Queen Camilla made a notable appearance at the Italian Parliament on Wednesday, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of her marriage to King Charles. She garnered attention not only for her stylish choice of outfit but also for her sustainable fashion practices, exemplified by the reuse of the same Anna Valentine coat she donned on her wedding day in 2005.

The couple, who married at The Guildhall in Windsor, are known for their thriftiness, a trait also exhibited by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth often recycled her wardrobe, sharing pieces with her sister Princess Margaret, demonstrating a longstanding tradition within the royal family.

Queen Camilla has also incorporated sustainable practices into her wardrobe, frequently choosing to wear clothes from past occasions. The Anna Valentine coat is not the first or only attire that has stood the test of time; she has worn this particular item on at least three separate occasions. The dress was modified in 2007 for an event in Wales, showcasing Camilla’s ability to blend tradition with personal style.

Among the other cherished and recycled items in Camilla’s wardrobe is a suite of antique jewellery consisting of a diamond and turquoise necklace and earrings, dating back to the 19th century. These pieces, inherited from her father, Major Bruce Shand, have made numerous appearances throughout her royal engagements since her first notable outing with them for King Charles’s 50th birthday celebrations in 1998.

In more recent years, Camilla has created a signature look that reflects her affinity for accessories. A favourite brooch is a platinum and diamond stick insect, gifted to her by her father as an engagement present in 2005. The brooch has held sentimental value and has been worn on significant occasions, including a service commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s lying-in-state.

Camilla has also adapted her winter wardrobe in response to public scrutiny. Following criticism over real fur hats at the Royal Family’s Christmas Day service in 2010, she transitioned to faux fur hats. This change resulted in the purchase of several bespoke pieces from the prestigious milliner Lock & Co., which have since become staples of her ensemble.

For public appearances, Camilla is known to make the most of her clothing, as demonstrated by a polka dot dress from Anna Valentine that she first wore in 2009. Over ten years, she has sported the dress on multiple occasions, reinforcing her commitment to sustainability in fashion.

Another long-standing piece is a flared tweed coat designed by couturier Roy Allen, which she first wore at the Cheltenham Festival in 2014. This coat showcases both her affinity for stylish outerwear and her preference for reliable, timeless garments.

In the realm of footwear, Camilla has leaned towards comfort without sacrificing style. Since 2018, she has relied on pairs of shoes from the brand Sole Bliss, valued at around £2,237. She has highly recommended these shoes to friends and colleagues, including Dames Judi Dench and Mary Berry, both expressing their approval of this footwear choice.

In addition to her wardrobe’s sustainable aspect, Queen Camilla had a standout accessory last summer, debuting a £5,000 Lady Dior handbag while attending various events, including Royal Ascot. The bag, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s favoured designs, has drawn parallels with the late princess and reflects the enduring legacy of her style.

Queen Camilla’s fashion choices reflect a blend of historical significance and contemporary influence, with her commitment to sustainability showcased through her wardrobe practices and the generous recycling of her clothing.

Source: Noah Wire Services