This autumn, Princess Anne has made a notable mark in the fashion arena with her distinct choice of knee-high boots, opting for a sophisticated black pair and a stylish brown counterpart adorned with country-inspired tassels. However, the royal has recently refreshed her footwear repertoire, stepping out in Edinburgh wearing an eye-catching pair of royal blue velvet loafers. This transition not only showcases Anne’s fashion versatility but also marks a blend of comfort with a flair for modern style, particularly emphasized by the unique design featured on the shoes’ toes.
During her visit to The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, where she serves as the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief, Princess Anne’s choice of attire was as much a statement of style as of service. Paired with her chic velvet loafers, the Princess donned a meticulously tailored skirt suit that caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts and royal watchers alike. The addition of a jazzy silk scarf that peeked from underneath her jacket added an extra layer of sophistication to her overall ensemble. Notably, the suit isn’t just a recent addition to her wardrobe; it’s a vintage piece that dates back to 1984, demonstrating her timeless taste in fashion. The impeccable condition of the suit—flawlessly maintained over three decades—speaks volumes about her commitment to sustainable fashion.
Princess Anne is not alone in her affinity for velvet footwear; her nephew, Prince William, also displayed a taste for the luxe fabric at the 2022 premiere of the film “Top Gun Maverick.” Sporting striking black velvet loafers from Crockett & Jones, his shoes featured playful embroidery of F18 aircrafts, brilliantly tying in with the cinematic theme. This instance underscores the royal family’s burgeoning relationship with the texture, embracing its versatility for formal events while remaining stylish.
Moreover, Princess Beatrice has similarly embraced the luxurious fabric, showcasing her block-heeled velvet shoes and a headband fashioned from the same material during a festive outing in 2021. Sarah Ferguson, the mother of Beatrice, added her unique spin on velvet fashion in April 2022 with embellished loafers that playfully showcased the family’s unofficial motto: “Never Complain, Never Explain.” The humor in her footwear choice highlights a cheeky approach to royal fashion that resonates well within contemporary style narratives.
The Future of Velvet in Royal Wardrobes
Princess Kate has also ventured into the velvet domain, previously seen in striking oxblood Jimmy Choo Romy shoes and distinctive dark green variants by the iconic brand Manolo Blahnik. This shared preference across the royal family for velvet not only signifies its regal elegance but hints at a broader cultural acceptance of this lavish material within high fashion.
As the festive season approaches, one can only anticipate how this velvet trend will evolve among royal wardrobes. With each family member making a bold couture statement, it appears that velvet has solidified its place not merely as a trend but as a staple in royal fashion. The royal family’s enthusiasm for this sumptuous material may very well lead to increased visibility and appreciation of velvet, ensuring it continues to be a point of interest in the realm of regal style.