When searching for a truly show-stopping dress, one brand consistently captures the imagination: Queens of Archive. Celebrated for its vintage-inspired aesthetic and an impressive roster of famous fans, the label has built a reputation for placing glamour at the very heart of every collection.
A Royal and Celebrity Seal of Approval
It is little surprise that style icons like Holly Willoughby and Alexa Chung are drawn to the brand. Their collections masterfully blend 1960s and 1970s silhouettes with modern touches, from leopard print coats to sparkling mini bags. The current range carries a particularly strong royal appeal, with several pieces echoing the wardrobes of prominent members of the Royal Family.
One floral frock bears a striking resemblance to a style owned by Princess Beatrice, while a playful mini dress incorporates design details favoured by both the Princess of Wales and Zara Tindall. Another billowing maxi dress seems perfectly suited to the Duchess of Edinburgh's elegant style.
More Than Just Costume: Glamour with a Conscience
Every Queens of Archive piece is crafted with a distinctive twist, designed to make the wearer feel instantly glamorous rather than dressed in costume. This philosophy stems from the creative vision of founder Nicola Orme, whose personal love of statement prints and vintage fashion infuses the brand.
Sustainability is central to the label's ethos. The brand operates through limited product drops, a strategy that supports its ambition to move towards zero-waste production, making glamour more responsible.
Putting the Collection to the Test
We tried key pieces from the latest Queens of Archive collection to see if they live up to the hype.
The Claudia Dress: This beautiful dress immediately recalls a similar style worn by Princess Beatrice. It skims the figure effortlessly, with fluted sleeves adding a dramatic touch. The ruffled hem and winter blooms print strike a perfect balance between statement-making and wearable. Surprisingly comfortable with subtle shoulder pads, it's an elegant, throw-on piece. Styled with gold heels, it also works with classic black accessories.
The Karina Dress: A velvet festive staple that channels 1960s femininity. Voluminous sheer organza sleeves, a pie-crust collar, and playful daisy trim create a romantic look, enhanced by cuffs scattered with tiny embroidered blooms. Its monochrome palette makes it versatile for year-round wear. Easy to slip on and effortlessly polished, it pairs beautifully with patent Mary Janes.
The Bettina Dress: With its mix of polka dots and florals, this dress has Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, written all over it. The billowing sleeves with smocked cuffs give a subtle nod to the 1970s. It features a semi-sheer maxi skirt with front slits over a mini slip, balancing drama and wearability perfectly.
The Audrey Dress: A 1960s-meets-celestial mini dress made for party season. Holly Willoughby owns the floral version. The jacquard star design is ideal for winter events, and the velvet bow at the neck recalls the one Princess Kate wore to a Christmas carol service. Puffed sleeves, a silhouette loved by Zara Tindall, are balanced by a fitted waist and A-line skirt. It's short but wearable, perfect with sheer tights and boots.
