The show must go on, but the queen of royal fashion is always remembered.
Designers brought plenty of nods to the late Queen Elizabeth II this year at London Fashion Week, which was held during the UK’s nationwide mourning period following her death on September 8.
Despite fashion week parties being cancelled, the Spring/Summer 2023 shows went ahead as planned – with some special adjustments to honor the beloved monarch.
Of course, Queen Elizabeth was known for her own unique style, and she even had her own fashion award, the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design – an award that will linger in her memory.
From crowns to black bangles, we take a look at highlights from London Fashion Week shows that pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Richard Quinn
Ornate black dresses, crowns and traditional mourning veils appeared on Richard Quinn’s runway to honor the Queen – and as a moving tribute, images of her were shown on a screen during the opening portion of the show.
Quinn, the first winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, was responsible for the iconic moment when the late monarch sat in the front row at his fall 2018 show alongside Anna Wintour.
A statement from the designer read: “Richard Quinn dedicates his Spring/Summer 2023 collection to Her Majesty The Queen, who has touched him and many others with her grace and kindness.”
Erdem
Mourning veils reappeared on the Erdem Spring/Summer 2023 runway, with the art restoration-inspired collection debuting in the beautiful setting of the British Museum.
Erdem Moralıoğlu told British Vogue he was “so saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen”, adding: “It has given me and all of us in London a real sense of solidarity. Along with everyone else. extraordinary designers, we celebrate her collectively.”
JW Anderson
One of the more literal tributes to the Queen came during JW Anderson’s Spring/Summer show when a model walked down the runway in a black T-shirt dress with white inscription: ‘Thank you Her Majesty the Queen, 1926-2022. ”
In a statement, the designer said London’s fashion community must “stand together and continue to create the incredible stories this city is known for” in the wake of the monarch’s death.
Harris Reed
The designer, who was announced today as Nina Ricci’s new creative director, stressed the importance of just going ahead with Fashion Week, despite the gloomy mood in the English capital.
In an Instagram post, he wrote, “In continuation of these trying times: For the past, present and future of our community, we stand as one.”
The designer’s dramatic debut show, with music by Adam Lambert, concluded with Lily McMenamy as a ballerina bride holding a bouquet featuring the queen’s favorite flower, lily of the valley.
Halpern
Her Majesty’s signature silk headscarf and bright, solid colors were featured in the opening look for Halpern’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, which featured a silky green dress under a bold blue cape that resembled one of the ceremonial robes the monarch wore.
“It was our way of paying respectful respects,” Michael Halpern told British Vogue.
SS Daley
The SS Daley spring/summer show opened to the somber sound of bells ringing and models clad in black and white – including actors from the National Youth Theater – holding candles.
While Steven Stokey Daley told British Vogue he struggled with his “personal stance on the monarchy, regarding class,” the designer also felt “very emotional” when he told his grandmother that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away.
Daniel W. Fletcher
Daniel W. Fletcher’s show began with a minute of silence, followed by a model wearing a black suit and a mourning bracelet in honor of Her Majesty.
Fletcher, who told Vogue there was “a really strong relationship between British fashion and the royal family,” said he was pleased that London Fashion Week went ahead despite the dire circumstances, but he wanted to set the right tone for his show.
“I think it’s important to be sensitive, because the Queen meant so much to a lot of people in this country, and because I’ve lost a number of people in my own life this year, I have a lot of empathy for people dealing with grief. to have. ”