Queen Elizabeth dressed for Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960. Photo: Cecil Beaton/Victoria and Albert Museum
Held at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” is the largest exhibition ever to pay homage to the queen’s fashion legacy, showcasing nearly 200 items of her clothing, starting from her childhood to the ensembles she wore for diplomatic engagements around the world, many of them on display for the first time.
Princess Elizabeth of York as a bridesmaid at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Kent in 1934. Photo: Handout
Designers Erdem Moralıoğlu, Richard Quinn and Christopher Kane, who have previously created pieces and entire collections inspired by the late queen’s distinctive style, will also each display a select item.
An illustration of a silver lamé beaded shift dress by Norman Hartnell, which Queen Elizabeth wore during a state visit to France in 1972. Photo: Handout
Quinn, who was the inaugural recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in 2018 and designed a 23-piece black collection in tribute to her after she died, acknowledged the queen’s impact on British fashion.
“There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth II’s style and promotion of British couture over the 90 years had a huge impact on British fashion,” he said. “[With] the ultimate stamp of approval, she always shone a light on British designers, highlighting the relevance and significance of British fashion across the world.”
Queen Elizabeth in an evening gown by Norman Hartnell in 1956. Photo: Handout
Besides garments, jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories, the exhibition will also include sketches, design samples and royal correspondence.
From April 10 to October 18, 2026