Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, and became the longest-reigning and most admired British monarch in history, ruling from February 6, 1952, until her death on September 8, 2022. Her legacy is characterized by her steadfast presence, her adaptation to the times, and her commitment to her role as a constitutional monarch. Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for her distinctive and elegant style, with all her fashion choices being carefully chosen! Her style included sophisticated accessories like hats, gloves, handbags, and various types of colorful outerwear. However, her most remarkable elements in her style were definitely the impressive fur stoles.
Over the centuries, fur stoles have long been associated with royalty and high society, symbolizing luxury, status, and wealth. Fur etoles have been in fashion for many years and they are classic pieces of a timeless charm! They became popular in high fashion, worn by queens and princesses at formal events. While their use has evolved over time and they can not be worn only by nobiles , they continue to be a symbol of elegance, luxury and aristocracy. They are characterized to be the most elegant type of fur garments conveying a sense of opulence and sophistication.
Over the years of her reign, her Majesty has showed her love for those elegant fur garments, choosing impressive fur stoles in many of her important moments of her life. Fur etoles, like many other elements of her wardrobe, were carefully chosen to complement her overall look, and they varied in material, color, and design depending on the occasion and era. In the early years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth wore luxurious fur stoles made usually by the finest quality of fox or mink fur. Fur stoles were really fashionable at the time and added a touch of opulence to her formal evening gowns and coats. Photographs from significant state events and official portraits from this period often show her draped in white or dark fur stoles, which were considered symbols of elegance and status.
One of the most remarkable moments of her reign, was undoubtedly Queen Elizabeth’s II Coronation (1953). During this significant ceremony, she wore a specific type of fur stole known as ermine. Ermine was the symbol of royalty and nobility. The white fur of the ermine, with its distinctive black-tipped tail, was associated with purity and moral integrity. During the Medival period, sumptuary laws in various European countries restricted the use of certain furs to royalty and the highest nobility. Choosing this luxurious fur stole over her regal robes, highlighted the grandeur of the occasion.
In the later decades, Queen Elizabeth’s use of fur stoles became more ceremonial. She was often seen wearing fur etoles, during official state functions, particularly those involving traditional or religious elements, highlighting the formality of these events. These fur stoles were often used either to complement her brightly colored outfits, or were more subdued in color, aligning with the more mature aspects of her role. Until the last decade of her reign, elegant fur stoles were basic elements in the Queen’s look in various events, often reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity. These fur garments were chosen to enhance her outfits subtly without overwhelming them, maintaining her signature look of dignified elegance.
Queen Elizabeth II’s impact on the monarchy, her country, and the rest of the world remains profound. Her reign was a remarkable chapter for the United Kingdom, with her death on September 8 ,2022, symbolizing the end of a great era. However, her legacy will forever be honored and remembered.
