Fashion toward coronation

Buckingham palace has already unveiled some details, although the guest list is still top secret. And, unlike what happened in 1953 for Elizabeth II, a fashion quota is also expected among the attendees. From Stella McCartney to Federico Marchetti to Brunello Cucinelli, and Victoria Beckham, who among designers and entrepreneurs is expected to attend the three-day celebration in the British capital?

Although nothing is yet certain, we can rely on the presence of Stella McCartney, who had designed Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle’s dress for their wedding reception. The increasingly persistent rumors that it is her father, former Beatles, Paul McCartney who will be singing at the May 7 concert at Windsor castle, lead us to believe that the Designer has also received the much-desired invitation. Besides, her presence is the recent “green” investiture of the eponymous brand’s creative, who was awarded the title of Commander of the order of the British empire (see MFF on february 8) is also fueling the speculation, an honor the Brit designer earned thanks to her commitment to fashion and sustainability, a subject close to the new ruler’s heart.

Charles III, first as Prince of Wales and now as King, has always been sensitive to the environmental issue, taking the lead in its defense, prompting him to set up, along with Federico Marchetti, a fashion task force for sustainable fashion (see MFF of april 20, 2022). And according to MFF, the Yoox founder’s presence should be taken for granted. The guest list should also include Brunello Cucinelli, who promptly joined His royal highness’s the sustainable market initiative (see MFF of may 11, 2022). Their participation to the event would be an important representation for Italy and Made in Italy in particular, and it would not be the first time that some leading figures in Italian fashion attended a royal ceremony. A much less happy event had brought together some of the fashion system’s top figures in 1997, when Valentino Garavani, Santo, and Donatella Versace, among others, attended Lady Diana’s funeral.

A subscriber to royal ceremonies is undoubtedly Victoria Beckham, who was invited to both weddings of the Crown Princes. The british designer’s presence would seem almost certain, as it is rumored that the Spice Girls may return to sing together to celebrate the King. No representative from Burberry, however, which is paying tribute to the king by launching a limited-edition design. The british brand, which holds the Royal Warrant, has created a scarf for the occasion whose print reproduces the gardens of the King’s private residence Highgrove house.

It will be a day of celebration, but also a day of business. The revenue is expected to offset an estimated 2.3 billion pounds in public spending per day. It is rumored that the event could boost London’s economy (see box on page), especially in terms of tourism. According to Mri Springboard, footfall is expected to grow 4%, with a 5% benefit to the main shopping streets. Restaurants and stores are already preparing by organizing a series of promotions for the festive weekend in order to boost traffic, especially on Monday, when 12% more visitors are expected. (All rights reserved)