Royal Gowns
Jun 1, 2016 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Elizabeth during her 1953 coronation
I had a very relaxing weekend and now that the work week is in full swing I’m finding my to do list chasing me yet again. How’s a modern gal to find relaxation in this topsy-turvy world? Vintage darling – but of course! This article on Queen Elizabeth’s fashion exhibition opening transported me to a world of royal gowns, glamour, and pure happiness. Now I just need to find the funds for a trip to London… During this feature we’ll introduce a trio of fashionable royalty. Let me know in the comments which chic noble lady you admire most.
Queen Elizabeth II
She is the lady of the hour. Two of her most infamous fashion moments (her wedding day – naturally – and her coronation) are being celebrated in this upcoming Summer exhibit. Both were designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, the founder of all things British couture. While Hartnell designed for a variety of socialites and starlets, it was his wedding gown for the young Elizabeth that garnered him his first taste of international acclaim. The wedding gown was definitely a tough act to follow, but if anyone could top that – it was Sir Hartnell. The intricate coronation gown boasted approximately 10,000 pearls and beads. Definitely fit for a queen – I mean, just look at those sketches! Swoon-worthy.
“I despise simplicity. It is the negation of all that is beautiful.” – Sir Norman Hartnell
Hartnell was knighted in 1977, two years before his death. He was the first “fashion knight” (which is an amazing nickname, by the way). Who are the other fashion designers to earn this prestigious title? Well, it’s a small group: Hardy Amies, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood. With friends like these it’s easy to see why Queen Elizabeth is a fashion icon. And to my dear readers, click on that link for Hartnell – the sketches are amazing; the interior fashion and mens’ wear pieces are stunning. Hartnell definitely could bring any space or person into the realm of royalty. Whoever says fashion can’t be powerful has clearly never studied his work. Gorgeous.
Princess Soraya of Iran
I first introduced you to this royal princess during the 1950s bridal fashion feature. Dior designed your wedding gown? Game over. You’re a trendsetter! But I wanted to know more about this intriguing lady – just check out her casual look. Inspirational to say the least. That jewelry and bold lip – today this graces the Pinterest boards and Vogue articles. But I’ll digress. So what’s this Princess all about?
Princess Soraya of Iran
She was born into a well-connected and political family. While completing her studies in a Swiss boarding school, she was introduced to Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. They were married by February 1951, but the bliss was short-lived. She was found to be incapable of producing an heir by French doctors. She vehemently rejected the option of letting her husband have a mistress, imagine that! With the reality of an heir being impossible, the royal couple divorced by 1958. Soraya later described this moment as a sacrificing of her own happiness. She was twenty-five years old. Let that simmer for a moment. To be that young and to experience that level of public stress and heartache.
But strong women will not be deterred from finding their own happiness. She moved to Paris and started over, enjoying a brief acting career. Soraya found love again with an Italian director and was happy for many decades. Sadly her second love died tragically in 1972. Following this, she fell into a deep depression – but found the courage to openly address her struggles in her memoirs, The Palace of Loneliness. Soraya passed away in 2001. Her possessions were auctioned off and that Dior gown fetched a price tag north of $1 million. It may be easy to categorize her as a tragic, romantic figure – but based on her photographs I think she’s got gumption lurking just under the surface. We all experience challenges and struggles, but she started fresh and found comfort in addressing her issues head-on. That’s one strong lady in my book.
Princess Lillian of Sweden
Could this be the fateful cocktail party?
As absolutely fabulous as Queen Elizabeth II is, she’s not the only royal who’s warranted a fashion exhibit. Meet Princess Lillian of Sweden. Born in Wales, she was a working fashion model – posing for Vogue, among other publications. Shortly before the end of WWII she met Swedish Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland, in London at her 28th birthday party. (Impressive guest list, no?) They hit it off immediately and became lovers, choosing not to marry after her divorce due to royal circumstances. Ever devoted to one another, they lived privately together for more than three decades.
In 1973 Carl XVI Gustaf became King and he approved their union (after all, he married a commoner himself). Three years later the lovebirds were married. During her royal reign, Princess Lillian was devoted to attending the Noble Prize giving ceremony. For these, and her other numerous public appearances, Princess Lillian’s fierce style was on display. Her fashion designer of choice: Elizabeth Wondrak. I haven’t been able to find much information in English, but based on her styling it’s pretty obvious she had a knack for color and glamour. Just look at these pictures – nobody puts Princess Lillian in a corner!
For the readers: which are your favorite examples of royal gowns? Is there a royal gal not on the list here that you would want to add? Share your thoughts in the comments…