It's just luxury

Queen Mother Elizabeth, a long time ago, already said: "to be a queen is to accomplish a work". Obviously, to get dressed as one, is part of the task. Chiffon in light shades, two or three rounds of pearls, a pair of gloves and a diamond brooch are icons recognized fast by the British as "Queen Mother's style".

It's fact that, during the Second World War, in spite of all the depression installed, Her Majesty kept her personal style. While her husband worn military uniforms to visit survivors in East End - the London part most affected by the bombs - she appeared in pastel color, involved in pearls, gloves and high heels. From her point of view, people would be disappointed to look at a badly dressed queen, whereas elegance is part of her royal duty.

In the centenary climate, the fashion wave of luxury, brightness and sophistication which produce many upright noses on the catwalks, editorials and publicity, is even more present on streets of London.

Murray Healy, in Face do May/00 has joked with the idea of, in the middle of 2000, it isn't necessary to be an "old rich woman" (words from the editorial) to get dressed like one. Recent images illustrate ways.

In the last Sunday of July, sponsored by the powerful stylist Isabela Blow, the supplement Style from The Sunday Times newspaper published Riviera Touch: much gold and stones, strong colors, sexy prints. Overdressing e overpricing located in French addresses like, Pierre Cardin Couture, Dior Jewellery, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche and Loris Azzaro.

On 4th August - at the right date of the 100 years - the magazine ES inserted in The Evening Standart invites: Hey you, we're having a party! Get out your ruched dress and go!* This editorial has much of the royal and current look of the London's streets, because it mixes a bit of everything, in a climate of 70's and 80's. Vintage stores, charity bazaars and it even suggests an invasion in mommy's wardrobe. That makes the luxury of creative plebeians.

Brick Lane - on Sundays - passing through Camden Town and Portobello Rd., the second-hands in town aren't always cheap. Better, some of them are even more expensive than the fashion stores, department stores or label clothing. But this search rends, for sure, fun, and inspiration, it instigates the memory and the emotion. Besides that, famous and celebrities don't get tire of declaring they mix up trendy brands with unusual founds. Noble or common, a good gold seeker's eye can find queen worth pieces for just one or two pounds.

Where to find "worn luxury" in London:
- 162 - 162 Holloway Rd., N7
- Annie's - 10 Camden Passage, N1
- Blackout II - 51 Endell St., WC2
- Cloud Cucko Land - 6 Charlton Place, N1
- Cornucopia - 12 Upper Tachbrook St., SW1
- Rellik - 8 Golborne Rd., W10
- Steinberg & Tolkien - 193 King's Rd., SW3
- True Value Vintage Clothing - 110-112 Chesire St., E26EJ / Unit 26 Camden Stables Market - Chalk Farm Rd. NW1