The Princess and the rented dress

The Princess of Wales recently sported a rented gown for an event- encouraging the public to follow sustainable fashion practices. Could she go royally vintage next?

(Originally published at https://www.imperatrix999.com.)

Frugality despite the grandeur has been the modus operandi of aristocracy and royalty for centuries: we can say that royals, aristocrats and traditional families, in general, were doing sustainable fashion before it was cool. The disdain for ostentation is usually one of the first tell-tale signs of old money (and most of all, breeding) versus flashy nouveau riche arrivistes and Holywood celebrities.

Sensible spending, quality versus quantity, preservation, reusing favourite pieces, and the practice of high-low fashion (mixing luxury items with high street ones) are usual style moves for both aristocratic clans who live in relative anonymity and working members of reigning royal families in the public eye.

Obviously, for the latter this sensibility is especially important since not only their representation expenses are usually a public issue, but working royals are expected to be a role model and set standards, to be an upgraded version of ordinary people. A little more sophisticated and polished, sure, but far from Hollywood artificial perfection.