Back in the 90s, Queen Camilla wasn’t afraid to experiment with fashion, often donning bright and bold colours – and she wasn’t afraid to show skin either.

Her most stand-out fashion moment was undoubtedly when she attended a party at The Ritz in London in 1995, sensationally wearing what was widely considered her version of Princess Diana’s “revenge dress”.

Diana famously wore the dress shortly after news of Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla became public. Camilla seemingly decided to emulate the look, even opting for a gemstone choker similar to the jewels Diana had worn. Not surprisingly, Camilla made headlines for the ensemble.

The early noughties saw the then-prince’s girlfriend experimenting with more patterns, fabrics and skin-revealing numbers.

In summer 2000, Camilla made an appearance at a gala dinner celebrating The Prince’s Trust wearing a fitted pale-pink satin gown, complete with glittering beaded detailing.

She hasn’t been afraid to dress for the theme of an occasion either. For the opening of the Mamma Mia musical at the Prince of Wales Theatre in June 2004, Camilla opted for a Mediterranean-inspired gown with a matching silk shawl, which she accessorised with pearl earrings and a cream handbag.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall’s life as a royal

Everything changed in 2005 for Camilla when she married Prince Charles and became the Duchess of Cornwall. For her wedding day, she kept it simple in a cream Anna Valentine dress with matching overcoat.

As Camilla settled into the family as a working royal, she started wearing more evening gowns as her formal engagements increased. But the biggest change was that she finally had access to the royal family’s jewels, including extravagant diamond tiaras, necklaces and earrings.That doesn’t mean the duchess wasn’t willing to experiment and go against certain royal fashion expectations. For the London premiere of 2010’s Alice in Wonderland, Camilla showed up on the red carpet wearing the avant-garde designer Vivienne Westwood. The fitted, turquoise gown and matching silk cape certainly took the fashion world by surprise.

Throughout her years as a royal, one thing is for sure: Camilla’s cape dress has been a wardrobe staple she is clearly fond of. During her recent visit to France in September, she once again opted for a blue cape gown as she posed with the French first lady, Brigitte Macron.

Fashion Week, darlings

Royal appearances at fashion weeks were once incredibly rare, but that all changed in 2018 when Queen Elizabeth sat in the front row next to Anna Wintour at the show of designer Richard Quinn, who was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

The Duchess of Cornwall followed suit in 2019, making her very first appearance at London Fashion Week. Standing in for her mother-in-law and seated next to British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, the duchess presented the second Queen Elizabeth II Award to Bethany Williams, a British designer who focuses on sustainable and ethical fashion practices.

For her big fashion week debut, the then duchess opted for a navy and white long-sleeved dress by couturier Bruce Oldfield, completing the look with a pearl necklace, black heels and a black clutch.

Which are Queen Camilla’s favourite brands and designers?

When Camilla opted for designer Anna Valentine for her wedding to Charles in April 2005, little did we know it would become her label of choice for years to come. Anna Valentine is widely known as the Queen Consort’s favourite dressmaker, with Camilla having worn dresses by the designer to both Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle.When it comes to handbags, Camilla owns just about every brand under the sun, but it’s her love for Chanel bags that has remained unchanged over the years. For royal engagements, the Queen Consort most often turns to Chanel for her understated yet classic arm candy.

Expert insight into her fashion transformation

The Queen Consort’s former daughter-in-law, Sara Parker Bowles, who was married to her son Tom for 16 years, is a successful stylist who has worked as a fashion editor for the likes of British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

During an interview with the British press, she shared her thoughts and insights on Camilla’s fashion makeover. “I don’t think Camilla gave all that much thought to fashion before she became queen and was thrust centre stage, so what I love most about her style is how she’s getting it right: trusting her instincts and staying true to herself,” she said.

“It’s a weird thing suddenly to be held up as a clothes horse in your 70s, but instead of shrinking, she’s embraced the attention and managed the inevitable criticism in her own, inimitable, remarkable way, and she’s just having fun and enjoying her looks. I couldn’t applaud that more.”

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