Royal seal of approval for British fashion
The 16th March 2010 was a big night for the British fashion world as Buckingham Palace hosted a lavish reception in its honour. The industry’s leading lights - designers, models and icons alike - showcased their own unique styles as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh paid tribute to the nation’s passion for fashion. Among the guests was Jan Shutt, figurehead of award-winning Rawtenstall fashion retailer and Agenda client Sunday Best. Her invitation to the event gave her an opportunity for a sneak peek at the designs being presented by the UK’s fashion elite.
The stunning variety of styles on show was testament to the quality and diversity of the British fashion industry, with a vibrant melting pot of colours, designs and looks that rivalled anything the catwalks of Paris or Milan might have to offer. The effortless demure style of worldwide icon Twiggy stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the vivid and uncompromising style of Zandra Rhodes, who wore an outlandish blue geometric-print ballgown to the event. Also in attendance were designers Jasper Conran, Elizabeth and David Emanuel, Jeff Banks and Ozwald Boateng, and visionary photographer David Bailey.
It was a night to celebrate the creativity that makes the British fashion industry such a force to be reckoned with. As any visitor to Sunday Best - whether online or in person - will know, real fashion is about breaking boundaries and challenging preconceptions about real style. Just because something isn’t familiar doesn’t mean it doesn’t look amazing.
Of course, every guest was eclipsed by the hostess herself. The Queen is known across the world for her elegant, understated style, and this occasion was no different. Her Majesty won huge praise for her floral-print Angela Kelly suit with co-ordinating black handbag, shoes and gloves - traditional stylings but with a stunning contemporary twist.
The event was completed by an exhibition of contemporary clothing created by students from the Royal College of Art. Combining time-honoured features with cutting-edge designs, this collection gave Jan an insider’s look at the designs we can expect to see on the catwalk in the months and years to come.
Image courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk.
