## The Power of Black: When Royal Women Wear the Forbidden Color
In the world of royal fashion, black is often a forbidden color. While it may seem like a simple sartorial choice, for members of the royal family, wearing head-to-toe black is typically reserved for moments of mourning and official events like Remembrance Day. But every so often, a royal woman will break from tradition and embrace the power of black, creating moments that resonate throughout history.
Take, for example, Catherine, Princess of Wales. Known for her elegant and classic style, she has often chosen to avoid black in her public appearances. But during her attendance at the annual Remembrance Day service in November, she opted for two all-black looks, both of which stood out amidst the usual sea of somber hues. On Saturday evening, she wore a sleek black coat dress with a pair of Collingwood earrings belonging to the late Princess Diana, a Monica Vinader necklace, and a Chanel flap bag. The following Sunday morning, she chose a black Catherine Walker coat dress paired with Bahrain pearl drop earrings gifted by Queen Elizabeth. While these outfits adhered to the somber tone of the occasion, they also showcased Catherine’s ability to incorporate personal touches and historical significance into her ensembles.
While it’s rare to see a royal woman in all-black outside of official events, there are notable exceptions that have left their mark on fashion history. The late Princess Diana, known as a fashion rebel, understood the power of a black dress long before her famous “revenge dress.” In March 1981, just after her engagement to Prince Charles was announced, she wore a striking black taffeta gown by Elizabeth and David Emanuel to a recital at Goldsmiths’ Hall. As Diana herself stated, “At 19, black was the smartest color to me. That was a grown-up dress.” This choice served as a powerful statement, transforming the public image of the young princess. As Tina Brown noted in her book, “Diana: The Chronicles of a Princess,” Diana’s “theatrical arrival” in the black dress was a moment of “Cinderella-like magic” that solidified her status as a fashion icon.
However, not everyone shared her appreciation for the daring choice. In her book, “Diana: Her True Story,” Andrew Morton recounts a conversation where Charles reportedly questioned Diana’s decision: “He said, ‘You’re not going to wear that, are you?’ I said yes. He said, ‘Black! That’s what you wear when you’re in mourning.’”
Despite Charles’ disapproval, black became a signature color for Diana. From her iconic Versace tank dress at the 1995 “Apollo 13” premiere to the Jacques Azagury gown she wore at the Tate 100th anniversary gala in 1997, Diana’s black ensembles continue to inspire and captivate.
While Queen Elizabeth II often used her wardrobe to convey messages of “hope, stability, optimism, and diplomacy” as noted by Sarah Harris of US Vogue, even she embraced the power of black on occasion. In 1953, she wore a black and white Norman Hartnell dress to a performance of “Because You’re Mine” in Leicester Square. This look caused such a stir that copies of the dress were on sale in London shops within 24 hours.
However, it was three years later, in 1956, that Queen Elizabeth’s black attire truly made headlines. During the royal premiere of the film “The Last Voyage,” she wore an off-the-shoulder black velvet gown and met Marilyn Monroe. Norman Hartnell later explained his decision to dress the queen in black to The Telegraph, stating, “Why shouldn’t the Queen wear black? Well, I did dress her in black once. A big Hollywood night, with everyone in glittering clothes. I persuaded her to wear a simple black velvet dress. I think we can say that it was a triumph.”
The power of black for royal women lies in its rarity. The color’s forbidden nature only amplifies its impact, making these instances of black fashion history all the more captivating and memorable.
