ROYALTY’S GOWNS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 435, 17 May 1937, Page 3

ROYALTY’S GOWNS

FITTING THE QUEEN Her Majesty’s Graciousness When her Majesty the Queen orders her gowns the programme is very different from that followed by her subjects, says an English writer. Mr. Norman Hartnell is summoned to Buckingham Palace. He takes sketches, some models, a saleswoman, fitters, and sometimes one or two mannequins. The atmosphere of Buckingham Palace, is delightful, and the entire staff is extraordinarily helpful. So much so that a command to the Palace is always received, with joy. Those lucky enough to be chosen for this important errand are envied by the entire house.

Her Majesty is quick in her decisions, and very sure of her own taste. Being the busiest Woman in the United Kingdom, she does not waste anybody's' time. She is always happy and smiling, giving an. impression of intense vitality. She radiates a glow of melting charm that is quite- irresistible. Being graeiousness personified; the never makes an adverse criticism. Trained and practised in the ait of never hurting other people’s feelings, she never sayi, as so many women do: “I do not like that model.” -She says; “Yes, it is quite lovely, but do you not think this one is even more beautiful?” To work with a mind so attuned to graeiousness it a stimulus to those having the privilege to come in contact with it.

Price is never mentioned directly to her Majesty. This is dealt with by a Lady in Waiting, and goes through the hands of Court officials. There is no bargaining, but no extravagance. When a certain costly wrap was suggested to the Queen she replied .that she had no need of it.

On one occasion only was money .mentioned to Mr. Hartnell by her Majesty. That was when she was choosing the gowns to be worn by her train bearers at the Coronation ceremony. She then said she did not wish these young girls and their mothers to be put to too great an expense. Just another example of her extreme consideration for the feelings and convenience of other people. The actual fitftings take place in an ante-room of the Queen’s, private apartment. These overlook the lovely gardens behind Buckingham Palace. The fittings are supervised by Norman Hartnell personally, for he adopts each model to her Majesty’s' individual requirements. It is never repeated for anybody also once the Queen has chosen it. Some of the fitters are French. They are delighted When her Majesty addresses them in their own language with a charming aceent. The Queen is gay, with frequent rippies of laughter. Intellectually she is very quick, with delightful touches of wit and dry Scottish humour. She radiates happiness and confidence, and has the gift of making the most timid feel calm and at their ease. Sometimes the 'little Princesses come in to see their mother’s gowns. They are extremely interested. The Queen has very definite ideas about colour. She has chosen lovely shades of blue for many of her gowns. These are most becoming to her and accentuate the beautiful colour of her eyes.

There is a marvellous gown of white hahd-woven satin to be worn at one of the State bails. It is entirely covered with hand: embroidery in gold thread in an interwoven ring design. Cream lace with a.little jacket trim, med with sable wat chosen for an afternoon gown which her Majesty wore at a recent reception held at the Palace. It is made with a slim, clinging line, and pointed train. The jacket slopes down below the waistline at the back, and has wide sleeves edged with the fur. Perhaps it it in the evening that her Majesty looks her best. Then her radiantly fair skin is enhanced by jewels. She has a deep blue Moorish cape, trimmed with elaborate beaded embroidery. She wears this with a blue gown having bands of the same embroidery on the skirl She always takes an immense interest in the state of trade generally. She asks whether dressmakers, are doing well. The renewed use of rich and elaborate embroidery has recreated an industry that wa s dying fast. It has given employment to many women and. young girls, as well as helping artists and designers. It has also given an impetus to the teaching of fine sewing, an art that was fast dying out in this country, where the demand for highly skilled workers of this type nearly always exceeds the supply. The Queen’s fittings last, a 3 a rule; about two hours. Sometimes her Majesty is called away in the middle to receive an important guest, whatever happens, she ! s never hurried and never flustered. She never says/

she is busy and never hurries.: those who wait upon her. After the fittings, Mr. Hartnell accompanies her Majesty into her small private sitting-room. Here final arrangements are discussed and decisions made. The room is hung with biscuit! coloured , brocadle and filled With lovely Regency furniture*. It is hung with many portraits of royalties, and is always filled with masses' of beautiful flowers. The atmosphere of the Palace is very home-like. When the . fittings take place in the afternoon, tea is always served to everybody who takes part in them. Thif i s in one of the ante-rooms to the Queen’s apartments, another detail of the helpfulness and consideration that pervade the entire procedure. In some instances Mr. Hartnell supplies the accessories that accompany models chosen by her Majesty, hats, bags, gloves, and Sb on. i n mos , t ’ cases he it consulted on these and his advice is carefully reflected and considered by her Majesty.