Princess perfect: Regal fashion throughout the decades
In Elizabethan times, sumptuary laws even restricted the wearing of certain finery and fabrics to royalty alone. Modern princesses are no exception to this sphere of influence, with contemporary media making modern monarchy the subject of constant style scrutiny. With the ability to raise a designer or brand’s profile (and their sales) with one simple wardrobe choice, the princess as fashion plate is a potent force. Protocol may insist that a princess pays for all her purchases but the value of a royal endorsement is incalculable.
With the imminent release of two films with royal leading ladies, Grace of Monaco starring Nicole Kidman and Diana starring Naomi Watts , the role and the wardrobe of the modern princess is set for reviewed examination. The recent birth of Prince George to Kate and William, and the invasive level of analysis and comment on her figure, diet and wardrobe prior to and immediately after the birth displayed the immense pressure as well as privilege attached to the role of princess. (The birth certificate for the new Prince revealed that Kate can use the title of Duchess or Princess at her discretion, as she was cited as Princess William of Wales on this document). Kate has displayed a very assured sense of her own style since the start of her royal relationship — she is naturally a classic, conservative yet elegant dresser who favours shapely tailoring, pretty knee length dresses, her beloved mid-heeled LK Bennett shoes and a good belt to emphasise her willowy waist. She confidently mixes designers such as Erdem, Burberry, Issa and Amanda Wakeley with High Street labels Reiss, Whistles, Hobbs and Zara. She always looks relaxed in her clothes and they never dominate her. Her wedding dress, her most striking style success to date, was reflective of her streamlined taste and was directly inspired by the dress of another equally elegant royal muse, Grace Kelly.
