Queen Elizabeth was a style icon and used her clothes to send a message: Author | CBC radio

According to an author and fashion journalist, Queen Elizabeth embraced fashion and used it to send a powerful message.

“She said so much with her clothes without even having to say anything,” said Elizabeth Holmes, the author of HRH: So many royal style thoughts.

Elizabeth, Canada’s head of state and Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday. She was 96.

Holmes pointed out that the “visual landscape” changed drastically during Elizabeth’s reign, from the explosion of photography to the cable news era and the Instagram age.

“The Queen has seen it all. And fashion plays such a big part in that,” said Holmes.

Here’s part of their conversation with How it happens Hosted by Nil Koksal.

When I think of the Queen I think of colour, certainly hats. comfort too. What fascinated you so much about her style?

I found the Queen’s style so unique and so specific to her. You know, she really developed her own kind of signature uniform, with colors and shapes. Same hat, same coat, of course, you know. A sensible black loafer and a black handbag. You can close your eyes and imagine the Queen and what she’s wearing… I think that’s really profound.

Not only did she like bright colors and a monochromatic look. There’s a few layers to this, for one, she could be seen everywhere she was, right?

Yes, it was as much about function as it was about fashion. Her wardrobe was a work wardrobe and all clothing items were designed to support her royal duties.

And I’m wondering is it… so the crowd can see them, but also their security department?

She was also known to be quite petite and was often in a place where she was surrounded by a lot of people. So these colors served a real purpose.

There are some who [would say] it wasn’t exactly cutting edge, and they would even go so far as to call it old-fashioned. But a British fashion editor recently dubbed her a “badass” for rocking the colors she wore in her ’90s all the way to ’96.

She had her own approach to power dressing, right? If you think about it, she became queen at the age of 25. She was a young woman on a stage dominated by men, you know, the world leaders of the time. And the fact that in the early years of her reign she stuck to her feminine sense of style and then developed her own style rules as I think she settled in with the bright colors and the shapes.

And then she’s certainly remained just as visible, if not more so, in these last few decades, opting for lemon yellow or neon green to wear in those big public moments. And… I think there’s something really meaningful about this style of dress. She should be seen to the end.

I wonder if you even looked at it in your research for your book, do you know how difficult it can be in roles like this. You are of course very, very privileged and have access to all the best things. But you kind of have a limited way of expressing your personality in many ways… She couldn’t pull out a miniskirt and [an] off the shoulder top if she wanted.

Exactly. I think the guard rails… within royal fashion are really intriguing because family members aren’t your typical celebrity picking just a glamorous red carpet dress. They’re seen again and again in a range of circumstances, and they have to be seen as both chic – worthy of the royal title – and frugal, you know, as responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money. And I think the Queen hit that tone so beautifully and showed that range.

We saw her… in her headscarf at a horse race. And then we saw her with her, you know, tiaras and dripping jewels. And that’s a really difficult thing that always feels true and authentic to her.

People ask me all the time, “Why are you so interested in royal fashion?” And I care because they care. And the Queen is setting the stage for it all. She put a lot of thought into her outfits and made royal fashion something really meaningful.

Have you ever been surprised by something the Queen wore?

I think what’s so interesting about the uniform she designed and her somewhat familiar look is that any kind of deviation from the usual draws a lot of attention.

There was a time in 2008 when she wore knee high boots to a hockey game. And swapping out her heeled loafers for a pair of knee-high boots was just a delightful thing.

And is there one outfit that stands out to you in particular as you reflect back on her life and legacy?

I think what is perhaps most impressive is not an outfit but the formula. It’s the hat she always wore: the same shape, large enough to draw attention to her but not hide her face.

It’s the same coat shape, same shoe, same bag and the way she played with it, whether it was a bright coral or a neon green. The brooches she wore.

In the fashion world, we talk a lot about creating a signature look. And she did so to great effect. And I think having that kind of visual brand is going to be an important part of their legacy.

Interview with Elizabeth Holmes produced by Kate Swoger. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.