What To Know
- Beyond the “Traviata,” the Queen also favored other Launer styles, including the “Samantha,” a slightly smaller handbag with a similar design, and the “Kenya,” a larger tote with a distinctive flap closure.
- Her handbags were a reflection of her role as a monarch, a symbol of her authority and elegance, but they also revealed her personal taste and her appreciation for the finer things in life.
- The Queen’s handbags were a constant presence throughout her reign, a silent testament to her enduring style and her ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and dignity.
The Queen’s style has always been a source of fascination for the world, and her handbags were no exception. From her signature Launer London totes to her occasional use of other luxury brands, her handbag choices reflected a sense of elegance, practicality, and tradition. But what handbags did the queen use, and what do they tell us about her personality and reign?
A Legacy of Elegance: Launer London
For over 50 years, Queen Elizabeth II was a loyal customer of Launer London, a British luxury handbag maker. She owned over 200 Launer handbags, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and exquisite materials. The Queen’s favorite style was the “Traviata,” a structured, rectangular handbag with a top handle and a signature lock. The “Traviata” was often seen in black or navy, colors that complemented her classic wardrobe.
Beyond the “Traviata,” the Queen also favored other Launer styles, including the “Samantha,” a slightly smaller handbag with a similar design, and the “Kenya,” a larger tote with a distinctive flap closure. These handbags were not just accessories but were part of the Queen’s royal protocol. She used them to carry important documents, personal items, and even to discreetly signal her wishes to her staff.
The Queen’s Handbag Diplomacy: A Secret Language
The Queen’s use of her handbag was not just a matter of fashion; it was also a form of nonverbal communication. According to royal protocol, the Queen’s handbag signaled her wishes to her staff, particularly during official engagements. For instance, if the Queen placed her handbag on the table, it meant that she wanted the engagement to end shortly. If she moved her handbag from one hand to the other, it signified that she wanted the conversation to continue.
This discreet form of communication allowed the Queen to maintain control and manage her time during public appearances without disrupting the flow of events. It was a testament to her refined etiquette and her ability to navigate complex social situations with grace and precision.
Beyond Launer: A Glimpse into the Queen’s Personal Style
While Launer London was undoubtedly the Queen’s primary handbag brand, she was known to occasionally carry other luxury handbags. She was particularly fond of Hermes Birkin bags, known for their luxurious leather and craftsmanship. The Queen’s Birkin bags were often seen in vibrant colors like red and green, adding a touch of personality to her otherwise classic wardrobe.
The Queen’s choice of handbags reflected her personal style, which was a blend of tradition and modernity. She valued quality and craftsmanship, but she also appreciated a touch of color and whimsy. Her handbags were a reflection of her role as a monarch, a symbol of her authority and elegance, but they also revealed her personal taste and her appreciation for the finer things in life.
The Queen’s Handbags: A Symbol of Continuity and Change
The Queen’s handbags were not just accessories; they were a symbol of continuity and change. Her unwavering loyalty to Launer London reflected her commitment to British craftsmanship and her support for local businesses. However, her occasional use of other brands, such as Hermes, demonstrated her openness to new trends and her willingness to embrace change.
The Queen’s handbags were a constant presence throughout her reign, a silent testament to her enduring style and her ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and dignity. They were a reminder of her unwavering commitment to duty and her dedication to her role as a monarch.
The Queen’s Handbags: A Legacy of Style and Influence
Queen Elizabeth II’s love for handbags left an indelible mark on fashion history. Her patronage of Launer London helped to elevate the brand to global recognition, and her iconic “Traviata” handbag became a symbol of classic elegance. Her discreet use of her handbag as a form of communication inspired a generation of women to embrace the power of nonverbal communication.
The Queen’s handbags were more than just accessories; they were a reflection of her personality, her style, and her reign. They were a symbol of her commitment to tradition, her appreciation for craftsmanship, and her ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and dignity.
The Queen’s Legacy: A Lasting Impression
The Queen’s passing marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence. Her handbags, like her reign, were a testament to her enduring style, her unwavering commitment to duty, and her ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and dignity. They will continue to be remembered as a symbol of classic elegance, a reminder of her unwavering style, and a testament to her enduring presence on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite handbag brand?
A: Queen Elizabeth II was a loyal customer of Launer London, a British luxury handbag maker, for over 50 years. She owned over 200 Launer handbags and favored their “Traviata” style.
Q: What was the significance of the Queen’s handbag in royal protocol?
A: The Queen’s handbag was used as a discreet form of communication with her staff during official engagements. For instance, placing her handbag on the table signaled that she wanted the engagement to end soon, while moving it from one hand to the other meant she wanted the conversation to continue.
Q: Did the Queen ever carry handbags from other brands?
A: While Launer London was her primary handbag brand, the Queen was also known to carry other luxury handbags, such as Hermes Birkin bags.
Q: What colors were the Queen’s handbags?
A: The Queen’s Launer handbags were often seen in black or navy, while her Hermes Birkin bags were occasionally seen in vibrant colors like red and green.
Q: What is the legacy of the Queen’s handbags?
A: The Queen’s love for handbags left a lasting impression on fashion history. Her patronage of Launer London helped elevate the brand to global recognition, and her iconic “Traviata” handbag became a symbol of classic elegance. Her discreet use of her handbag as a form of communication inspired a generation of women to embrace the power of nonverbal communication.
