Shropshire Star

In Pictures: The Queen is on trend at London Fashion Week

Richard Quinn won the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

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The Queen enjoys her front row seat (Yui Mok/PA)

The Queen joined style royalty on the front row of London Fashion Week on Tuesday before she presented a designer with an award.

The inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, which was created to recognise the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy, will be awarded annually to an emerging British fashion designer who shows exceptional talent and originality.

The Queen steps onto the catwalk (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen steps onto the catwalk (Yui Mok/PA)

Inspired by the Queen Elizabeth rose, the award has been hand-produced by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter.

The Queen delivers a speech following Richard Quinn's Autumn/Winter 2018 London Fashion Week show (Isabel Infantes/PA)
The Queen delivers a speech following Richard Quinn’s Autumn/Winter 2018 London Fashion Week show (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Richard Quinn, recognised for his exceptional bold prints, won the award.

The Queen presents the award to Richard Quinn (Isabel Infantes/PA)
The Queen presents the award to Richard Quinn (Isabel Infantes/PA)

“From the tweed of the Hebrides to Nottingham lace, and of course Carnaby Street, our fashion industry has been renowned for outstanding craftsmanship for many years, and continues to produce world-class textiles and cutting edge, practical designs.

“As a tribute to the industry, and as my legacy to all those who have contributed to British fashion, I would like to present this award for new, young talent.

“I would like to thank the British Fashion Council for selecting the first winner – Richard Quinn.”

The Queen reacts to one of the outfits during Richard Quinn’s runway show (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen reacts to one of the outfits during Richard Quinn’s runway show (Yui Mok/PA)

“Having visited the exhibition of your wardrobe at Buckingham Palace, we learnt that you had to challenge some of the norms, some of the dress codes that had been designed for men, making us in awe of how you have reflected the changes in our society.

“As our monarch you have worked with incredible designers, highlighted great crafts associated with our industry such as millinery, textiles and embroidery.
“Your Majesty, I know that you do not wish to be known as a fashion icon, but for all of us in this room, who have the utmost respect for you, and also for the hard work, diligence, cultural impact of our industry, we know that you undoubtedly are.”

The Queen watches some of the more colourful outfits from Richard Quinn’s runway show (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen watches some of the more colourful outfits from Richard Quinn’s runway show (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen sits next to Anna Wintour as they view Richard Quinn’s runway show before presenting him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen sits next to Anna Wintour as they view Richard Quinn’s runway show before presenting him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design (Yui Mok/PA)

The Queen, 91, was given a tour of the showrooms by Ms Rush to meet designers.

The Queen is given a tour of the London Fashion Week showrooms by Caroline Rush (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen is given a tour of the London Fashion Week showrooms by Caroline Rush (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen talks to a exhibitor at the London Fashion Week showrooms (Yui Mok/PA)
The Queen talks to a exhibitor at the London Fashion Week showrooms (Yui Mok/PA)
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