A vintage bridesmaid dress worn by Lady Elizabeth Longman at Queen Elizabeth II’s royal wedding in 1947 will be auctioned for the first time this summer. Longman, a close friend of the queen, retained the dress with lace floral embellishments after the wedding. Following her death in 2016, the dress was inherited by family members and is now estimated to raise between £30,000 and £50,000 ($38,000 to $64,000) at Christie’s “The Exceptional Sale” in London on July 2. A photograph of supermodel Kate Moss wearing the dress alongside Longman at Houghton Hall in 2012 has been revealed, adding to the item’s importance in British fashion history.
The Norman Hartnell bridesmaid dress worn by Longman is a rare piece of fashion history that is expected to attract bids from museum collections around the world. The gown was part of the special gowns designed by Hartnell for the queen’s eight bridesmaids at her royal wedding to Prince Philip, which took place at Westminster Abbey. The dress has been displayed at The Fashion Museum in Bath, England, between the 1980s and early 2000s, highlighting its significance in royal fashion and historic clothing collections.
Kate Moss’s outing in Longman’s dress during a photoshoot at Houghton Hall in 2012 added a contemporary touch to the vintage piece. The supermodel expressed feeling privileged to wear such an important piece of British fashion history and described the moment as magical. Moss’s connection to the dress further enhances its prestige and raises interest among fashion enthusiasts and collectors. The outtake photograph of Moss wearing Longman’s Norman Hartnell dress showcases the timelessness and grace of the design, linking past and present in a unique way.
Royal gowns and fashion items continue to be highly sought after at auctions, with dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana fetching substantial sums. Items connected to the late royal family members carry historical significance and cultural value that appeal to collectors and museum curators worldwide. Longman’s Norman Hartnell bridesmaid dress is likely to draw attention from fashion historians, enthusiasts, and institutions that appreciate the rich heritage and craftsmanship of such iconic pieces.
Norman Hartnell’s creations for the late Queen Elizabeth II, including the embroidered gown worn for her coronation in 1953, have cemented his reputation as a premier couturier of the British royal family. The resurgence of public interest in Hartnell’s designs was evident when the queen lent one of her 1960s ballgowns made by the designer to her granddaughter, Princess Beatrice, for her wedding dress in 2020. The preservation and display of these historic dresses by the Royal Collection Trust underscore their enduring appeal and cultural significance in the world of fashion and royalty.
As interest in royal fashion and memorabilia continues to grow, items associated with Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and other prominent figures of the British monarchy command attention at auctions and exhibitions. The legacy of these iconic figures lives on through the preservation and appreciation of their wardrobe choices and personal belongings. Longman’s Norman Hartnell bridesmaid dress represents a piece of British fashion history that transcends time and resonates with both past and present audiences, showcasing the enduring allure of royal fashion and the stories behind these cherished garments.
