Dressing the Queen

Two Hundred Years of Craft, Couture, and Monarchy

Kate Strasdin

A revealing history that explores the artistry, craftmanship, and traditions behind the royal wardrobe.

"A truly wonderful and fascinating book!”—Lady Anne Glenconner

From tours and walkabouts to the dazzling spectacle of a wedding or Coronation, the clothes worn by royal women have always been a fascination. Starting with Queen Victoria and moving to the modern Elizabethan age, Dressing the Queen hows the incredible craftmanship and painstaking effort that go into the making of what is known as the "Royal Wardrobe," from handmade boots to Crown Jewels; country tweeds to delicate stockings.

Dress historian Kate Strasdin reveals a tribe of previously unsung women and men. Some may be more renowned—such as designer Norman Hartnell or suitcase-maker Louis Vuitton—but most are ordinary, highly talented working people from across the British Isles. From rural straw plaiters to wartime coat-makers and refugee glovers, their skilled labour is a vital part of our country’s history.

As we see modern princesses sally forth in fantastically arranged ensembles, we can think again of the vanishing trades that once employed millions—and still remain integral to royal life today.

Dr. Kate Strasdin is a fashion historian, museum curator and lecturer at Falmouth University, where she teaches the history of Fashion Design, Marketing and Photography.

 

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Endorsements & Reviews

“Very clever and interesting. I enjoyed the book enormously, such a good idea to focus on the talented people who made and looked after the beautiful clothes, shoes and bags for various Queens. A truly wonderful and fascinating book!” Lady Anne Glenconner, New York Times bestselling author of Lady in Waiting 

“As meticulously crafted as a court dress, this endlessly fascinating book shines a light on the unsung heroes of the queen's wardrobe. A must for fans of royal and fashion history." Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth's Women

“A fascinating glimpse into the lives of the makers behind all the glitter of royalty. An amazing piece of social history.” Daisy Goodwin, author of Diva and creator of Victoria on PBS

"Illuminating and surprising, Kate Strasdin digs deep to rescue from obscurity the stories of those who have helped create royal, sartorial splendor over recent centuries. Hers is an act not only of restitution but of respect and revelation.” Clare Hunter, author of Threads of Life

"If what we mean by "sovereign" sometimes eludes words, we know it when we see it. In Dressing the Queen, Kate Strasdin shows us what it takes to dress a queen and why it is done. Sacrifice and splendour; the royal body and the dressmakers' sore bodies, eyes and fingers, this is the world of soft, or 'not so soft' power. With great affection, respect and knowledge Kate Strasdin celebrates the hidden world in which hundreds of people of immense skill and dedication work tirelessly to create stunning visual images of monarchy." Sarah Fraser, author of The Prince Who Would be King

"Rescuing so many extraordinarily skilled men and women from anonymity, Dressing the Queen is a labour of love and a fascinating testament to the sheer allure of luxury clothing." Alison Light, author of Common People

Praise for The Dress Diary

"A vivid portrait of 19th-century life. Like an intrepid detective, Strasdin follows each thread and reconstructs Anne Sykes’s life. Using a combination of highly illustrative prose and reproductions of fashion plates, the author details the evolution of fashionable silhouettes and helps us to envision how the small bits of fabric might have looked as complete garments. Strasdin’s detailed explication of Victorian-era dress is sure to delight the fashion history enthusiast, but The Dress Diary has much wider appeal. A compelling narrative that challenges the 'deep-seated perception of dress as superficial and inconsequential.'" The New York Times Book Review, Editor's Choice

"An irresistible glimpse into fashion from nearly two centuries ago. It’s a life in fabric; a poignant illustration of something seemingly ephemeral that has nonetheless endured."
The Seattle Times

“A vivid history of expansion and empire, all wrapped up in 2,184 pieces of cloth. If I ever were looking for a historical detective with whom to team up, Kate Strasdin would be at the top of my list.” Victoria Finlay, BBC History Magazine