Dressing the Queen

‘Very clever and interesting … I enjoyed the book enormously, such a good idea to focus on the talented people who made and looked after the beautiful clothes, shoes and bags for various Queens. A truly wonderful and fascinating book!’ * Lady Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting *
‘Rescuing so many extraordinarily skilled men and women from anonymity, Dressing the Queen is a labour of love and a fascinating testament to the sheer allure of luxury clothing’ * Alison Light, author of Common People *
‘If what we mean by “sovereign” sometimes eludes words, we know it when we see it. In Dressing the Queen, Kate Strasdin shows us what it takes to dress a queen and why it is done. Sacrifice and splendour; the royal body and the dressmakers’ sore bodies, eyes and fingers, this is the world of soft, or ‘not so soft’ power. With great affection, respect and knowledge Kate Strasdin celebrates the hidden world in which hundreds of people of immense skill and dedication work tirelessly to create stunning visual images of monarchy’ * Sarah Fraser, author of The Prince Who Would be King *
‘A fascinating glimpse into the lives of the makers behind all the glitter of royalty. An amazing piece of social history’ * Daisy Goodwin, author of Diva and creator of Victoria (ITV/PBS) *
‘As meticulously crafted as a court dress, this endlessly fascinating book shines a light on the unsung heroes of the queen’s wardrobe. A must for fans of royal and fashion history’ * Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women *
’Illuminating and surprising, Kate Strasdin digs deep to rescue from obscurity the stories of those who have helped create royal, sartorial splendour over recent centuries. Hers is an act not only of restitution but of respect and revelation’ * Clare Hunter, author of Threads of Life *
Brilliantly illuminating and utterly fascinating… [a] tour de force book * Literary Review *
A fabulous book about the makers, dressers and designers who create and dress the royal women… Strasdin uncovers the behind-the-scenes stories while showcasing incredible talent from across the British Isles * Prima *
Strasdin rescues from anonymity the stories of the laundry women, corset makers and milliners. The pages positively teem with fascinating, until-now-hidden, detail… Strasdin’s book is as much a social history of our country as a history of fashion * Daily Mal *

Kate Strasdin is a dress historian who has been fascinated by old clothes since she was a child. She is a lecturer in Cultural Studies at Falmouth University and a freelance consultant for dress and textile exhibitions. Her previous book, The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes, unlocked the secrets of a previously unknown Victorian woman’s wardrobe. She lives in Devon with her husband and two children.

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