Alexander McQueen, Bruce Oldfield: these British couturiers in the spotlight at the coronation

Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credits: Kirsty Wigglesworth / POOL / AFP 15:55 pm, May 06, 2023

Alongside the traditional uniforms and outfits steeped in history, ubiquitous at the coronation of Charles III, Queen Camilla and Princess Kate of Wales opted for British couturiers to create their coronation ceremony dresses on Saturday. The Queen's dress was made by Bruce Oldfield, a 72-year-old couturier who has already created many dresses for Camilla.

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Bruce Oldfield, made famous by Princess Diana

But the choice of Bruce Oldfield surprised the United Kingdom, because he was made famous by Princess Diana, Charles' ex-wife. In the 80s, he designed dozens of evening dresses for her, including some of the most famous and glamorous of the princess, who died in 1997 in an accident in Paris. "I gave Diana her glamour and Camilla her trust," he said in 2014.

Camilla's ivory dress combines silver and gold, in a sober cut. It is embroidered with British wildflowers, daisies and forget-me-nots in particular. The dress was cut from Silkskin, a silk fabric with a lustrous finish, and woven by Stephen Walters in Suffolk, England, Buckingham Palace said.

Kate Middleton's dress created by Alexander McQueen

Kate appeared in a flamboyant outfit, in the colors of the British flag. Her ivory robe was covered with the mantle of the Royal Victorian Order. Her dress was created by Alexander McQueen, who had already made her wedding dress, in 2011. It is an ivory silk crepe dress with silver thread embroidery and patterns of roses, thistles, daffodils and clovers. His silver, crystal and silver thread headdress, embroidered with three-dimensional leaves, was by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen. Her earrings are made of pearls and diamonds that once belonged to Diana. Kate and William's daughter, Charlotte, also wore an Alexander McQueen dress and cape.

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The coronation gave work to the oldest English workshops. Charles' coronation tunic, for example, was made by Ede and Ravenscroft, known as London's oldest tailor, dating back more than 330 years. This workshop has made garments for all British coronations since that of King William and Queen Mary in 1689, according to Buckingham Palace.