Why Writing About Royal Fashion is Essential: The Palace's Misstep

Princess of Wales might want to shift the media's attention from her wardrobe to her work. After 14 years with "The Firm," her involvement with numerous charities many of which are deeply personal to her must make it frustrating when her jewelry garners more attention than her significant contributions. With her work at the Centre for Early Childhood Learning, for instance, often overshadowed, it's understandable she may want a new focus. And, with everything she's experienced this year, she may want to redefine how she conducts herself moving forward.

Palace's recent decision to limit the sharing of details about her clothes reserving them only for major events seems somewhat out of touch. Given the widespread admiration and affection for her, why not accept that her style is one reason her public duties receive so much attention? Her glamorous appearances, like the one in a stunning Jenny Packham gown, bring a moment of joy to millions especially when many public figures leave much to be desired. Her fashion is directly tied to raising awareness for causes like the Centre for Early Childhood.

Writing About Royal Fashion is Essential: The Palace’s Misstep

Royal fashion has long been a topic of fascination, sparking discussions worldwide about the power of clothing to make statements, shape perceptions, and drive influence. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has consistently been at the center of this conversation, with her style often making as many headlines as her charitable work. But recently, the Palace made a decision that might have missed the mark by attempting to downplay the importance of royal fashion in the media. In this article, we’ll explore why writing about royal fashion is not only important but also beneficial to the royals and their causes, and why the Palace’s move could prove counterproductive.

Her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, tried to make a similar transition from style icon to serious public figure more than 30 years ago. After her separation from Prince Charles in 1992, Diana famously declared she no longer wanted to be known as a "clothes horse" but as a "workhorse," as curator Eleri Lynn told Vogue in 2017. Yet, it didn't work. Diana's style, particularly post-separation, evolved into international glamor, like her iconic "revenge" dress, worn the same night Charles admitted his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. As Diana knew, fashion is a powerful tool especially when one's voice isn't always heard.

The Power of Royal Fashion: More Than Just Clothes

When it comes to the royal family, fashion has always been much more than an aesthetic choice. For centuries, royal attire has been used as a powerful tool for communication. From Queen Elizabeth I’s lavish gowns to Princess Diana’s iconic outfits, the clothes worn by royal figures send clear messages about their status, values, and the causes they support. In modern times, royal fashion has become an extension of the royal persona, and for Princess Catherine, it is no different.

Catherine, often cited as one of the best-dressed women in the world, has used her wardrobe to communicate strength, elegance, and approachability. Her style choices often have deep significance, whether it's supporting British designers or making a statement about sustainability by wearing pre-loved clothing. This deliberate use of fashion has made her a global style icon, and her wardrobe has even had a positive impact on the British fashion industry, which is worth £37 billion a year.

Catherine is not someone who seeks the spotlight. In the early years of her marriage, she didn’t show much interest in fashion. Her mother, Carole, once even asked me if fashion mattered, implying it did not. Carole probably meant the extravagant, fleeting side of fashion, which contrasted with Middleton family values. However, it's clear the family appreciates the importance of good grooming, style, and a sense of fashion, even in casual settings. They're no strangers to looking polished Michael is always impeccable, Carole favors Ralph Lauren and Catherine Walker, and even Pippa and James have distinctive styles.

The Palace's Decision: A Step Backward?

In recent times, the Palace made an announcement that it would no longer share details about Catherine’s wardrobe, except for major events like state functions. This move, which aimed to shift the focus away from her fashion and towards her charitable work, has sparked some criticism. The decision to downplay royal fashion seems to ignore the very reason why Catherine’s fashion choices resonate so strongly with the public.

By taking this stance, the Palace risks alienating an audience that has come to admire the Princess for both her charitable work and her style. Her clothing choices have become a gateway for many to learn more about the causes she supports. When the Princess of Wales steps out in a beautiful gown or a tailored suit, it often brings a spotlight to the work she’s doing. The media’s coverage of her wardrobe isn’t just about fashion it’s about raising awareness for important social issues.

Catherine, with her natural elegance and grace, stands out as the family's fashion icon. She’s frequently recognized as one of the best-dressed women globally, which only adds to her substance. As with previous queens, her style adds depth to her role rather than detracting from it.

The Role of Media in Promoting Royal Causes

The media’s attention to Catherine’s fashion is not without purpose. While it’s easy to dismiss royal style as frivolous, the reality is that it plays a crucial role in spreading awareness. When Catherine wears a dress from a lesser-known British designer, for example, it can provide that designer with unprecedented exposure. This not only helps boost the designer’s profile but also promotes British fashion on the global stage, particularly in markets like the US, where the royal family enjoys significant admiration.

Moreover, her style is often a reflection of her values. By wearing sustainable brands or re-wearing old pieces, Catherine sends a message of environmental consciousness. At a time when many public figures are under scrutiny for their environmental footprints, the Princess’s choice to promote eco-friendly fashion resonates with a global audience that cares deeply about sustainability.

Catherine’s impact on British fashion is undeniable. Worth an estimated £37 billion a year, the British fashion industry has benefitted immensely from her public appearances. In the US, where royal fanfare runs high, British retail benefits, particularly in cities like New York and Miami. Seeing Catherine in British brands encourages fans to splurge on labels like Emilia Wickstead, boosting the fashion industry.

Despite the Palace’s attempt to control the narrative around her wardrobe, the brands she wears will likely continue to benefit. Smaller brands, such as Edeline Lee or Beulah, can gain major exposure when Catherine wears their designs, often at a discounted rate or on loan. These brands deserve to capitalize on such golden opportunities.

Fashion as a Tool for Advocacy

What the Palace may not fully appreciate is that royal fashion is a tool for advocacy. When Catherine dresses for a specific event, she is often making a conscious choice to highlight particular causes. For instance, during her visit to Pakistan in 2019, she wore a dress by Pakistani designer Maheen Khan, sending a subtle yet powerful message of solidarity with the country and its people. In this way, fashion becomes a vehicle for social change, and the media’s coverage of these choices helps spread these important messages.

For the Princess, fashion is not just about looking good it's about making a statement. Her wardrobe choices help to amplify the work she is doing with organizations like the Centre for Early Childhood Learning, where her involvement goes beyond a figurehead role. These projects benefit from the visibility that comes with her appearances, and the media's focus on her clothing ensures that her initiatives receive the attention they deserve.

Let’s also not forget the "royal style watchers," experts like Bethan Holt, who have an encyclopedic knowledge of Catherine's wardrobe. Her choice to wear pre-loved or sustainably sourced clothes also sends a powerful message about fashion’s environmental impact, particularly at events like the Earthshot Prize Gala.

Diana’s Legacy: Fashion and Influence

The Palace’s recent decision recalls a similar shift that took place more than 30 years ago with Princess Diana. After her separation from Prince Charles, Diana attempted to transition from a "fashion plate" to a "workhorse" focusing more on her charitable work and less on her style. But this approach didn’t resonate with the public, and her fashion remained a significant part of her legacy.

Diana’s style choices, from her “revenge dress” to her stunning gowns at charity galas, became iconic because they spoke volumes about her resilience and strength. Much like Catherine, Diana understood the power of fashion to communicate something deeper about her personal journey. Despite her attempts to focus more on her work, her style continued to capture the public’s imagination and served as an important part of her global influence.

Catherine has quietly influenced how millions dress. She’s proven that style can complement one’s work rather than overshadow it. Her choices, like her recent appearance in a Zara checked outfit, send a clear message of relatability to the younger generation. Why hide this when it resonates so much?

The Palace’s latest move to downplay her wardrobe feels somewhat out of touch. Rather than distancing her from fashion, they should embrace how her style amplifies her work. From supporting small British businesses to helping shape public perceptions, Catherine’s wardrobe is more than just clothes it’s a tool for change and influence.

A Missed Opportunity: The Benefits of Embracing Fashion

By attempting to distance Catherine from fashion, the Palace may be missing an important opportunity to connect with audiences. Catherine’s style has helped her become a relatable figure for people worldwide, particularly in the younger generation. She has consistently worn high street fashion, such as Zara, alongside high-end designers, making her style more accessible to her admirers. This relatability has allowed her to bridge the gap between the royal family and everyday people, something that has proven to be invaluable in maintaining the monarchy’s relevance.

Furthermore, Catherine’s influence extends beyond just the UK. Her fashion choices have had a profound impact on global markets, particularly in the US, where royal enthusiasm remains high. British designers, small labels, and sustainable fashion brands have all benefited from her sartorial choices. If the Palace continues to downplay royal fashion, they risk missing out on the continued global impact of these fashion statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is royal fashion important to discuss?

Royal fashion is more than just about clothing; it's a powerful tool for communication, advocacy, and raising awareness for causes. The clothing choices made by royal figures, like the Princess of Wales, often convey messages of strength, solidarity, and environmental consciousness. Writing about royal fashion allows us to understand these messages and the broader impact they have on society.

What role does fashion play in promoting charitable causes?

Fashion plays a significant role in drawing attention to charitable causes. When the Princess of Wales wears specific outfits or supports lesser-known designers, it provides them with global exposure. Her wardrobe choices often reflect her values, such as supporting British fashion or promoting sustainability, thus amplifying the causes she advocates for, such as early childhood education.

Why did the Palace decide to limit details about Catherine's wardrobe?

The Palace announced that it would no longer share details of Catherine’s wardrobe unless it was for state or major public events. This move aims to shift the focus away from her fashion choices and towards her charitable work, with the intention of portraying her as more of a "workhorse" rather than a "fashion plate." However, this decision has been met with some criticism, as her style has played a significant role in promoting her work.

How does royal fashion influence public perception?

Royal fashion has a profound impact on public perception, as it helps humanize the royal family. When royal figures like Catherine wear accessible, high-street fashion, they appear more relatable to the public. Their style choices also often reflect personal values and societal issues, further connecting them with their audiences on a deeper level.

How does royal fashion benefit the fashion industry?

Royal fashion, especially that worn by figures like Catherine, significantly benefits the fashion industry. When she wears British designers or small independent brands, it boosts their visibility and promotes British fashion globally. This is particularly impactful in markets like the United States, where royal influence is strong, and fashion brands often see an increase in sales and exposure.

Conclusion

Royal fashion is not just about discussing what a princess wears it’s about understanding the deeper meaning behind those choices. Royal fashion is a powerful tool for advocacy, visibility, and influence. For Catherine, her style has allowed her to engage with global audiences, promote British fashion, and raise awareness for important causes.

The Palace’s decision to restrict media coverage of her wardrobe seems shortsighted. Rather than distancing Catherine from the fashion conversation, the Palace should embrace it as a vehicle for good. Fashion is an essential part of Catherine’s role and legacy, and by allowing the media to continue covering it, the Palace can further amplify the Princess’s efforts to make a meaningful difference in the world.