Queen Elizabeth IIchampioned British fashion. It comes as no surprise that London Fashion Week is pausing and rearranging all events and shows this Monday to allow people to pay their respects to Her Majesty on the historic day of her funeral.
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All Monday events were cancelled
Following the Queen's death on September 8, London Fashion Week organisers reshuffled as many of their events as they could to honour the late monarch and minimise conflict with the mourning period. The major fashion happening of the year has been heavily scaled back, with all celebration parties cancelled.
Both Raf Simons and Burberry chose to scrap their shows completely as a sign of deep sadness following the Queen’s passing, The National reports.
In a letter sent out last week, Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council that organises London Fashion Week organiser, said:
As a business-to-business event, London Fashion Week will continue while observing royal protocol and the event will be dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with our own moment of respect.
Rush confirmed that with the final day of the event meant for Monday, the same day as the queen's funeral, the schedule would be cleared. Some of the events will now take place on Tuesday, while others will happen in October, on as yet unconfirmed dates.
This is how designers paid tribute to the Queen so far
Shows that have gone ahead have held moments of silence or offered discreet nods to the monarchy. Some guests have even attended in Union Jack looks.
Occasionwear powerhouse Erdem was one of the labels that directly referenced the Queen in its show on Sunday, beginning its presentation with a touching epigraph, ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’ The Queen herself said these words following the catastrophic 9/11 attacks and Erdem paid homage further by the inclusion of poignant accessories. Models sported exquisite ultra-sheer black veils and solemn visages to reflect the pervading sorrowful atmosphere, Hello writes.
Nensi Dojaka was another designer who paid tribute, opting for a subtle accessory inclusion to mark the grief. Models each carried a spring of Lily of the valley,known to be one of the Queen's favourite flowers which was also included in her coronation bouquet in 1953.
JW Andersonopted for a silky black oversized T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'HER MAJESTY The Queen 1926-2022 Thank you', whereas S.S. Daleyalluded to a vigil.
At Saturday's show, models carried lit white candles and sported sharp double-breasted jackets alongside crisp wide-collar shirts with a Puritan-like edge, which, in turn, succeeded in reflecting the mood of the country.
Sources used:
- Hello: ‘How London Fashion Week has honoured the Queen’
- The National: ‘London Fashion Week pauses for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral’
Read more:
⋙ Queen Elizabeth II owned hundreds of animals, what will happen to them now?
⋙ Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic looks throughout her 70 years on the throne
⋙ Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite colour revealed: Is it what you thought?
