Windsor Style

With the Maddona-directed film W.E., what some say is the greatest love story of the 20th century currently touring the film festivals, plus a revealing biography by Anne Sebba shedding new light on this sortted love affair of Wallice Simpson, that caused scandal across the world, the sartorial magnificence and stylistic influence of Simpson have perhaps never been so prominent since her days at the pinnacle of international society. Preview photos of Andrea Riseborough, who plays the infamous American Socialite in Madonna’s, W.E., appeared in Vanity Fair. Riseborough replete from head to toe in couture-made costume and heavily weighed down by some serious jewellery, confirms that to have Madonna onsite grants you a wonderful friendship with Cartier. A legendary favourite of the Duchess’s; Cartier have not only provided jewels for the film but also provided replicas of Wallis’ signature pieces for Madonna- she wore them to the screening of W.E at the Venice film festival. A Cartier Panther bracelet belonging to Wallace last year sold at auction for £4.5, making it the most expensive bracelet ever sold.

As Wallace’s style and story are thrown into the spotlight once again, it would appear that Wallace’s fashion influence reigns supreme, embodied in a Simpson inspired dress designed by Roland Mouret that went on sale exclusively at Net-A-Porter this week. As the godmother of power dressing, Mouret pays homage to the Duchess’s love of sharp tailored shoulders and structured waists that appear in many key evening pieces worn by Wallace. He described his design as needing “to bring together austerity and sensuality, reminiscent of decadent 1930s nights and the fluid silhouette Wallis was known for.” The launch of the dress coincided with the release of aforementioned Anne Sebba’s That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor- a biography based on recently-found letters that paint an intimate portrait of a woman who was on the verge of changing history forever. So the woman and legend, that to some stole the King of England, can be seen to be as relevant and universally intriguing now as ever before, not only in choices made in matters of the heart but eternally in matters of style.

For a look at Roland Mouret’s creations go to Net A Porter.

-Louis Romanus