OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN: The Queen, The Dresser

Platinum Jubilee Edition. 'Dress impeccably and they remember the woman' - these words by Coco Channel emphasise how clothes make a woman and the sentiment is most true in the world of Angela Kelly who has worked with the Queen for 25 years, initially as Her Majesty's Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty's Personal Advisor and Curator (The Queen's Jewellery, Insignias and Wardrobe) and In-house Designer. Kelly is the first person to hold this title and is uniquely close to the Queen as a result of her role. With Her Majesty's blessing, Kelly shares extraordinary insight into the beloved Queen's life, from her analysis of Her Majesty's wardrobe and its staple items, to charming anecdotes exploring their relationship. Learn about the logic behind Kelly's chosen colour palette for the Queen, specifically including striking colours of yellow and pink so that the Queen will be seen easily and take notes on the different materials used during the respective seasons, whether Kelly dresses the Queen in fabrics which move and flow during Summer, or transitions to heavier fabrics such as wools. Kelly reflects on how the warmth between the Queen and Michelle Obama was so palpable that no one in the room was surprised when they stood closely with their arms around each other's backs in 2009. The reader will find themselves laughing with Kelly who pranked the Queen during a State Visit to Thailand in 1996 where she solicited the help of the Queen's Hairdresser, Ian Carmichael, to fake dying her hair purple, much to the amusement of Her Majesty. We learn that the Thistle Robe must always be worn by Her Majesty at the meeting of the Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and about the handmade brooch designed by Mr Harry Collins of G. Collins and Sons which he created as a gift from the Queen to the Queen Mother to mark her 100th birthday - the brooch is handmade in 18-carat gold with a cabochon-cut centre of rock crystal and featuring a painstakingly fine hand-painted centenary rose set among 100 diamonds. Includes exquisite photographs including never-before-seen shots ranging from Her Majesty relaxed on a plush, rose sofa with her feet up, to an action shot of Kelly adjusting the clothing of the Queen amid heather in Scotland. Includes letters from Kelly's grandchildren and anecdotes from high profile creatives such as Barry Jeffery, Chris Levine and Nina Duncan. From preparing Her Majesty for a photoshoot with Annie Liebowitz, Angela Kelly has been at the Queen's side and dressing her in perfect style along the way. Colour photos, 306pp, a bestseller. 7.5" x 9.25".
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