Why Her Majesty is the catwalk Queen
THE Queen was hailed as Britain’s most reluctant style icon yesterday when she joined legendary Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour in a surprise appearance at London Fashion Week.
The 91-year-old sat with the queen of fashion, London-born Dame Anna, 68, surveying the scene and discussing designs.
Dame Anna, whose often frosty demeanour earned her the nickname Nuclear Wintour was sweetness and light, but refused to take off her trademark sunglasses.
The Queen, whose arrival caused gasps among fashionistas, was at the London show to present the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Richard Quinn.
“From the tweed of the Hebrides to Nottingham lace, and of course Carnaby Street, our fashion industry has been renowned for outstanding craftsmanship for many years and continues to produce world-class textiles and cutting-edge, practical designs,” she said.
“As a tribute to the industry, and as my legacy to all those who have contributed to British fashion, I would like to present this award for new, young talent.”
British Fashion Council chief Caroline Rush told her: “I know you do not wish to be known as a fashion icon but for all of us who have the utmost respect for you and also for the hard work, diligence, cultural impact of our industry, we know you undoubtedly are.”