Jenny Packham is the go-to designer for the Duchess of Cambridge, who often wears the designer's glittery gowns to social events around the world. But for fall, Packham has set her sights on Princess Kate's mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, with a cheeky all-things-British collection that doesn't take itself too seriously.
The collection, which Packham debuted at New York Fashion Week and will be available in Houston at Elizabeth Anthony, was "inspired by the idiosyncrasies and clichés that define the British identity,” the designer said in her program notes, which was accompanied by a replica of artist Madga Archer's pop-art painting of the queen in her youth, with the words, "God Bless You Ma'am."
Packham weaved a Wedgwood blue and marigold tartan pattern through the collection, ranging from a chiffon cocktail dress with a red moto jacket thrown over it to a full-length skirt paired with a T-shirt of one of the queen's beloved Corgis.
In other tongue-in-cheek nods to British heritage, a gray satin crepe T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Pearly Queen" was paired with an ivory pencil skirt and pearls. And a pearl-and-bead-studded scalloped gown, which closed the show, looked edgier with a hand-painted blue leather biker jacket dotted with images of the Union Jack and other uniquely British images.
Packham is known for her slinky gowns, and the collection includes an array of red-carpet designs, including an illusion gown with ribbons of metallic silver and molten gold sequins, and a tulle gown embellished in a geometric black and midnight blue pattern. Such looks may be a little too racy for Kate, but a pale silver silk gown with a velvet ribbon waist belt has a royal attitude.
Jenny Packham Wedgwood blue and marigold tartan chiffon skirt and 'Corgi' silk T-shirt, styled with silk 'Corgi' neckerchief and pearls.
