Examining Queen Elizabeth's Iconic Fashion And Her Way Of Using Clothes To Communicate

Apr 24, 2022 by apost team

February 6 marked Queen Elizabeth II's 70th year of the reigning monarch of England, and she is the longest-reigning British monarch in history. According to The History Press, Queen Elizabeth accomplished this milestone back in 2015, when she surpassed the reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. In addition, her majesty has made history once more as the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee. 

In celebration of the Queen and her 96th birthday, California-based toymaker Mattel has released a Barbie doll made in her likeness. The doll is a part of Barbie's Tribute Collection series, which honors triumphant women who helped shape and evolve culture and society throughout history. The new collectible figure, called the "Barbie Signature Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Doll," has been inspired by some of the Queen's most timeless fashion moments.
The doll is dressed in a sophisticated ivory gown, influenced by similar styles and colors the Queen has worn throughout the years. Topping off the tasteful look is a replica of Queen Mary's fringe tiara, which is the same tiara Queen Elizabeth wore back in 1947 when she wed Prince Phillip. The first true showcase of Queen Elizabeth's impeccable fashion sense was displayed on her wedding day. British fashion designer Norman Hartnell designed the then princess wedding dress. Hartnell drew his inspiration for the gown from famous Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli's "Primavera." According to the Royal Collection Trust, Princess Elizabeth's gown symbolized "rebirth and growth" in Britain after WWII.

Throughout Queen Elizabeth's impressive seven decades as a ruler, she has used her iconic sense of style to show appreciation for other cultures.

Queen Elizabeth slowly became known as a fashion icon after she rose to power in 1953. The eldest of King George VI's two daughters, Queen Elizabeth was next in line to succeed him. Her coronation took place on June 2, 1953, 16 months following her father's death. She was 25. 

The Queen appointed the task of creating her coronation gown to the same designer who created her breathing-taking wedding dress, Norman Hartnell. 

Hartnell reflects on his years of experience as a dressmaker for the royal family in his memoir, "Silver and Gold." In an extract from his memoir, Hartnell described the process of creating one of Queen Elizabeth's most iconic looks. 

"My mind was teeming with heraldic and floral ideas," Hartnell wrote. "I thought of lilies, roses, marguerites and golden corn; I thought of altar cloths and sacred vestments; I thought of the sky, the earth, the sun, the moon, the stars and everything heavenly that might be embroidered upon a dress destined to be historic."

Ultimately, the designer submitted eight sketches to the Queen. The Queen favored the last sketch with minor alterations.

It was decided that the Queen's coronation dress would be made of white satin, like her wedding dress, and embroidered with all the territories the Queen would reign over. According to People, the intricate design "took nine weeks, six embroiderers and 3,000 hours to complete."

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has used fashion as a discreet form of communication. As a result, the Queen's impressive wardrobe is composed of various diplomatic colors and styles accompanying selective jewelry pieces complimentary to the occasion. 

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In 1979, the Queen traveled to the Middle East. The goal of her visit was to strengthen ties between the UK and one of its largest exports market. Her majesty adhered to the modestly dressed form of style accustomed to the area. 

In an interview with Stylist.co.uk, Caroline de Guitaut, senior curator of decorative arts at the Royal Collection Trust, explained the time and effort that goes into planning one of the Queen's outfits.

"The careful planning and the thought process that goes into what she wears means she is always dressed impeccably and correctly." Guitaut told the outlet. "It's this dedication to appearing in an appropriate and elegant way that sets her apart."

Every part of the Queen's wardrobe has a purpose. Guitaut explained her majesty implements bold and bright colors into her wardrobe in order to be easily seen in a crowd.

"Colour is used as a way of making her visible," Gouitaut shared. "We always see her wearing hats with daytime outfits, that enable her to be spotted in a crowd."

In 2011, Queen Elizabeth attended Prince William's and Kate Middleton's wedding. Her majesty wore a yellow dress and matching coat, an ensemble created by the Queen's dresser Angela Kelly. According to People, the Queen's selective color choice of yellow was to symbolize "hope that this union gave for the future of the monarchy." 

The Queen wore the bold ensemble later that same year when she attended church in Australia. Her majesty turned her repurposed wedding look into a diplomatic fashion statement: Australia's national color is yellow.

What do you think of the Queen's style? Do you have a favorite Queen Elizabeth II style moment? Let us know in the comments below!