A History of Fashion's Relationship with Royalty
From the royal European courts of the 16th century to the Met Gala, members of royal families all over the world have always been fashion trendsetters.
Starting as early as the 16th century, royal families have been put on a stage in their home countries and beyond to exhibit certain standards, values, and morals—fashion being no exception. The European royal courts of history were a significant display of luxury fashion trends for both other royal family members as well as the nobles present at court—think Marie Antoinette and Elizabeth I, for example. It is even commonly known that Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, found and led Charles Fredrick Worth, the father of couture, to his success in the mid-18th century.
In the past century and a half, however, the relationship between royals and fashion has grown more intertwined. Instead of being mere vehicles for fashion trends, royals all around the world have become more directly involved with the fashion world. L'Officiel looks back at times when the worlds of royalty and fashion intersected.
Grace Kelly and Hermès
Grace Kelly, who rose to fame through her success as a Hollywood actress, became Princess of Monaco through her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. Throughout her time in the spotlight, Kelly was an international style icon known for her timeless style and elegant look. In the years following her wedding, she was spotted using a relatively new model of an Hermès bag to conceal a new pregnancy. Amidst the whirlwind of press that followed, Hermes renamed their model “The Kelly,” which has turned into one of the brand’s signature pieces.
Princess Diana and Gucci
It is no secret that Princess Diana was the ultimate royal fashion icon. From the beginning of her relationship with Prince Charles to her ultimate divorce and separation from royal life, the world was utterly obsessed with Diana and her style. Lady Di was often seen wearing a signature Gucci bag with bamboo handles and is often credited for popularizing the style. In her honour, the brand renamed this iconic style the “Gucci Diana.”
Prince Nikolai and Burberry
Prince Nikolai of Denmark made his modelling debut at the Burberry Spring/Summer 2018 show at London Fashion Week. The Prince grabbed headlines and the fashion world’s attention and was quickly thereafter signed to a modelling agency to begin his career.
Princess Charlotte of Monaco and Chanel
Princess Charlotte of Monaco has been known for her high-profile modelling, such as being a Gucci and Chanel ambassador, the face of Gucci cosmetics, as well as the face of Yves Saint Laurent. Recently, however, Princess Charlotte has made headlines by opening for the Chanel Spring/Summer 2022 Haute Couture show at the Grand Palais. But was no ordinary fashion show opening. Rather, the Princess started the show off by exhibiting her talented equestrian skills and trotting down the runway on a horse.
