Latest news with #Edwardians
Observer
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Elegance of the Edwardians on display at Buckingham Palace
A rare exhibition is exploring the glamorous lives and fashions of two royal couples who reigned over Britain during the Edwardian period as the country tipped ever closer to World War I. "The Edwardians: Age of Elegance", which opened on Friday at the King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace, brings together more than 300 works from the Royal Collection that will be on display until November 23. The centrepiece is the coronation gown Queen Alexandra wore on August 9, 1902, made of silk embroidered with thousands of gold sequins and designed by the French house Morin Blossier. Alexandra, daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark and sister of King George I of Greece, married Edward, then Prince of Wales, on March 10, 1863, in the chapel of Windsor Castle. She was 18 years old. He was 22. Alexandra was to remain the princess of Wales for almost 40 years until Edward succeeded to the throne on the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, in 1901. Under Edward VII began the Edwardian period. The royal couple ushered in a new generation after the austere last years of Victoria's long reign, when she largely withdrew from public life, mourning the death of her beloved husband, Albert. Elegance of the Edwardians on display at Buckingham Palace - 'Pure drama' - For her coronation as the new queen, Alexandra decided against wearing the traditional white or cream robes, which had an ecclesiastical feel. "She wanted that moment to be a moment of pure drama," said curator Kathryn Jones. Realising that electric light was to be "used for the first time in Westminster Abbey ... she chooses a gold fabric so that she shimmers with thousands of tiny spangles", Jones told AFP. The dress is fragile and has not been on public display for some 30 years. Conservators have spent more than 100 hours preparing it for the exhibition. "It's a powerful example of Edward and Alexandra's attempts to balance tradition and modernity as they stood on the cusp of the 20th century -- a shining moment of glamour before the world was at war," Jones says on the exhibition's website. Edward's gold coronation mantle is also on display, along with two thrones commissioned for the event. Photography was still in its infancy but it allowed thousands of pictures of the new queen to be seen around the world, turning her into fashion icon and symbol of elegance of the times. Elegance of the Edwardians on display at Buckingham Palace Alexandra was a keen amateur photographer herself and some of her snapshots taken with a portable Kodak camera are on display. Two massive portraits of the couple greet visitors arriving at the King's Gallery. One room depicts their lavish lifestyle through paintings of opulent receptions, concerts, regattas on the Isle of Wight, lavish costume balls, garden parties and their residences at Marlborough House in London and Sandringham in Norfolk. As collectors, they amassed textiles, artworks, tableware, paintings, furniture, sculptures, plants, and rare books. There is a copy of Oscar Wilde's "Poems" with a rare handwritten note by the author. Edward also discovered a passion for Faberge and ordered several miniature figures of his favourite animals. Visitors can admire paintings and water colours by such artists as Frederic Leighton, Lawrence Alma-Tadema and John Singer Sargent, as well as bronze sculptures by Alfred Gilbert. Several rooms are dedicated to the royal couple's travels across five continents. The exhibition also includes works collected by Alexandra and Edward's son, who became George V and was crowned in June 1911, with his wife Mary. By then, times were changing, and instability and political turmoil roiled Europe and the British Empire. The Age of the Edwardians was fast coming to an end. —AFP
CairoScene
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Valentine's Day Edit
From Victorian lace to '90s slip dresses, Valentine's fashion has always evolved with the meaning of love itself. Valentine's Day fashion has always teetered between two extremes: the cliché and the overtly seductive. On one end, saccharine pinks, heart motifs, and predictable lace-trimmed sweetness. On the other, bodycon, thigh-high slits, and the kind of red that demands attention. What we wear on Valentine's Day mirrors how we define romance at any given moment. In the Victorian era, love meant layers of lace and high collars, pastel gowns whispering devotion. The Edwardians took it further with Gibson Girl silhouettes—cinched waists and cascading skirts turning romance into performance. By the Roaring Twenties, love got looser—literally. Drop-waist flapper dresses, shimmering beads, and feathered trims made Valentine's a night for rebellion. The 1950s Dior New Look brought back structured femininity—only for the 1960s to unravel it with Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking tuxedo, proving romance could be just as powerful as it was soft. The 1980s spoke in excess—bold reds, towering shoulder pads, sequins galore—while the '90s stripped it back, favoring slip dresses and Kate Moss minimalism, making seduction effortless. Today, dressing for Valentine's isn't about rules but self-expression. A vintage dress dripping in romance, an undone oversized blazer with nothing underneath, a dramatic opera glove—love, like fashion, reflects the moment. And right now, it's anything but predictable. Shahira Lasheen | Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation Tribute Dress This Shahira Lasheen gown is sculptural romance at its finest. The mermaid silhouette clings to the body before unfurling into dramatic, gathered hips like the petals of a blooming rose. The bodice is adorned with intricate floral appliques, a tactile expression of passion, while the deep crimson hue is the ultimate power move in the language of seduction. Marmar Halim | SS'25 Red Dress This Marmar Halim dress proved that red for Valentine's doesn't have to be a cliche. Paired with matching opera gloves and stockings, it feels like an old Hollywood siren got a contemporary, sharp update. Salma Osman | Lilac Beaded Crop Top & Matching Draped Chiffon Skirt This set features a beaded crop top that glistens like dewdrops at dawn, while the chiffon skirt cascades in a dreamy, weightless drape. The muted lilac hue is a refreshing departure from the predictable reds and pinks of Valentine's, making this a look for those who want to stand out and still be romantic. Kayali | Lovefest Burning Cherry smoky palo santo. Hints of guaiac wood and patchouli ground the fragrance, creating a sultry contrast between sweetness and depth. Innovare Denim | Eleanora Corset Flower Off Shoulder Mini Dress A structured corset top meets a playful, petal-like hem in this off-shoulder mini dress. The soft ivory hue enhances its romantic feel, while the delicate floral appliqués add movement and texture. Fitted at the bodice and flaring into a sculptural silhouette, it strikes a balance between structure and fluidity. Linly the Brand | The Gold Button Top This strapless black top is all about subtle drama. The sculpted bodice nips at the waist, accentuating the form, and the ornate gold buttons lend a vintage, almost military-inspired touch. Clean lines and structured tailoring make it a versatile piece that pairs effortlessly with everything from sleek trousers to full skirts. Amiramir | Zero Fifty One Ruby Ring This ruby-encrusted ring blooms like a flower in full tilt. The rich red stones are framed by diamonds, creating a contrast that's both decadent and refined. Set against a silver band, it feels sculptural yet wearable. Cece | The Andrea Draped in deep burgundy, the structured bodice sculpts the frame, and the flowing skirt adds an effortless sense of movement. A single oversized floral embellishment at the hip punctuates the look. Kooheji Jewellery | Rubies & Diamond Necklace This necklace drapes like liquid light, each stone catching just enough of the glow to feel decadent, but never excessive. The cascading drop detail gives it an old-world romance that almost feels Art Deco with a modern attitude. Kika | Tuxedo Box Dress This structured halter dress plays with contrasts—sharp lapels softened by fluid curves, monochrome done with just the right amount of drama. It's the kind of dress that demands dim lighting, a jazz bar, and a cute date. Color WOW | Raise the Root Spray This root-lifting spray delivers weightless body without the crunch. Designed to keep hair full and lifted all day, it adds bounce and structure while maintaining a soft, touchable finish. The built-in heat protection makes it as practical as it is powerful Acler | Bead Birch Bag Part sculpture, part statement, this bag is crafted from intricate hand-beading, creating an organic, almost abstract floral pattern, and the curved silhouette adds a touch of whimsy. It's the perfect finishing touch for an outfit that needs just a whisper of red. Mana Banaw | The Allurring Dress There's a bit of mischief in this dress—something about the off-shoulder ruffle, the velvet that feels stolen from a vintage boudoir, the lace cuffs that hint at drama. It's flirtatious but not too obvious, sultry without trying too hard—just the right amount of trouble for a night out. Zentia | Sculpted Low-Rise Corset Skirt This low-rise corset skirt cinches at the waist before cascading into voluminous, airy folds. The sculpted fit creates a defined silhouette, and the maxi length keeps it effortlessly dramatic. Whether paired with a structured top or worn with a hint of bare skin, it's the kind of modern romanticism that feels grounded. Farah Wagdy | Lace Queen High Low Top Darkly delicate, this high-low lace top features an asymmetrical hemline that adds an unexpected flourish. Sheer black lace drapes over the body, playing with shadow and skin in a sultry but subtle manner. Tamara Ralph | Look 8 in Autumn/Winter 2024/2025 The sculpted bustier of this dress blooms into perfectly symmetrical rose appliqués, balancing architectural precision with soft romance. Draped satin cascades effortlessly down the body, making this dress as much a statement of technical prowess as it is a show-stopping silhouette. Guerlain | Rouge G The Customisable Ultra-Care Lipstick in 520 Le Rouge Profond Infused with 89% skincare ingredients, this lipstick nourishes while delivering bold, high-impact color in a satin or velvet matte finish. The refillable jewel case is a nod to Guerlain's craftsmanship, making this a beauty essential that's as timeless as it is customizable. Fenty Beauty | Trace'd Out Pencil Lip Liner This creamy, highly pigmented formula glides on effortlessly, enhancing and defining the lips with precision. Designed to resist feathering and fading, it promises to lock in colour for up to eight hours. Whether worn under a lipgloss or under lipstick, it's the ultimate finishing touch for a flawless pout. Elio Abou Fayssal | Anima Gown Sleek, dramatic, and sensual, the Anima Gown plays with contrast and cut. The deep ruby-hued bodice, intricately embellished, melts into a figure-hugging velvet column that pools elegantly at the hem. Its halter neckline and open-back design bring just the right amount of edge to an otherwise timeless silhouette. Kato | Botanique Earrings Delicate but striking, these Kato earrings are a playful take on heirlooms. A cluster of multi-coloured gemstones set in a floral arrangement gives them an air of vintage glamour, while the asymmetry and colourful array keeps them feeling modern. Amina Muaddi | Anok Slipper Amina Muaddi's Anok Slipper takes the classic pointed pump and gives it a smoldering twist. Set on her signature flared heel, the razor-sharp toe and glossy black finish exude seduction. It's the shoe equivalent of a knowing, sharp glance.
New York Times
26-01-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Edwardian Elegance Is the Focus of a London Exhibition
Visitors should prepare to be dazzled as diamond tiaras, necklaces and other sparkly royal items go on display April 11 at the King's Gallery, the public gallery at Buckingham Palace that features selections from the vast royal collection of art, furniture, jewelry and more. The exhibition, titled 'The Edwardians: The Age of Elegance,' is to showcase the possessions of two style-setting royal couples of the early 20th century: Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and their son, George V, and his wife, Queen Mary. (George V is the maternal great-grandfather of Britain's current king, Charles III.) 'The Edwardian period, as we think about it, is very glamorous,' said Kathryn Jones, the exhibition's curator and the senior curator of decorative arts at the Royal Collection Trust, the charitable body established in 1993 to manage the collection. The royal family at the time 'are living this incredibly opulent and, not frivolous, but slightly hedonistic lifestyle, going to garden parties, sporting events and costume balls,' she said. About half of the 315 objets d'art selected for the exhibition are to be shown for the first time, according to Ms. Jones, because 'we've not touched on the Edwardians before.' (The gallery was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.) She said the exhibits were to include Edward VII's blue enamel cigarette case by Fabergé, showing that men could 'express themselves artistically through their smoking accessories,' and a lavish ostrich feather fan 'that Queen Alexandra used at her coronation with diamonds on the guard sticks.' According to Ms. Jones, jewelry plays an important role in telling the royals' stories: 'Both Alexandra and Mary are renowned for their jewels. And if you look at the official portraits of them, I mean, they really do both drape themselves almost from head to toe in jewelry. It's really part of their image. 'Alexandra, in particular, has this incredibly glamorous image and at the time she's renowned for, you know, being a leader of fashion.' And one of the many wide chokers that were a signature of Queen Mary's personal style is to be included, this one set with diamonds. Sometimes the royals had a hand in the jewelry design, as they were 'commissioning pieces, sending pieces back to be altered,' Ms. Jones said. As an example, she referred to the elaborate diamond Dagmar necklace with its gold and enamel cross that was given to Alexandra, a princess at the time, by a cousin, the king of Denmark, for her wedding in 1863. 'When it arrived in Britain she sent it to Garrard's and had extra pearls added to it so it shows her personal intervention,' she said. The exhibition, to run through Nov. 23, ends with the years after World War I. The conflict's death and destruction produced 'a very different sense of monarchy,' Ms. Jones said. 'So although of course they are still collecting, it's a very different sort of style and mind-set so it seemed a logical place to end at that point.' Ticket prices vary (adults pay 19 pounds, or $23.40) and may be purchased for specific entry times through the Royal Collection Trust's website.
