TEN DAZZLING evening gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth on various state visits throughout her monarchy went on show yesterday at the British ambassador’s residence in Sandyford, Co Dublin.
Shown in conjunction with a UK trade and investment event in Ireland promoting 16 up-and-coming fashion and jewellery designers, it was the first time these dresses have been displayed outside the UK and was the initiative of the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly in advance of her Irish visit.
Most of the dresses were made by the legendary royal couturier Norman Hartnell who made both her wedding dress and the coronation robes she wore when ascending the throne at the age of 27 in 1953.
Hartnell also had the responsibility of creating a hundred outfits for her first Commonwealth tour that year. With the exception of a heavy, lavish green ball gown from the 1950s with a full ballerina skirt (and a 22” waist), most of the items have fluid lines uplifted with elaborate beading and decor.
“I am more than partial to the jolly glitter of sequins,” Hartnell once said.
One coat and dress ensemble, for example, made of silver thread decorated with gold beading with crystal and pearl flowers was worn visiting president Georges Pompidou on a state visit to France in 1972.
Another white satin ballgown with a beaded border was worn in 1961 on a state visit to Italy, duchesse satin being a favourite fabric of Hartnell’s because ordinary satin tended to crease. None look dated today despite some being nearly 40 years old.
More recent items include a gown by Angela Kelly in pale mauve with black Swarovski crystal decoration which was worn to a royal film performance of Casino Royalein 2006.
“The fashion industry makes a powerful contribution to both the Irish and British economies,” said British ambassador Julian King at the event.
“Ireland is the UK’s largest export market for its fashion, clothing and footwear. This is an opportunity to celebrate our shared interest in cutting edge fashion and design.”