The show must go on, but the queen of royal fashion is always remembered.
Designers included plenty of nods to the late Queen Elizabeth II at London Fashion Week this year, which was held during the nationwide period of mourning in the UK following her death on September 8.
Despite fashion week parties being canceled, the spring/summer 2023 shows went on as scheduled — with some special modifications to honor the beloved monarch.
Of course, Queen Elizabeth was known for her own unique style, and she even had her own fashion accolade called the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design — an award that will carry on in her memory.
From crowns to black armbands, we’re taking a look at highlights from London Fashion Week shows that included tributes to Queen Elizabeth II.
Richard Quinn
Embellished black dresses, crowns and traditional mourning veils appeared on the Richard Quinn runway to honor the Queen — and in a touching tribute, footage of her was shown on a screen during the opening section of the show.
Quinn, who was the first winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, was responsible for the iconic moment when the late monarch sat front row at his fall 2018 show alongside Anna Wintour.
A statement from the designer read: “Richard Quinn dedicates his spring/summer 2023 collection to Her Majesty the Queen, who touched him among so many others with her grace and kindness.”
Erdem
A somber lace gown with a full veil was featured during the Erdem runway show.Getty ImagesMourning veils made another appearance on the Erdem spring/summer 2023 runway, with the art restoration-inspired collection making its debut in the stunning setting of The British Museum.
Erdem Moralıoğlu told British Vogue he “was so saddened to hear of Her Majesty the Queen’s death,” adding, “it has given me, and all of us showing in London, a real sense of solidarity. Showing alongside all of the other extraordinary designers, we collectively celebrate her.”
JW Anderson
A simple tee honored the Queen during the JW Anderson runway presentation.Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesOne of the more literal homages to the Queen came during the JW Anderson spring/summer show when a model walked the runway in a black T-shirt dress with white writing that said: “Her Majesty The Queen, 1926-2022, Thank you.”
In a statement, the designer said that the London fashion community “must stand together and continue to create the incredible stories that this city is known for” in the wake of the monarch’s death.
Harris Reed
Her Majesty’s favorite flower was included in the bouquet that closed out Harris Reed’s inaugural runway show.Harris ReedThe designer — who was announced today as the new creative director of Nina Ricci — stressed the importance of continuing on with Fashion Week as normal despite the somber mood in the English capital.
Writing in an Instagram post, he said: “In the continuation of these trialing times: To the past, present and future of our community, we stand as one.”
The designer’s dramatic debut show, which featured music by Adam Lambert, closed with Lily McMenamy as a ballerina bride holding a bouquet with the Queen’s favorite flower, Lily of the Valley.
Halpern
A very Elizabeth-like headscarf paid tribute to the late monarch at Halpern’s show.Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesHer Majesty’s signature silk headscarf and bright, solid colors were featured in the opening look for Halpern’s spring/summer 2023 collection, which featured a silky green gown under a bold blue cape that resembled one of the ceremonial robes donned by the monarch.
“It was our way of respectfully paying tribute,” Michael Halpern told British Vogue.
S.S. Daley
A somber mood featuring bells and candles kicked off the S.S. Daley Fashion Week show.Dave Benett/Getty ImagesThe S.S. Daley spring/summer show opened to the somber sound of tolling bells and black-and-white clad models — including actors from the National Youth Theatre — holding candles.
While Steven Stokey Daley told British Vogue he grappled with his “personal standpoint on the monarchy, as regards to class,” the designer also “felt really emotional” when telling his grandmother that Queen Elizabeth II had died.
Daniel W. Fletcher
Fletcher honored Queen Elizabeth II during the introduction of his spring/summer show.Getty ImagesThe Daniel W. Fletcher show started with a minute of silence followed by a model dressed in a black suit and wearing a mourning armband in honor of Her Majesty.
Fletcher, who told Vogue there was “a really strong relationship between British fashion and the royal family,” said he was happy that London Fashion Week was continuing on despite the sad circumstances but wanted to strike the right tone in his show.
“I think it’s important to be sensitive, because the Queen meant so much to a lot of people in this country, and having lost a number of people in my own life this year, I have a lot of empathy for people dealing with grief.”
