London: A special evening gown inspired by India’s national flower, the lotus, is now on display in London as part of a major exhibition dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion legacy.
The gown, designed by famous royal designer Norman Hartnell, was created for a state dinner hosted by India’s then President Dr Rajendra Prasad in New Delhi in January 1961. The dress is one of the key highlights of the “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” exhibition at the King’s Gallery inside Buckingham Palace.
The silk gown features detailed zardozi-style metal thread embroidery shaped like lotus flowers. It is decorated with lace, pearl beads, crystals and sequins, reflecting traditional Indian craftsmanship and cultural symbolism.
According to the exhibition’s curator notes, the lotus design was specially chosen because it is India’s national flower, making the gown highly suitable for the Queen’s visit to India.
Originally, the gown also included a long train falling from the Queen’s shoulders. Later, it was redesigned with a short bolero jacket so it could be worn again in a simpler style.
The exhibition also highlights how Queen Elizabeth II used fashion as a diplomatic tool during international tours. Another gown from the Queen’s 1961 Commonwealth tour, worn at a state banquet in Karachi, was designed using Pakistan’s national colours with a dramatic emerald-green pleat.
Curators explained that designers Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies carefully prepared culturally appropriate outfits for the Queen’s 1961 visit to India, Pakistan and Nepal.
The tour was historically important as it marked the first visit to India by a reigning British monarch after India gained independence. During the trip, Queen Elizabeth II also attended India’s Republic Day Parade as the Guest of Honour.
The exhibition has been organised to mark the birth centenary year of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Caroline de Guitaut, curator of the exhibition and Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art, said the display celebrates the Queen’s thoughtful fashion choices and the craftsmanship behind her clothing throughout her life.
The exhibition features more than 300 outfits and accessories, covering nearly every stage of Queen Elizabeth II’s life — from her childhood as a princess to her years as monarch. Visitors can also see rare design sketches, fabric samples and handwritten notes that reveal the detailed process behind creating royal outfits.
The exhibition at Buckingham Palace will remain open to the public until October and is being described as one of the most comprehensive royal fashion exhibitions ever organised.
