Princess Margaret was born on 21 August 1930 to the then Duke and Duchess of York at Glamis Castle. She would become known across the world for her fashion. Who were Princess Margaret’s favourite designers?
The King of Royal Fashion
Princess Margaret quickly became familiar with English designer Norman Hartnell. She first wore one of his designs in 1935 when she was a bridesmaid for her uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, and Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott. Following the accession of King George VI, his consort, Queen Elizabeth was quickly won over by Hartnell, and she and her two daughters would frequently turn to him for their most important outfits.Â
(BBC still/ fair use)
In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother all wore Hartnell for Elizabeth’s coronation. Princess Margaret also chose Hartnell for one of the biggest fashion days of her life- she chose Hartnell to design her 1960 wedding gown. The silk organza was simple but striking and was widely celebrated.
Christian Dior and the image of a Princess
Princess Margaret did not only wear English designers, though. Christian Dior made waves across the world with his New Look in 1947, and the fashionable young princess was soon a fan. She first met Dior in 1947 on a trip to Paris, and the designer put on a private fashion show for Margaret, her sister and her mother in 1950.Â
In 1951, Princess Margaret chose Dior to create her 21st birthday gown, one of the best known dresses of the 20th century. The cream, off-the shoulder, silk organza gown featured gold embroidery and rhinestones and features in her official 21st birthday portraits.Â
Princess Mararget’s later favourite
Later in life, Princess Margaret gravitated towards Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta. Oscar by Oscar de la Renta was one of her favourite fragrances, and she was a frequent guest at de la Renta’s fashion shows in the last decade of her life.
