On September 8 the world stopped in grief and disbelief after knowing about Queen Elizabeth’s sudden death. Most of us have only been living with Her Majesty ruling the country and it is impossible to imagine someone else taking her place, because her strong presence will always be irreplaceable. She had an inescapable sense of duty to the crown and country but was also the standard of elegance, restraint, classics and brightness as it is hard to find a color she didn’t wear. The Queen was one of the greatest fashion figures the world has ever known. It is a testament to her extraordinary life that 70 years of style will go down as one of her more minor achievements.
Now, as it is sad to say, the era of Queen Elizabeth is gone but will never be forgotten. She gave us a fashion heritage, probably without even realizing it herself. We at ROARA Magazine, gathered some of Her Majesty’s contributions towards fashion to highlight them once again.
1. Signature look
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Queen? Let me guess, it’s a slim-brimmed hat, A-line dress and tailored jacket. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour called it “an iconic ‘uniform’ that suggested continuity and tradition”. And that’s exactly what the Queen was seen as. Looking always clean, tidy and slick, she has her own instantly recognisable silhouette.
2. Colors, colors and colors
Pink, blue, yellow, purple, you name it and I’m sure you won’t find a color she didn’t wear. Apart from her love for colors, this was particularly made to ensure she was as visible as possible during walkabouts and public events. TV fashion stylist Britt Taylor told Sky News: “The Queen’s use of color was the most stand-out thing about her fashion choices and the thing we think of the most.”
3. The Queen and Quinn
At London Fashion Week in February 2018, there was only one contender for the best-dressed celebrity front row. The Queen’s surprise appearance at Richard Quinn’s catwalk show caused unprecedented levels of excitement – even Anna Wintour was seen to crack a smile.
Her Royal Highness was in attendance to present Quinn with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. As the show drew to a close, the audience was asked to stay in their seats for the special announcement. The British Fashion Council’s Caroline Rush gave the Queen her official welcome to London Fashion Week, acknowledging the cultural impact Her Majesty has had on the British fashion industry over her decades-long reign.
“Your Majesty, I know you do not wish to be known as a fashion icon,” said Rush. “But from all of us in this room, we have the utmost respect for you and also for your hard work and diligence.”
ROARA Magazine 