A royal muse! Richard Quinn delivers a beautiful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in his latest collection at London Fashion Week

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  • The designer presented his autumn/winter 2024 collection at Andaz London
  • READ MORE: Letter written by the Queen Mother 101 years ago goes up for auction after it was found being used as a bookmark

Richard Quinn delivered a beautiful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in his autumn/winter 2024 collection at London Fashion Week.

The London-based designer presented his glamorous range against an opulent floral backdrop within the historic grade II-listed ballroom at Andaz London yesterday.

Having dedicated his spring/summer 2023 collection to Queen Elizabeth who touched him ‘among so many others with her grace and kindness’, Quinn is believed to have drawn inspiration from the late monarch and other members of the Royal Family this season.

The collection featured vintage-inspired bridalwear that accentuated the curves of the female figure, creating a sense of high society elegance. Accompanied by a string quartet and a pianist, the showcase created a harmonious atmosphere.

Richard Quinn’s connection with Queen Elizabeth dates back to 2018 when she attended one of his shows and subsequently presented him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

Richard Quinn delivered a beautiful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in his autumn/winter 2024 collection at London Fashion Week
Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London for the world charity premiere of the film 'Lawrence of Arabia' in 1962

Richard Quinn delivered a beautiful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in his autumn/winter 2024 collection at London Fashion Week 

A striking ivory gown, featuring a crystal-embellished bodice and full skirt, appeared to draw inspiration from Queen Elizabeth’s renowned Peau De Soie taffeta dress.

The dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell and worn by Her Majesty at the 1962 film premiere of Lawrence Of Arabia at London’s Leicester Square Odeon where she met leading man Peter O’Toole.

Princess Beatrice later wore the regal design at her wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on July 17, 2020 – with the addition of puffed organza sleeves and a Duchess satin hem.

Elsewhere, a ruffled ivory lace gown evoked memories of one worn by Queen Elizabeth in 1952. 

Richard Quinn’s dramatic ballgown, reminiscent of the monarch’s design, showcased a fitted bodice and a layered lace skirt that gracefully swept the floor. 

A model on the runway at the Richard Quinn autumn/winter 2024 catwalk during London Fashion Week held at the Andaz Hotel in London on February 17, 2024
Queen Elizabeth II stands in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace with seven Commonwealth premiers and two finance ministers during the Economies Conference in London on December 4, 1952

Richard Quinn also presented a ruffled lace gown that was reminiscent of one worn by Queen Elizabeth in 1952

A black velvet dress was strikingly similar to the gown that Queen Elizabeth wore to meet Marilyn Monroe
Queen Elizabeth arrives at the Royal Film Performance at the Empire Theatre in London on October 29, 1956

A black velvet dress was strikingly similar to the gown that Queen Elizabeth wore to meet Marilyn Monroe in 1956

The London-based designer even completed the look with extra-long satin gloves as his royal muse did.

Queen Elizabeth debuted her dress when she met with seven Commonwealth premiers and two finance ministers during the Economies Conference in London on December 4, 1952.

Another design, cut from sumptuous black velvet, looked strikingly similar to the gown that Queen Elizabeth wore to the Royal Film Performance in 1956.

The late royal was snapped donning a black velvet gown as she arrived at the Empire Theatre with sister Princess Margaret on October 29, 1956 – and later shaking hands with Marilyn Monroe.

Quinn interpreted the style with an off-shoulder neckline and drop waist, but added a fishtail hem in contrast to Elizabeth’s A-line silhouette.

One model glided down the catwalk in a ruffled dress similar to one worn by Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret wearing a black Dior dress in 1952

One model glided down the catwalk in a ruffled dress similar to one worn by Princess Margaret in 1952

Queen Elizabeth II attends Richard Quinn's London Fashion Week show on February 20, 2018

Queen Elizabeth II attends Richard Quinn’s London Fashion Week show on February 20, 2018 

Queen Elizabeth II presents Richard Quinn with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design on February 20, 2018 in London

Queen Elizabeth II presents Richard Quinn with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design on February 20, 2018 in London

Meanwhile, a nod to Princess Margaret’s elegant style was evident in a black ruffled satin gown.

This striking ensemble featured draped fabric over the shoulders and a billowing skirt, drawing inspiration from Margaret’s renowned 1952 Dior gown, which also influenced the Emanuel dress worn by Princess Diana to her first official public engagement with Prince Charles. 

Richard Quinn’s connection with Queen Elizabeth dates back to 2018 when she attended one of his London Fashion Week show, sitting next to Anna Wintour in the front row.

She subsequently presented Quinn, then an emerging designer, with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. 

His autumn/winter 2024 show notes read: ‘Unconcerned with hype, the clothes exist to be cherished, passed down from mother to daughter in days to come.

‘From their internal structures to outer fabrications, these pieces focus on shape, volume and craftmanship, recognising the art of fashion design.’