Queen Mother’s ‘sensational’ wardrobe caused ‘fashion world to go wild’

The Queen Mother, who died in 2002, was born on August 4, 1900 – 123 years ago today.

Had she lived in the same era as Meghan Markle, the two would have shared the same birthday, as the Duchess of Sussex was born on August 4, 1981.

The late maternal grandmother of King Charles III was an exceptional style icon in her time, who always dressed up to the nines for public appearances.

Style experts spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk to explain the fashion trends that the Queen Mother set during her lifetime.

Danielle Rogers-Clark, a prominent style expert from Give Gooddress said: “When remembering the Queen Mother’s style, memories spring to mind of silk flower adorned large, brimmed hats, coordinating coats and dresses in feminine pastel colours.

“Remembered for her wholesome, steadfast, stable, lovable mother, then grandmother of the nation relatable elegance, rather than her style setting, but the Queen Mother once created a sartorial stir with what became known as ‘The White Wardrobe of 1938’.

“Political tensions were high, Hitler’s popularity was growing, so former historical enemies France and England arranged a British royal state visit to France by the then King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

“The then Queen’s favourite fashion designer, Norman Hartnell was tasked with creating the all-white looks for the royal visit.

“Her mother had recently died so, at the last minute, given it was a hot July, white was chosen as an alternative to the traditional black, this was in keeping with French royal mourning tradition.

“The all-white wardrobe was a sensation. Ethereal, delicate fabrics, dress silhouettes of v-necklines, three-quarter sleeve detail and crinoline skirts flattered the Queen Mother’s petite stature perfectly, the effect was effortlessly chic.

“The press and fashion world went wild. Christian Dior himself described the ‘All-White Wardrobe’ as ‘particularly beautiful’.

“This set precedence for the floaty fabric romantic trend that is still favoured today, the Queen Mother became a style icon and creating this collection earned Norman Hartnell a Royal Warrant.

“The Queen Mother’s trend-setting didn’t stop there, in the 1970s and 1980s her love of colour-coordinated accessories extended to asking iconic British umbrella brand Fulton to create the now renowned, clear domed birdcage umbrella style, she asked for one in every colour to match each of her outfits.

“This signature look was sweetly carried on by her daughter, our late Queen Elizabeth II. The umbrellas were always clear, so the royal could be seen clearly by the public.

“The Queen Mother was known for her somewhat lavish lifestyle, she famously held a £4million overdraft with Coutts, kept five royal houses fully staffed with private chefs, housekeepers and chauffeurs, she loved the finest jewellery, had a penchant for vintage champagne.

“Veuve Clicquot being her champagne of choice, she loved entertaining her friends with fabulous decadent parties, using her Faberge pearl bell to ring for service.

“Famous for her love of horse racing and known to run up quite the bill, there was a frugal side to the Queen Mother when it came to home furnishings, refusing to replace curtains and carpets until they were beyond threadbare and legend has it, insisting on renting her TV’s and video recorders, never buying them outright.

“Our late Queen Elizabeth II inherited the Queen Mother’s jewellery. As jewellery is traditionally passed down from monarch to monarch, it is likely that King Charles now owns the majority, and he is happy to gift or lend pieces out to senior family members.

“Kate, Princess of Wales has access to many of the Queen Mother’s famous jewels, wearing the legendary Cartier Halo Tiara on her wedding day.

“This stunning piece consists of 739 brilliant cut diamonds and 149 baguette diamonds and was previously worn by both Princess Margaret and Princess Anne.

“Queen Camilla’s beautiful art deco engagement ring holds incredible royal sentiment as this belonged to the Queen Mother, given to her by her husband King George on the birth of their daughter Princess Elizabeth.”