Dressing the Queen

Two Hundred Years of Makers and Monarchy

Strasdin, Kate ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7617-9153 (2026) Dressing the Queen. Chatto & Windus, London and New York. ISBN 9781784745332

Text (Book draft) Full Draft Undressing a Queen.docx - Draft Version Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (284kB) | Request a copy

Abstract / Summary

A volume that considers a whole host of makers to royal wardrobes past from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, finding the people behind the objects. It covers everything from embroidery to body linen, shoes to gloves, hats to coats.

The hidden story of the people who designed, sewed, stitched and steamed the clothes of Britain's queens, from Victoria to the present day.

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 shows 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.

Item Type:	Book
ISBN:	9781784745332
Subjects:	Creative Art & Design Creative Art & Design > Fashion, Textiles & Costume Design
Department:	Fashion & Textiles Institute
Depositing User:	Kate Strasdin
Date Deposited:	28 Sep 2026 14:09
Last Modified:	28 Sep 2026 14:09
URI:	https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/6597

View Record (staff only)