This weekend, the gardens of Buckingham Palace will be transformed into a magnificent festival celebrating everything British, to mark the Queen’s glorious 60th anniversary of the Coronation.
Claire Ginzler.
As part of the weekends entertainment, a 400 seat raised catwalk surrounded by a bed of flowers will be the location for a series of unique fashion shows to take place during the festival.
These exclusive shows will tell the story of British fashion and iconic style over the past sixty years, showcasing companies that have been awarded the prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment.
Claire Ginzler is a fashion stylist who is also known for her role as Fashion Director of On|Off, an independent event that showcased key emerging and established designers in London and Paris. Claire has been working closely with the organisers as the head stylist to the catwalk shows and to create a spectacular show that will form one of the festival’s main attractions.
Ahead of the weekend’s Coronation festival, we caught up with Claire to see how she got involved with the Coronation Festival and to find out which member of the Royal Family she would love to dress.
So tell me how you got involved with the Coronation Festival?
The show’s producer Lindsey Hunt asked me if I would like the challenge.
The show is to have a ‘secret garden’ feel, will this show through on the designs?
You will feel the “secret garden” as you approach the catwalk! There is also a whole show called Vintage Picnic that really incorporates this feeling through the clothes and live entertainment within the show. Look out for the surprises.
How will the style of the catwalks be influenced by its magnificent grounds?
With shows such as Best of British, and scenes within this called “Heritage” or “Hunting, Shooting and Fishing”, you can clearly imagine the amazing clothing from the Royal Warrant Holders that will be on the catwalk
What really pulled you to working at this event?
To meet a lot of the the Royal Warrant Holders and work with all clothing, as well as style a show in the grounds of Buckingham Palace – that’s a once in a lifestyle opportunity – which I couldn’t refuse.
There is going to be five catwalks a day, is that going to be demanding?
It will be quite demanding but also a lot of fun. I have been talking in great detail with all the Royal Warrant Holders for around 5 months, so I know them and their brands very well this has helped me to style up the looks efficiently.
It is celebrating the best of British, what designs have stood out for you?
This is a hard one as all quality, craftmanship and attention to detail stands out throughout all the designs. I love the tailoring at Savile Row and the tartan cape and trousers that Alice Temperley for Somerset at John Lewis has made up for one of our scenes. However the wow factor had to be when I met with Dege and Skinner and Gieves and Hawkes – both RWH’s gave me a tour of their military uniforms – they are simply stunning and made me so proud to be British.
The Duchess of Cambridge has been praised around the world for her style, are you a fan?
Yes of course as she wears both high street and designer looks, as any real women does. I also like the fact that she isn’t over styling herself like a lot of celebrities unfortunately do.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex is also a very stylish royal and recently became the patron for the London College of Fashion, what do you think of her style make over?
She looks so confident these days. I love it when she wears bold colours such as red or electric blue which really suit her skin tone and hair. I also like her choice of simple, clean designs that have a slight fashion twist. She has definately found her style.
Is there a certain royal you would love to style?
If I had to choose one if would be Kate, starting with her post pregnancy wardrobe. 
How important do you think it is for the royals to appear stylish and on trend?
Style is everlasting and should reflect their individual personalities.Trends come and go – so they shouldn’t get too hung up about them.
Will you be hoping the catwalk gets some royal attendees?
Yes definitely, it’s in the Queen’s gardens and celebrates her Coronation so I am sure some of them will be there to join in the celebrations, and it would be fantastic if she turned up – I hope she does!
What has it been like to work on such an event on this scale?
Absolutely incredible. The last 5 months, with all the meetings has been intense. However meeting all the Royal Warrant Holders, learning their craft and styling all the looks has been well worth the hard work.
For more information on this weekend’s Coronation Festival check their website: coronationfestival.com
