George Boyle
Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress is steeped in history. The dress, which was designed by Norman Hartnell, was considered one of the most fashion-forward of its time. The then-Princess Elizabeth wore the gown when she wed Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947. The dress was made of ivory silk satin and was embroidered with star lilies, jasmine blossoms, and orange blossoms. It was also encrusted with 10,000 seed pearls and had a dramatic 15-foot train. The dress is now considered a historic artefact, with its creation involving hundreds of people and a unique set of challenges in post-war Britain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of wedding | 20 November 1947 |
| Designer | Norman Hartnell |
| Fabric | Ivory silk with satin train |
| Embellishments | Wheat ears, flowers, pearls, diamante |
| Heels | Embellished satin heels by Edward Rayne |
| Veil | Silk tulle |
| Tiara | Diamond |
| Neckline | Heart-shaped or sweetheart |
| Sleeves | Long and tight |
| Skirt | Full |
| Train | 15-foot |
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What You'll Learn
The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell
The wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) was designed by Norman Hartnell, a leading British fashion designer. Hartnell was best known for his work for the ladies of the royal family. He first began working with the royal family in 1935, designing the wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses for the marriage of Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were the bridesmaids.
Hartnell was appointed Dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) in 1940 and received the Royal Warrant as Dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. He designed Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress in 1947 for her marriage to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The dress was made from ivory silk, duchesse satin, and silver thread, and featured a fitted bodice, a heart-shaped neckline, long sleeves, and a 15-foot train. It was embellished with crystals, 10,000 seed pearls, and thousands of white beads.
The design of the dress was inspired by the Botticelli figure that Hartnell had seen in London art galleries. The ivory silk featured flower designs of jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms, which were added to the train and embellished with crystals and pearls. The silk cloth was chosen by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who desired a "rich, lustrous stiff satin." The satin was made at Lullingstone Castle, and the silkworms were sourced from Nationalist China, not from Italy or Japan, the UK's enemies during the war.
The dress was created in just seven weeks by a team of 350 women, using clothing ration coupons provided by Princess Elizabeth and an additional 200 coupons granted by the government. The final design was kept secret until the wedding day, as Princess Elizabeth wanted to be able to make last-minute alterations without fear of fashion houses copying the design.
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It was made with ration coupons
On November 20, 1947, just two years after the end of World War II, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. The beautiful gown she wore was created using material bought with war ration coupons.
The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was announced as the designer three months before the wedding. Hartnell was known for his love of embroidery and soft, floating fabrics, particularly tulle and chiffon, and lustrous silks. The dress was made of Chinese silk, with a high neckline, tailored bodice, and a short train. The silk was chosen at the specific directive of the Queen Mother, who desired an "unusually rich, lustrous stiff satin." The silkworms to manufacture the silk were bought from Nationalist China, rather than from Japan or Italy, Britain's enemies during the war.
The dress featured a sweetheart neckline and long, fitted sleeves. Exquisite pearl- and diamante-encrusted star flowers, roses, jasmine blossoms, and ears of wheat were embroidered on the gown's bodice and full skirts. The 15-foot train was inspired by Botticelli's painting of Primavera from 1482 and covered in delicate floral designs, including jasmine, smilax, seringa, and rose-like blossoms. The flowers symbolized "rebirth and growth" in Britain after the war.
The government allowed Princess Elizabeth 200 extra ration coupons for the dress. She was also given hundreds of clothing coupons by brides-to-be from across the country, which she had to return as it was illegal for them to have been given away.
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It featured a heart-shaped neckline
The wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth, then Princess Elizabeth, has been considered one of the most fashionable of its time. The dress featured a heart-shaped, or sweetheart, neckline and long, tight sleeves. The ivory silk satin gown was designed by Norman Hartnell and was embroidered with star lilies, orange blossoms, jasmine blossoms, and ears of wheat. The dress was also encrusted with 10,000 seed pearls and diamanté.
The dress was designed just two years after World War II, when clothing was still being rationed in Britain. Princess Elizabeth had to pay for her dress using ration coupons, which she saved up until she had enough to pay for the gown. The silk cloth was chosen at the specific request of her mother, the Queen, who desired an "unusually rich, lustrous stiff satin which was made at Lullingstone Castle". The silkworms to manufacture the silk were bought from Nationalist China, not from the UK's enemies during the war: Japan and Italy.
The final design of the dress was kept secret, although much speculation surrounded it. It was said that the princess feared that if details were released, fashion houses would copy the design, making it impossible for her to make last-minute alterations. The dress was taken to the palace a day before the wedding in a 4-foot box. On the wedding day, the dress glittered, bejewelled with pearls and diamante.
The dress has drawn parallels with the dress worn by Grace Kelly in 1956 and the "Westminster décor" wedding dress that Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen designed for Catherine Middleton.
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The train was 15 feet long
Queen Elizabeth II's wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, who was announced as the designer of the Princess's gown just three months before the wedding. The dress was made from ivory silk and decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, imported from the United States. The silk was sourced from China, rather than Japan or Italy, due to the recent end of World War II and the UK's complicated relationship with the latter two countries. The dress featured a sweetheart neckline and long, fitted sleeves, with a 15-foot train flowing from the waist. The train was made of satin, while the dress itself was made of a more flexible material in the same tone. The gown was embellished with exquisite pearl- and diamante-encrusted star flowers, roses, jasmine blossoms, and ears of wheat embroidered on the bodice, full skirts, and ethereal silk tulle veil.
The dress was designed and created in the Hartnell workrooms, tucked away at the back of his lavish Mayfair premises. The embroiderers worked tirelessly to ensure that Princess Elizabeth would have the wedding of her dreams. The final design of the dress was kept secret, and it was only on the wedding day that the public could admire the glittering, bejewelled creation. The dress has drawn parallels with the similarly-designed dress worn by Grace Kelly in 1956 and the "Westminster décor" wedding dress that Sarah Burton designed for Catherine Middleton.
The train of Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress was an impressive 15 feet long. This length is reflected in the dress's box, which was 4 feet long (1.2 meters). The train was made of satin, a different fabric than the dress, which was made of a more flexible material. The satin for the train was chosen to add a touch of luxury and elegance to the overall design. The length of the train also contributed to the dramatic silhouette of the gown, creating a fairytale-like effect for the royal wedding.
The 15-foot train of Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress was an important part of the overall design and symbolism of the gown. The length of the train added to the grandeur and elegance of the wedding ceremony, as it trailed behind the Princess as she walked down the aisle. The train also served as a canvas for the intricate embroidery that adorned it, including flower designs of jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms, embellished with white crystals and pearls. The length and detail of the train made it a focal point of the gown, contributing to the overall dream-like and ethereal aesthetic that has drawn comparisons to other iconic wedding dresses.
The 15-foot train of Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress has become a memorable part of the gown, with its length and design leaving a lasting impression. The train, along with the rest of the dress, was carefully packed away and transported to Buckingham Palace before the wedding. On the wedding day, the train flowed gracefully behind the Princess as she made her way into Westminster Abbey, where the ceremony was held. The length of the train added to the drama and spectacle of the royal wedding, with the satin fabric shimmering in the light and the intricate embroidery dazzling onlookers.
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It was embellished with pearls and diamante
Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, was a spectacle of elegance and craftsmanship. The dress, made of ivory silk, featured exquisite embellishments that elevated its beauty. The intricate details of the dress included pearls and diamante, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to the overall design.
The choice of silk was carefully considered, with the Queen Mother specifically requesting an "unusually rich, lustrous stiff satin" made at Lullington Castle. However, the designer, Hartnell, opted for a more flexible material of a similar tone for the dress itself, while reserving the satin for the train. This decision ensured the dress draped gracefully and moved fluidly, enhancing the overall silhouette.
The dress featured a heart-shaped or sweetheart neckline, long tight sleeves, and a tailored bodice. The skirt was full and ethereal, creating a fit and flare silhouette that was both classic and timeless. The star of the dress, however, was the exquisite embellishment. Hartnell's signature embroidery shone through with intricate patterns of star flowers, roses, jasmine blossoms, and ears of wheat. These motifs were skillfully combined with flowing lines, creating a cohesive and captivating design.
The pearls and diamante added a touch of regal sparkle to the dress. The ears of wheat, a symbol of fertility, were worked in pearl and diamante, adding a subtle shimmer to the design. The embellishment was carefully applied, ensuring it complemented the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the delicate ivory silk. The result was a dress that glittered and bejewelled, capturing the light and reflecting a soft radiance.
The dress, with its 13-foot or 15-foot train, was a labour of love, crafted by hundreds of dedicated workers behind the scenes. Despite the challenges of post-war rationing, the dress was a dream come true for Princess Elizabeth, ensuring her wedding was a true fairy tale. Today, the dress remains an iconic symbol of royal elegance and a testament to the skill and artistry of its designer, Norman Hartnell.
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Frequently asked questions
Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress is kept at Buckingham Palace.
Norman Hartnell designed the wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress was made of ivory silk with flower designs of jasmine, smilax, lilac, and white rose-like blossoms. The silk was sourced from Nationalist China.
