This Style File Friday is going to be slightly different from my normal posts. I shared my own 2011 royal wedding memories yesterday, but stuck to what I was doing on the day of. However, as the fashion historian that I am, I always enjoy going back to the fashion of the day. The looks speak to a specific point in time, a fascinating counterpoint to the bride’s timeless gown. I’m going to share some of my favourite looks, and also some that I think could have been improved. These are my 2011 royal wedding fashion highlights!
In this post, I’m going to be featuring guests at the royal wedding, and not anyone from the wedding party. That gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown by Sarah Burton is obviously stunning, but deserves its own post. (In the future, I promise!)
Victoria Beckham and Those Shoes
I think that Victoria Beckham’s shoes perfectly embody 2011 fashion. Towering platforms on pumps were all the rage, and she took it to a new level (literally). While this was never my style, I think that they worked well for her. They were also incredibly impressive, given that she was 7-8 months pregnant at the time… Not unexpectedly, she wore a piece from her 2011 runway collection, though her navy version was slightly longer. And of course, she finished the look off with a Philip Treacy fascinator!
Yes, David’s medal is on the wrong side of his lapel here, but he did change it once inside the Abbey. (If you are going to mix it up, going to an event where there are several OBEs present is the best possible scenario. Where else would you find other OBEs to help advise?)
Samantha Cameron….
I will say, I did enjoy her dress- jewel tones work incredibly well for her. However, no hat for an occasion like this? I remember seeing articles before suggesting that she would skip wearing a headpiece, like she did for the State Opening of Parliament. However, that was to match her more casual husband. He wore tails to the royal wedding, so she really had no excuse! While her ensemble worked well, it fell flat without a hat or substantial headpiece.
Princess Beatrice
Would it be a 2011 royal wedding fashion highlights post without Princess Beatrice? I’m bucking the general consensus here. I think that Beatrice’s look was gorgeous for the wedding, including her fascinator. Philip Treacy obviously knows what he is doing- this veers closely to sculpture/art, but I think it is stunning. And for someone as young as she was to take all of the horrible criticism and mockery in stride, and to turn it into something positive? I was incredibly impressed with her composure.
Her nude Valentino couture coat dress was perfect. It fit her well, and was the quintessential formal, day wedding attire. (And worked so well with her colouring.) I think it’s unfortunate that so many people saw her fascinator and wrote the whole look off- the dress was incredible!
Queen Margrethe of Denmark
Margrethe is one of my favourite royals of all time. Amongst many other things, including being Queen Denmark, she has designed the sets and costumes for multiple ballets and operas. (She also makes a mean dachshund hat.) However, I thought her regal style for the 2011 royal wedding was also perfect. I love the bright blue coat dress, it is such such a lovely colour on her. I also adore her cocktail hat- I find that as a lot of women get older, they eschew the more whimsical designs. However, it is the ideal mix of whimsy and elegance! (If anyone has any books on Margrethe in English to recommend, please let me know.)
The Countess of Wessex
I loved this look as soon as I saw it. I know that a lot of people thought it was rather safe, but I think it was perfect for a royal wedding where billions of eyes would be on everyone. (See: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie taking a risk…) Her Bruce Oldfield ensemble is elegant, and matches the tone of the day without drawing any attention from the couple. The Jane Taylor hat in particular is perfection; it provided just enough “wow” for the look. (Several other guests were also wearing Taylor creations, including Carole Middleton!)
What are your 2011 royal wedding fashion highlights?
Cheers,
The Historian
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