The Royal Family Pays Homage to British Designers

Throughout history, the British Royal Family has had a significant impact on fashion across the world. People often look to them for fashion inspiration, and their unique style has been emulated by many. They have also contributed to the UK fashion industry by promoting British designers, which has increased their exposure. The royals earned a long-lasting influence on fashion, and remain style icons in the public eye.

Victor Edelstein's purple silk velvet gown, worn by Princess Diana, was part of his autumn collection in 1989. The dress had a tulip-shaped skirt and three detailed gold buttons on the back bodice. It was estimated at $80,000 to $120,000 but ended up selling for $604,800 at a Sotheby's auction.

Just before Princess Diana's passing on August 31st, 1997, the dress was originally put up for auction in June 1997. The Princess of Wales raised money for the Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Fund and the AIDS Crisis Trust at the time by auctioning off nearly 80 garments from her wardrobe at Christie's New York. The auction raised over $3.5 million for charity.

Best known for designing evening wear and couture outfits for high-end clientele, meet Victor Edelstein. He started designing clothes in the 1960s and established his own fashion house in London in the 1970s.

Known for his luxurious fabrics, flawless craftsmanship, and timeless beauty, Edelstein's designs were heavily admired. He designed numerous cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and other formal wear items that were popular among the upper echelons of British society and beyond.

The "Travolta” dress Princess Diana famously wore to a White House dinner in 1985 and the pink and black cocktail dress she wore to another occasion at the White House the same year helped Edelstein become even more well-known in the 1980s. These outfits helped Edelstein build his reputation as a great couturier and were some of the most well-known items of apparel the Princess had ever worn.

One of Diana’s priceless jewels was another item recently auctioned off by Sotheby's. There were four bidders for the item, but on January 18, Kim Kardashian paid $197,453 to purchase the cross. The celebrity paid "more than double its pre-auction estimate" for the cross, according to the auction house. Also, it is “understood that the cross was only ever worn by the Princess, and following her death, it was never seen in public again until now.”

The diamond and amethyst encrusted Attallah Cross pendant was one of Princess Diana’s favorites. The pendant was designed by royal jeweler Garrad, one of the most exquisite jewelers on Earth. Garrard states, “Garrard has long been the first choice for those looking to wear the most exquisite jewelry on Earth. From Queen Mary’s consort crown to the Princess of Wales’ engagement ring, discover how Garrard has represented the very best of British design and craftsmanship for almost 300 years.”

The former group chief executive of Asprey and Garrard, Naim Attallah, was the first to own the cross in the 1980s. Princess Diana borrowed the cross-shaped jewelry from Naim Attallah multiple times. She paired the cross with a Catherine Walker dress for the 1987 charity gala.

Ramsey Attallah stated, “Princess Diana and my father were friends and I remember that she often came to see him at the historic Garrard store on Regent Street, where his office was, and she would ask to borrow the pendant on several occasions – she really loved the piece.”

Catherine Walker is another one of Princess Diana’s favorite British fashion designers. Walker began her career as a designer in the 1970s, making custom gowns for private, high-end clients. In 1977, she established her own fashion house, quickly gaining a reputation for her elegant and feminine designs. Walker has designed some of Dianna’s most memorable outfits, wearing them to charity events, state visits, and royal tours.

The Royal Family has promoted British designers and brands like Victor Edelstein and Catherine Walker, leading to the growth of the UK fashion industry by raising its profile on an international scale. The family’s public appearances, personal styles, and patronage of British designers and brands have had a massive effect on fashion.

Have the royals influenced your personal style? Leave a comment below.