THE style legacy of Queen Elizabeth is being celebrated in a new exhibition.
A pioneer in her day, the late monarch wore the latest trends which went on to become British fashion favourites.
To mark the centenary of her birth later this month, more than 300 of Elizabeth’s favourite items will be on display – most of them never exhibited before.
Her wedding and Coronation dresses, pieces from her early life as a princess, gorgeous gowns and the looks she wore while touring the world will be formally unveiled tomorrow at The King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace.
The show, which runs until October, is already a hit, with the first two weeks sold out.
Fashion Editor Abby McHale got an exclusive first look at the collection.
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Here, she reveals some of the classic styles worn by Her Majesty over the decades.
1934
HAND ME DOWNS
A WHOLE section of the exhibition is dedicated to the young Princess Elizabeth. Her bridesmaid’s dress, made by Edward Molyneux, is still in good condition.
Back then clothes were made to be more durable, with Elizabeth’s clothes often being altered for a younger Princess Margaret.
1952
COUPLE GOALS
TARTAN was key to the Queen’s casual looks.
She can be seen here in a Harris tweed jacket and Balmoral tartan by designer Norman Hartnell. Elizabeth and Prince Philip were known to wear matching looks.
1954
NECKLINES RULE
A NUMBER of neckline styles, such as Bardot, strapless and asymmetric, are against the rules for certain royal events because visible shoulders can sometimes be seen as disrespectful.
Thankfully, that did not apply during Elizabeth’s first tour of Australia as monarch.
Wearing a very glamorous asymmetric gown by Norman Hartnell, she looks sensational.
1956
MARILYN MOMENT
THE most recognisable woman in the world meets the most famous actress of the era at a film premiere in Leicester Square.
Elizabeth wore a black Bardot dress by Norman Hartnell for this historic moment with US pin-up Marilyn Monroe.
1960
WASP WAIST
IN her younger years, it was reported that the Queen’s waist was only 23 inches – with her designer Norman Hartnell often making her outfits to that measurement.
Here, she is styled by Sir Cecil Beaton at Princess Margaret’s wedding to Antony Armstrong-Jones.
1963
DIPLOMATIC DRESSING
WHEN meeting foreign dignitaries, the Queen always made sure she looked as regal as possible.
And for evening banquets she was sure to be dressed the part.
Here, she is seen at the Belgian Embassy in London in a gown covered in beads and crystals.
1969
‘I HAVE TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED‘
TO be a modern monarch, rather than one secluded in a palace, Elizabeth believed she had to be seen.
To help her do that, she used a wide colour palette for her clothes so she stood out in public.
The exhibition includes a range of colourful outfits, including this lemon dress from 1969, worn at the investiture of the Prince Of Wales.
1977
WEIGHTED HEMS & WINDY DAYS
TO avoid a fashion faux pas, Elizabeth’s dressers would sew weights into dresses and skirts with fluttery hems, like this pink look from the Silver Jubilee.
It is believed that the Queen advised Kate to do the same when she joined the Firm.
1977
TIARAS TO WARD OFF ILLNESS
WORN in New Zealand during Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee tour, the Burmese Ruby Tiara is made from 96 rubies as well as diamonds and was said to protect the wearer from 96 illnesses.
It was one of many tiaras in her collection.
2012
SEEING DOUBLE
MANY will remember the jaw-dropping moment when the Queen appeared to jump out of a helicopter for a sketch with Daniel Craig as part of the opening ceremony at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Identical outfits were made by Angela Kelly – one for the Queen and the other for her 43-year-old male stunt double.
2013
TIME TO LEAVE
THE Queen was rarely seen without her trusty black handbag by British brand Launer.
It was often used to signal to staff in social situations.
Putting the bag down meant she wanted a conversation to be ended immediately.
