The history of images that made Queen Elizabeth II a fashion icon

When it came to Queen Elizabeth IIstyle, it’s always been a case of fashion royalty meets actual royalty.

While Her Majesty, who died on September 8, will be remembered for the longest reign in British history and a life dedicated to service, her legacy will also include her history as a style icon. The 96-year-old monarch captured the attention of fashion fans around the world, whether she was wearing a lavish dress and jewel-encrusted tiara for a banquet or a plain coat and hat combination for a public event.

“She needs to stand out so people can say ‘I saw the Queen’.” Sophie, Countess of Wessexsaid in The Queen is 90 a documentary about Her Majesty’s colorful ensembles. “Don’t forget that when she appears somewhere, there are crowds of two, three, four, 10, 15 people, and someone wants to say they saw the Queen’s hat when she passed by.”

Queen Elizabeth II also knew the value of a good accessory and was often seen with her signature pearls, gloves, Launer handbag and Anello & Davide shoes.