must-have collection celebrates the iconic fashion statements of the UK's longest reigning and most vibrant monarch.
This riotously colorful book takes a photographic journey through Queen Elizabeth II's ten decades of color-blocked style. The photographs, which span the colors of the rainbow and a century of style, are gloriously accessorized with captions and commentary by journalist and broadcaster Sali Hughes, who gives fascinating context to each photo. Readers will learn how the Queen has used color and fashion in strategic and discreetly political ways, such as wearing the colors of the European flag to a post-Brexit meeting or a pin given to her by the Obamas to a meeting with Donald Trump.
With stunning photographs that span from the 1950s to today, and featuring brilliant colors ranging from the dusky pinks the Queen wore in girlhood through to the neon green dress that prompted the hashtag #NeonAt90, this must-have collection celebrates the iconic fashion statements of the UK's longest reigning and most vibrant monarch.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2019
26 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Sali Hughes
13 books93 followersSali Hughes is a journalist, broadcaster, Guardian columnist and founder of the award-winning salihughesbeauty.com. A former magazine editor, she has written for many publications including Grazia, the Observer, Elle, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Glamour. She is Contributing Editor on Red magazine and Beauty Editor on the Guardian. She is a consultant to major beauty and fashion brands, and lives with her two sons in Brighton.
Pretty Honest
, Sali’s first book, was published in 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
October 29, 2023
Why I chose to read this book:
1. since I love following the British Royal Family, I was happy to see GR friend, Darla's review of this book; and,
2. September 2023 is my "Memoirs & Biographies" Month.
Praises:
1. I love the brilliant colors displayed throughout this book, including the end pages. Besides an informative Introduction, the chapters are titled with each color of the rainbow (e.g. Red), as well as Pink, Neutrals, and Print. Each chapter is prefaced with 9 photos arranged in tic-tac-toe style, showcasing Queen Elizabeth II wearing 9 different outfits in varying shades of the featured color. Sixteen pages of photos and detailed captions follow each chapter title, each depicting the Queen wearing that specific color over the years; and,
2. I learned a lot of interesting information about the Queen's clothing, accessories, and other tidbits that I never knew before.
Tiny Niggle:
Some captioning printed in white text was a little difficult to read for these poor, aging eyes.
Overall Thoughts:
This quick read is a delightful little book for fans of Queen Elizabeth II! It makes a great reference and an excellent accompaniment to The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly.
Definitely a keeper!
1. since I love following the British Royal Family, I was happy to see GR friend, Darla's review of this book; and,
2. September 2023 is my "Memoirs & Biographies" Month.
Praises:
1. I love the brilliant colors displayed throughout this book, including the end pages. Besides an informative Introduction, the chapters are titled with each color of the rainbow (e.g. Red), as well as Pink, Neutrals, and Print. Each chapter is prefaced with 9 photos arranged in tic-tac-toe style, showcasing Queen Elizabeth II wearing 9 different outfits in varying shades of the featured color. Sixteen pages of photos and detailed captions follow each chapter title, each depicting the Queen wearing that specific color over the years; and,
2. I learned a lot of interesting information about the Queen's clothing, accessories, and other tidbits that I never knew before.
Tiny Niggle:
Some captioning printed in white text was a little difficult to read for these poor, aging eyes.
Overall Thoughts:
This quick read is a delightful little book for fans of Queen Elizabeth II! It makes a great reference and an excellent accompaniment to The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly.
Definitely a keeper!
January 24, 2023
Just finished reading this for the second time and I love it more now that we have lost my favorite royal. Still love the peek inside her purse and also the signals she would send to staff depending on what she did with her purse (on the table = leave in 5; switch from one arm to the other = please interrupt and take me away; purse on the floor = leave immediately). If you are a royal watcher, you will get so much enjoyment out of this colorful little book!
A recommended companion read for The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton.
It takes style and creativity to maintain an image over decades and decades as a monarch. Reading through this book reinforces my respect for her expertise and discipline. Sprinkled in with the photos are when and where info and some miscellaneous details. One of my favorite pages listed the probable contents of her purse -- something she does not freely share with the public. Gives me another insight into the life we see portrayed on "The Crown." My former fashion merchandiser self found great satisfaction in spending time with this small volume.
A recommended companion read for The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton.
It takes style and creativity to maintain an image over decades and decades as a monarch. Reading through this book reinforces my respect for her expertise and discipline. Sprinkled in with the photos are when and where info and some miscellaneous details. One of my favorite pages listed the probable contents of her purse -- something she does not freely share with the public. Gives me another insight into the life we see portrayed on "The Crown." My former fashion merchandiser self found great satisfaction in spending time with this small volume.
December 21, 2020
Videorecensione: https://youtu.be/_RZ66_3GBV0
December 19, 2019
I am always interested in learning new things about Queen Elizabeth II and this book was a good way of giving insight while also giving you an interesting array of images of her from her life. I especially enjoyed the section on her purple outfits, it’s my favorite color.
March 2, 2020
I'm a monarchist and fortunate to be born during the era of the longest reining monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. In Our Rainbow Queen - A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Her Colourful Wardrobe, author Sali Hughes takes a look at Her Majesty's fashion over the last nine decades, including her jewellery and accessories.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little read and all of the trivia it contained. Many designers are mentioned, Royal warrants explained and much more. Learning the Queen's outfits were all weather tested and logged to avoid any repetition of an ensemble and that she won't wear shoes that have a heel higher than 2.25 inches was interesting.
The Queen's ladies-in-waiting are said to:
"travel with spare tights, sewing kits and lavender-scented cloths in case of extreme heat." Page 54
The rumoured contents of the Queen's handbag from Page 120-121 are:
"Small camera; family photos; compact and lipstick (usually by Clarins or Elizabeth Arden); suction mounted bag hook; ironed and folded bank note for any church service collections; crossword clipped from newspaper for any idle moments; mints; reading glasses; fountain pen; small silver make-up case given to her by Prince Philip and a mobile phone for calls to grandchildren."
I enjoyed learning about the often political and cultural meaning behind the Queen's fashion and jewellery choices, indicating advanced research and preparation for every event and Royal engagement. I especially enjoyed her choice to wear a brooch given to her by the Obamas when meeting President Trump, and to wear the EU colours of blue and gold when attending the State Opening of Parliament post Brexit referendum.
Another factor contributing to my enjoyment of this little hardback gem was the fact that I submitted a request for my library to purchase this book and they did! It now has to be returned because there's a nice little queue of readers waiting to get their hands on it next. How fun!
Our Rainbow Queen by Sali Hughes is an interesting read with great photographs to study in detail and will appeal to a variety of readers of any age.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little read and all of the trivia it contained. Many designers are mentioned, Royal warrants explained and much more. Learning the Queen's outfits were all weather tested and logged to avoid any repetition of an ensemble and that she won't wear shoes that have a heel higher than 2.25 inches was interesting.
The Queen's ladies-in-waiting are said to:
"travel with spare tights, sewing kits and lavender-scented cloths in case of extreme heat." Page 54
The rumoured contents of the Queen's handbag from Page 120-121 are:
"Small camera; family photos; compact and lipstick (usually by Clarins or Elizabeth Arden); suction mounted bag hook; ironed and folded bank note for any church service collections; crossword clipped from newspaper for any idle moments; mints; reading glasses; fountain pen; small silver make-up case given to her by Prince Philip and a mobile phone for calls to grandchildren."
I enjoyed learning about the often political and cultural meaning behind the Queen's fashion and jewellery choices, indicating advanced research and preparation for every event and Royal engagement. I especially enjoyed her choice to wear a brooch given to her by the Obamas when meeting President Trump, and to wear the EU colours of blue and gold when attending the State Opening of Parliament post Brexit referendum.
Another factor contributing to my enjoyment of this little hardback gem was the fact that I submitted a request for my library to purchase this book and they did! It now has to be returned because there's a nice little queue of readers waiting to get their hands on it next. How fun!
Our Rainbow Queen by Sali Hughes is an interesting read with great photographs to study in detail and will appeal to a variety of readers of any age.
December 28, 2020
For any royal-loving anglophile like me!
November 12, 2019
If you have any interest in Royal Family at all this compact little book will be of interest. Hughes has compiled photographs of Queen Elizabeth through the years organized by color. There is not a lot of prose involved so it won't take you long to peruse the book, but the author has provided context by including the date and location of each photo. Hughes also includes little tidbits here and there such as when the Queen quit dying her hair and items she is said to carry in her purse. One of the things that struck me is how steadfast she has remained in her appearance. Of course her wardrobe changed somewhat to reflect the fashion during a particular time period, but overall she has remained true to what she sees as her duty, even in this area of style, which is to be visible, modest, and consistent. Lovely book.
June 9, 2022
Whatever you think about the Queen’s wardrobe, you have to love the bright colors she wears. A book filled with pictures as well as fun little facts such as her dresses are hemmed with curtain weights to avoid any royal incidents on a windy day!
June 8, 2019
what a cute little book.
its colourful and nice pictures. perfect for a rainy day
its colourful and nice pictures. perfect for a rainy day
May 8, 2023
Excellent curation of photos, very good for my present attention span.
August 10, 2020
Unlike the author, I am not a Brit. Like the author, I am not a "Royalist". I couldn't care less where Harry and Meghan live. My interest in the Royal Family began and ended with Wallis Simpson. However, this is an interesting look at QEII. No one except Elizabeth and Philip know the inscription inside her wedding ring. She never removes her coat in public. Her hat brim never obscures her face. She never wears diamonds before 6:00 pm. Her skirts have weighted hems so there is no chance of a wardrobe malfunction on a windy day. Her preferred heel height is 2.25".
Anyone who reads my reviews knows I like to pick nits, so here I go. In the "Red" section, the author compares 2 pictures on facing pages. In the first picture, QEII is wearing a red coat and hat with a black handbag and gloves. In the second picture, taken later that same day according to the author, QEII is wearing the same coats sans hat, glasses, gloves, and handbag. However, my keen detective eye due to "Second Look" in "People" magazine, noted that the brooch is different. I think it's a little unlikely that she would have changed her brooch. My personal opinion is that the pictures were probably taken on different days.
In the "Green" introduction, the author asserts that QEII is careful about where she wears green. "She won't attend an engagement at a grassy venue, like a racecourse or garden party . . ." in green, yet several photos show her in green at Epsom Racecourse for Derby Day, polo at Windsor Great Park, and posing with her beloved dogs on the lawn and in a garden.
The book was well organized by color, although sometimes the colors didn't seem true. The last two photos in the "Green" section, for example, looked more blue than green to me. The last section, of the queen in patterns, was more playful; however, the use of the pattern as the background was very distracting and took away from the photo itself. I think a complementary background color would've allowed more attention to the queen's outfit.
Anyone who reads my reviews knows I like to pick nits, so here I go. In the "Red" section, the author compares 2 pictures on facing pages. In the first picture, QEII is wearing a red coat and hat with a black handbag and gloves. In the second picture, taken later that same day according to the author, QEII is wearing the same coats sans hat, glasses, gloves, and handbag. However, my keen detective eye due to "Second Look" in "People" magazine, noted that the brooch is different. I think it's a little unlikely that she would have changed her brooch. My personal opinion is that the pictures were probably taken on different days.
In the "Green" introduction, the author asserts that QEII is careful about where she wears green. "She won't attend an engagement at a grassy venue, like a racecourse or garden party . . ." in green, yet several photos show her in green at Epsom Racecourse for Derby Day, polo at Windsor Great Park, and posing with her beloved dogs on the lawn and in a garden.
The book was well organized by color, although sometimes the colors didn't seem true. The last two photos in the "Green" section, for example, looked more blue than green to me. The last section, of the queen in patterns, was more playful; however, the use of the pattern as the background was very distracting and took away from the photo itself. I think a complementary background color would've allowed more attention to the queen's outfit.
July 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the Our Rainbow Queen. The book is full of pictures of HM and plenty of fun anecdotes about her wardrobe and makeup. It is a fun read and while the there much less words than in a traditional novel, it still took me a a solid few hours to finish because I loved looking at all of the pictures. The images are from a good variety of points in her life, from her sitting in a chair as a baby all the way up to the past few years of her life. The book, especially the intro, made me gain even more respect for the Queen than I already have, and the book is separated into a large handful of chapters that make it easy for someone to pick it up and read when they have a spare couple of minutes. If you're a fan of the British Royal Family, then this book is definitely for you.
January 16, 2020
Loved the photos, but wish the author had given a little more information on the clothes.
October 4, 2019
a cute little book and fun if you are a royal watcher. There were a few "facts" that
could have used a bit of checking (like unmarried women don't wear tiaras or that
there's actual protocol about nylons or nailpolish color) but not a deal breaker. I
enjoyed going through the book and seeing some of my favorite outfits and hats
again. LLTQ!
could have used a bit of checking (like unmarried women don't wear tiaras or that
there's actual protocol about nylons or nailpolish color) but not a deal breaker. I
enjoyed going through the book and seeing some of my favorite outfits and hats
again. LLTQ!
March 5, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! I learned some fab new things about the Queen and found myself saying “YES” to her particularly great looks. Sali struck the perfect tone in her captions, roundups, and introduction, and I was grateful for the beauty tidbits that Sali included. I finished this feeling uplifted and like a bit of a fancy but practical legend- just like HRH.
September 30, 2019
The perfect gift for a royal lover! This little book is full of gorgeous photos of The Queen and there were a few I'd never seen before, along with some interesting insights about her wardrobe choices.
October 4, 2019
I picked up this book and could not put it down (not that I wanted to!). It is fully of colorful, lush, and historical photographs of Queen Elizabeth II in all her colorful outfits over the decades. I am glad I read this book.
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September 1, 2019
This is a really lovely collection of an icon (QEII) and I got to hear Sally talk about The Queen’s clothes at the V&A and the knowledge about the monarch’s wardrobe is amazing!
May 29, 2022
This was an utter delight. I thought it was going to be coffee book size, but it's pocket book size.
September 9, 2022
beautifully presented collection of colour images of the queen out attending various function over the decades. includes various data. insightful. (RIP)
March 15, 2020
4/5
I liked how this book was set up - by colour obviously. And I enjoyed that it included the Queen at various ages - from a baby to present.
However, the only pictures of her with any in-laws, except for one or two with Princess Diana, were with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
I assume that is because the publishing year of this book was a popular time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they had been newly married. But I would have loved if some pictures of the Queen with Sophie, Countess of Wessex or Catharine, Duchess of Cambridge were included. Even Sarah, Duchess of York was only included in one photo and she was cut off.
For fans of only the Queen, it appears like Her Majesty has only gone on engagements with Meghan. Inclusion of other royal members, beside the Duchess of Sussex would have greatly rounded out this book.
Notwithstanding that, the book is lovely. There are great details and insights which definitely make the book worth reading.
I liked how this book was set up - by colour obviously. And I enjoyed that it included the Queen at various ages - from a baby to present.
However, the only pictures of her with any in-laws, except for one or two with Princess Diana, were with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
I assume that is because the publishing year of this book was a popular time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they had been newly married. But I would have loved if some pictures of the Queen with Sophie, Countess of Wessex or Catharine, Duchess of Cambridge were included. Even Sarah, Duchess of York was only included in one photo and she was cut off.
For fans of only the Queen, it appears like Her Majesty has only gone on engagements with Meghan. Inclusion of other royal members, beside the Duchess of Sussex would have greatly rounded out this book.
Notwithstanding that, the book is lovely. There are great details and insights which definitely make the book worth reading.
February 7, 2020
“Our Rainbow Queen” by Sali Hughes is a beautiful little book about Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe, customs, and style. While it shows a picture on every page of an ensemble the queen wore, the captions provide delightful details of each occasion. The author proves to be a loyal admirer of the queen and it bleeds through her writing.
My favorite quote, “She is the only public figure I cannot remember not being there. She had always been present - solid, dependable, appropriate. It’s entirely correct that she is now officially Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. And how utterly fabulous that she did it in leopard, flowers, tartan, and neon.”
The queen certainly does nothing by accident and every detail you learn in this adorable book proves that to be true.
Semper Eadem.
My favorite quote, “She is the only public figure I cannot remember not being there. She had always been present - solid, dependable, appropriate. It’s entirely correct that she is now officially Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. And how utterly fabulous that she did it in leopard, flowers, tartan, and neon.”
The queen certainly does nothing by accident and every detail you learn in this adorable book proves that to be true.
Semper Eadem.
August 4, 2020
Anyone who is into the royal family needs to check out this little gem of a book that’s been brightening up my coffee table for a while now. ‘Our Rainbow Queen’ is a photographic collection of some of the queen’s most iconic outfits, and is a great read for photographers, fashionistas and royal family fans alike. The images are organised by colour rather than chronology which in any other situation would bug me but it works perfectly here, it’s a such a pretty book 😍 Isla loves looking through this with me and is now a firm fan of our ‘magical rainbow princess Queen’ as she calls her 🏳️🌈 There is one tiny date mistake I spotted but we’ll gloss over that because there are lots of gorgeous doggies throughout so it ticks all my boxes - history, photography and dogs, oh my!
November 1, 2019
I loved this little gem! I never reach for stuff like this but I am glad I did. I saw it on a table and grabbed it on a whim from B&N and boy am I pleased. I really get a kick out of the Queen, I think she's got a lot of flair and personality (She collects corgis and range rovers! I love her!) Overall, this is a little picture book with some blurbs about her outfits. I definitely found it interesting, even thou some reviews say the book needs to be fact-checked. 5/5 stars for the fun of it!
January 18, 2020
Comprised of photos of Queen Elizabeth II over the years this book was a pleasure to look at and a break from more serious reading. There are some facts about the queen's wardrobe and they were fun to find out such as the hems of her dresses are weighted so that no gust of wind can cause an embarrassing moment. After perusing the colorful photographs it is plain to see that the queen has a classic style and that her choice of what to wear often makes a subtle statement.
May 27, 2019
While this isn’t the sort of thing I’d normally pick up, I’m a big fan of Sali Hughes so thought I’d give it a go. It’s a quick read but highly enjoyable as it documents Queen Elizabeth’s fashion over decades. It’s informative and very accessible to anyone without much knowledge of the royal family. A lovely read!
September 15, 2019
Glorious.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great range of photos and loved the way they were laid out with the background matching the outfit colour. Also loved the behind the scenes info on dressing the Queen and her lifestyle. Brilliant!
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great range of photos and loved the way they were laid out with the background matching the outfit colour. Also loved the behind the scenes info on dressing the Queen and her lifestyle. Brilliant!
January 11, 2020
I was hoping this would go into more detail behind the choices in her wardrobe as that’s how it was advertised. Though the pictures were beautiful and it was organized really well, thus making it fun to read.
January 30, 2020
An absolutely charming, mostly visual, exploration of many decades of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion. Loved the little tidbits of info about favorite jewelry and pins that show up again and again over the years and who would not love a color-coded jaunt into royal fashion.
January 5, 2021
Not going to change anyone's life or anything, but it's delightful in its very specific way!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews