I let out a little squeal when I saw this news. The largest exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe is about to go on display. It sounds like a dream come true for anyone with a sewing machine, a love of fashion or just a bit of royal curiosity.
The exhibition, Style & Society: Dressing the Queen, will take place across two royal residences – the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and Buckingham Palace. It brings together more than 200 outfits and accessories worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her reign. It includes everything from glittering gowns to tartan skirts. Even the Queen’s hats and handbags will be displayed. It’s not just a fashion timeline, it’s a fabric-covered story of an era.
Caught my eye for good reason
It’s no surprise this caught my eye. I’m currently devouring The Other Side of the Coin by Angela Kelly, one of Her Majesty’s long-time dressers and designers. I’ve also got Dressing the Queen (by the same author) on the go. I’ll be sharing full book reviews soon here on Plus Lovely. The behind the scenes look at how these garments were designed, made and selected for each occasion is absolutely fascinating. If you’re anything like me and a little bit sewing obsessed or a little bit voyeuristic, you’d be hooked too.
What you’ll see
This exhibition promises more than just pretty frocks. It’s a carefully curated journey through the Queen’s style milestones such as her coronation gown, Jubilee ensembles, state visit showstoppers and even some of the daywear worn for public walkabouts.
There are also behind-the-scenes gems like original designer sketches, swatches and correspondence about colour and protocol. The planning and precision that went into every outfit, from diplomatic symbolism to embroidery choices, feels like a masterclass in considered clothing. I think that’s what sets it apart. The Queen didn’t just wear clothes. She used them to communicate, to comfort and to carry tradition.
Would I go? In a heartbeat!
Will I get to go? Probably not, unless my bank manager wants to treat me (highly unlikely but worth a try). If I did manage to make the trip, I know exactly what I’d be most excited about – the more modern outfits and of course the fabric choices. What were the textures like? What kind of lining? What kind of weight?
It’s one thing to see an outfit on the news but to stand in front of it, imagining the seam lines, the under-structure and the design choices, now that’s next level. I doubt they’ll let anyone get close enough to touch the fabric though. Rightly so. Could you imagine the chaos? Regardless, I think it would still feel like standing in the presence of quiet, stitched history.
Through a sewist’s eyes
I can’t help imagining what we might learn if we could peek inside a hem or feel the hand of the fabric. Were the shoulder pads stiff or soft? Was the interfacing fused or stitched? Did the linings get swapped out seasonally? It’s the kind of detail only a fellow sewist obsesses over but I think many Plus Lovely readers will relate. There’s so much storytelling in the structure of a garment and the Queen’s wardrobe would have been tailored to perfection, inside and out.
Fashion but make it royal
This exhibition isn’t just about fashion. It’s about identity, duty, diplomacy and personal style. It’s a visual diary of a woman who knew exactly how powerful clothes could be and used them masterfully for more than 70 years.
Even better? There’s a companion book to go with it. Style & Society: Dressing the Queen has been released to coincide with the exhibition, offering even more insight into Her Majesty’s style choices, tailoring secrets and the role fashion played throughout her reign. I’ll definitely be adding it to my reading pile (alongside the Angela Kelly titles).
Let’s be honest, if the Queen had walked out in “invisible cloth” like that poor Emperor from The Emperor’s New Clothes, she wouldn’t have been politely applauded. There would’ve been headlines, helicopters and at least four backup handbags deployed for coverage. Real royalty understands that looking the part matters. Queen Elizabeth II nailed it every time.
Let’s dream a little
So even if most of us can’t make it there in person, we can still soak up some inspiration from afar. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the coverage and dreaming up a few Plus Lovely-inspired makes along the way.
I’d love to know, if you could see one royal outfit in person, which would it be? Better yet, what outfit inspired by the Queen’s timeless style would you love to sew?