The Queen Just Made Her First-Ever Appearance at London Fashion Week
And she sat front row, obviously
The last day of London Fashion Week included the biggest surprise for the five-day event—an appearance from the Queen. The 91-year-old monarch rarely attends the presentations, but that changed today when she sat front row at the Richard Quinn show, flanked between British Fashion Council Chief Executive Caroline Rush and Anna Wintour.
She was all smiles when she arrived to the venue, London's BFC Show Space, in a shimmery light blue skirt suit, black gloves, black purse and pearls.
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And she watched attentively as models walked the runway.
Despite the Queen's classic, simple style, she saw some avant-garde looks hit the catwalk.
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She also perused some hats and fascinators (perhaps to add to her own collection?) prior to taking a seat.
Her Majesty is attending London Fashion Week today to present the first-ever Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, which was created to recognize "the role the fashion industry plays in society & diplomacy," Buckingham Palace announced.
Each year, an up-and-coming designer will be honoured for showing "talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or sustainable policies."
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This year, London-born designer Richard Quinn took home the prize.
The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and the Countess of Wessex kicked off the royal initiative to embrace and highlight the fashion world last night, with a fête at Buckingham Palace celebrating works by the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. Some of the industry's biggest names, from supermodel Naomi Campbell to designer Stella McCartney, were in attendance.
The Exchange, established on February 1, "aims to create partnerships between established and emerging talent from across the 52 member countries" and celebrates creativity, sustainability, ethical production and more.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.