Throughout her 70-year reign, the late Queen Elizabeth was recognized for her timeless, sophisticated, and vibrant fashion selections.
To honor her iconic wardrobe and enduring influence on British fashion, three renowned British designers – Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane – will be contributing to the upcoming exhibition titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, set to debut at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace next year.
This exclusive exhibition will showcase the largest collection of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion ever displayed, featuring around 200 items, with nearly half of them being unveiled to the public for the first time.
The exhibition will present a diverse range of attire spanning all 10 decades of the late Queen’s life, including luxurious eveningwear and impeccably tailored casual wear. Enthusiasts of the royal family will have the opportunity to explore the entirety of the late Queen’s wardrobe, making this exhibition one of the most extensive and significant British fashion compilations of the 20th century.
Each designer participating in the project has crafted pieces or collections inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s unique style, drawing ideas from various aspects of her wardrobe. The trio of designers will each contribute a garment from one of their previous collections, with each ensemble showcased alongside a related item from the late Queen’s personal fashion archive.
Additionally, the three designers will share their thoughts on the late Queen’s fashion legacy in the official book titled Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion and Style, which will delve into the late Queen’s fashion archive with meticulous detail.
Richard Quinn, the recipient of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, expressed his views on the exhibition by stating, “There is no denying that Queen Elizabeth II’s style and advocacy for British couture over the past 90 years significantly influenced British fashion. By consistently shining a spotlight on British designers, she underscored the importance and impact of British fashion globally.”
Christopher Kane added, “Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe stands as one of the most substantial living archives in modern fashion history. From the decline of traditional court dressmakers to the emergence of couturiers like Hartnell and Hardy Amies, her garments narrate the tale of Britain and its evolving identity through fashion. For designers and students alike, it provides a masterclass in form, construction, repetition, symbolism, and notably, restraint.”
Attendees of the exhibition will encounter seldom-seen and previously unrevealed pieces from the late Queen’s wardrobe, which are now part of the Royal Collection under the stewardship of the Royal Collection Trust, along with behind-the-scenes design sketches and fabric samples offering insights into dressing the long-reigning monarch.
The curator of the exhibition, Caroline de Guitaut, remarked, “Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe exemplifies symbolism, tailoring, and British artisanship. In this groundbreaking exhibition, as we unveil garments spanning every era of the late Queen’s life, we are delighted to feature works by three contemporary designers who have adeptly reimagined her style for today, showcasing how her fashion legacy continues to influence British design.”
Both the book and the exhibition will be accessible to the public in April 2026, coinciding with what would have been the late Queen’s 100th birthday. The exhibition is scheduled to take place at Buckingham Palace from April 10 to October 18, 2026, with tickets now available for purchase.
