Royal fashion from the Fifties to the Nineties

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

A new exhibition of rare and exquisite dresses worn by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana Princess of Wales will open at Kensington Palace.

The elegant dress displays explore royal figures and fashion representative of the spirit of each decade, reflecting and inspiring everyday trends. 

Opening in July and entitled Fashion Rules: Elizabeth, Margaret, Diana at Kensington Palace will chronicle royal style evolution from the Fifties to the Nineties.

 

Items such as dance dress by Jacques Azagury worn by Diana Princess of Wales for a dinner given by the Mayor of Florence on a visit to Italy in 1985

Carl Toms kaftan work by Princess Margaret fashioned from luxurious Indian sari silk

 

Starting with the young Queen Elizabeth in the 1950s, the display looks at her evolving style and how she incorporated the age and countries she visited in the clothes she wore.

The 1960s and 70s parts of the exhibition  will turn to Princess Margaret, to explore how her style reflected the playful times of a modern era. 

The 80’s and 90’s was the style of Diana, Princess of Wales. As one of the most photographed women in the world, Diana had significant impact on British style and fashion that endures.

Beige evening gown, designed by Norman Hartnell, worn by the Queen for the opening of the New Zealand parliament during a Commonwealth visit in 1963

Fur coat by Christian Dior was worn by Princess Margaret, c.1960s

Surrounded by contemporary photography, film and music this colourful and exuberant exhibition gives a sense of the times when the clothes worn and how they reflected and inspired everyday fashions, offering a nostalgic glance at recent decades.

Adding value to already acclaimed Victoria Revealed exhibition and the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, Fashion Rules: Elizabeth, Margaret, Diana aims to ensure the full 300 years of royal history is bought spectacularly to life in what they hope to be a popular summer attraction.

RC Commonweath Dinner Gown, Hardy Amies worn by HM The Queen in Nova Scotia during a Commonwealth visit to Canada, 1959

 

Pink sequined ivory crepe gown, by Catherine Walker worn by Diana, Princess of Wales at a banquet given by President Collor at the Itamaraty Palace on a State visit to Brazil, 1991

 

 

Norman Hartnell gown worn by The Queen for the opening of the New Zealand parliament, during a Commonwealth visit 1963 

 

 

Stunning red Bruce Oldfield was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales during a royal tour of Saudi Arabia with Charles, Prince of Wales, 1986

 

 

A new exhibition of rare and exquisite dresses worn by HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana Princess of Wales will open at Kensington Palace

 

 

Norman Hartnell gown worn by Princess Margaret at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II, and to present a music award to pop group ABBA, 1977

 

 

Short day dress, by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, worn by Princess Margaret reminiscent of dolly-bird clothing of the mid-60s

 

Beginning in the 50s, the display follows the Queen's  evolving style as she incorporated the character of the age and the countries she visited in the clothes she wore

 

 

 

Carl Toms turban worn with a kaftan by Princess Margaret in Mustique, 1976

 

In the 60s and 70s attention will turn to Princess Margaret and explore how her style reflected the playful times of a modern era

Fashion Rules: Elizabeth, Margaret, Diana will open at Kensington Palace on July 4th 2013