House Style

As a designer, Norman Hartnell had the couturier's ultimate gift, that of being able to create wonderfully original ideas that would reflect the wearer's personality.  He is most famous for the numerous elegant outfits made for the Royal Family, in particular Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for the clothing he created for the stars of his day to wear on and off stage.

His style was glamorous, highly sophisticated and complex - he regarded simplicity "as the death of the soul" and yet his evening gowns were legendary for their elegance. His use of sequins, extravagant fringes and other adornments gave a level of complexity to his creations that made the wearer sure in the knowledge that wherever they went, they would make an impact.