The Queen has been hailed a “fashion icon” as she made a surprise appearance in the front row of London Fashion Week to watch a show partially inspired by her own headscarves.
The Queen, who was making her first visit to LFW, took a front row seat next to Dame Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of US Vogue, for Richard Quinn’s catwalk show of brightly-coloured prints described as “Balmoral meets Peckham”.
The extraordinary appearance saw Her Majesty present an inaugural fashion award named after her to “new, young talent” Quinn as, she said, “a tribute to the industry, and as my legacy to all those who have contributed to British fashion”.
The Queen, wearing a duck egg blue Angela Kelly suit with crystal embellishments and sitting on a perspex chair with special cushion for comfort, was seen watching the parade of models with interest and making enthusiastic conversation with Dame Anna, who kept her sunglasses on throughout.
Some of the models were seen wearing headscarves which bore a remarkable similarity to the style favoured by the Queen, tied in unconventional fashion to cover the model’s entire face.
Others donned motorcycle helmets, puffa coats and brightly printed foil capes which billowed behind models and were inspired by mid-century couture shapes.
Taking to the catwalk to address the audience after the show, the Queen said:
“It is a great pleasure to be here at London Fashion Week today.
“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.”
“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.
“I would like to thank the British Fashion Council for selecting the first winner – Richard Quinn.”
Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC), told her:
“Throughout your reign you have embraced fashion, using its power of diplomacy to communicate understanding between cultures and nations.
“Your Majesty, I know that you do not wish to be known as a fashion icon, but for all of us in this room, who have the utmost respect for you, and also for the hard work, diligence, cultural impact of our industry, we know that you undoubtedly are.”
Speaking after the show, Quinn told the Telegraph:
“It’s a bit surreal. We only found out a few days ago so we added in a few Queen touches with the headscarves and the scarf patterns, we were already planning a few scarves but we really hammed it up.
“She said that she was pleased that the award would support young designers
“I think she’s definitely a fashion icon- she was the first royal woman to wear trousers, I believe. It’s a tongue in cheek take on Balmoral, but done my way.”
Quinn, who described the Queen’s style as “cutting edge”, also had his sights set on other members of the Royal Family. Naming Meghan Markle as the women he would like to design for, he added: “I think she’s at the head of that new age of royals.”
The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, created by the Queen’s trusted personal advisor Angela Kelly, recognises an “emerging British fashion designer who shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or strong sustainable policies”.
The award will now be presented each year by a member of the Royal Family, to a designer selected by the BFC in collaboration with the Royal Household.
Quinn has gained recognition for his striking prints, collaboration with Liberty and a London studio which helps emerging artists and designers with printing services, workshops and practical support to build their own collections.
A graduate of Central Saint Martins, he was described in September by Vogue as having a “distinct BDSM aesthetic”, and “part of a new generation of weird and wonderful designers…he is exactly the future London needs”.
The Queen made her first visit to London Fashion Week just a day after she invited fashion designers and artisans to Buckingham Palace for an event celebrating to the Commonwealth.
The evening, hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was intended to highlight the ability of fashion to unite the Commonwealth in new ways.
Today, the Queen honoured the industry in person, with a new award designed to “provide continuing recognition of the cultural and trade role the British design and fashion industry has played, and continues to play, throughout Her Majesty’s reign”.
As she arrived at London Fashion Week, the Queen was offered a tour of showrooms by Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC).
She viewed displays and met designers, including the “New Gen” group of emerging talent picked by BFC, a display of hats from Harvy Santos, which included a red leather studded headpiece based on Queen Victoria’s travelling crown.
She went on to view Richard Quinn’s runway show, before presenting him with The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.
The award will now be presented each year by a member of the Royal Family, to a designer selected by the BFC in collaboration with the Royal Household.
The prize, designed by Angela Kelly, is inspired by the Queen Elizabeth rose, and hand-produced by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter.
