Londoner Joline Simister has been the seamstress to the Queen of England for four years. In August of last year Fashionably Connected met up with Simister right here in Austin during Austin Fashion Week. They asked her about the clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her most high profile events, including her Diamond Jubilee.
Working with a team of four other dressmakers, Simister cuts and sews the patterns that designer Angela Kelly creates.
Simister made the beautiful dress that the Queen wore to the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011. The dress was a primrose yellow double crepe wool coat and matching dress. The details on the coat resembled sun rays with hand-beading on the neck. The brooch she wore was Queen Mary's True Lover Knot encrusted in diamonds. The queen's handbag was from Launer London. The Queen’s bag became so popular that there was a 60 percent increase in sales after the world saw the bag during the wedding.
Whether it’s wearing a couture designer dress or a stunning fascinator hat, the Royal Family has been a strong influence on the fashion world.
This past weeks festivities for the Queen’s 60th anniversary on the throne, the Diamond Jubilee, was a chance to see the Royal Wardrobe at it’s best. Queen Elizabeth II took the throne in 1952 and is only one of two monarchs to celebrate this landmark. With the longevity of the royal family it is likely that the Queen will celebrate a Platinum Jubilee (70 years).
Catherine (Kate), Duchess of Cambridge, wore a stunning red Alexander McQueen dress designed by Sarah Burton with a hat designed by Sylvia Fletcher to the Thames River Pagent. Clearly a fan, she repeated her designer preference for the final Jubilee Service with a nude Alexander McQueen dress and a Jane Taylor hat.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has become known for her striking hats, often designed by Phillip Treacy, a Royal favorite. Her outfit for the final celebration featured a Treacy sinamay hat in
blush pink and a gold coat.
Queen Elizabeth at her Diamond Jubilee celebration
