Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆( (4.3/5)
Genre: Fashion, Biography, Royalty, Photography, Coffee Table Book

Book Review:
Royal Style Wars by Lesley Ebbetts is a deliciously entertaining and visually stunning deep dive into one of the most captivating aspects of the royal phenomenon of the 1980s and 90s: the fashion face-off between Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York. With insider knowledge from a seasoned fashion editor and over 200 spectacular photographs by the legendary Tim Graham, this book is a must-have for anyone fascinated by royal style.

The book's premise is pure fun: two young women, thrust into the global spotlight, developing their own distinct and increasingly influential fashion identities. On one side, Diana, the epitome of chic, cool, and beautifully studied glamour. On the other, Fergie, initially labelled ''unchic'' by some editors but winning hearts with her enthusiasm, infectious informality, and bold, fun-loving style. Ebbetts, with her insider's perspective from a decade at the Daily Mirror, deftly traces the emergence of their contrasting personalities through their clothing choices.

The photographs by Tim Graham are, of course, the heart of the book. They are magnificent, capturing every detail of their iconic looks. From the fairy-tale wedding dresses to the glamorous gowns for state occasions, from chic ski wear to casual family holiday attire, the images document a living fashion history. Seeing them side-by-side, the contrasts are striking and endlessly fascinating.

But the book is more than just a collection of pretty pictures. Ebbetts's text provides the juicy backstory, unveiling the dramatic stories behind the stunning creations. She explores their relationships with designers, their feelings about each other's clothes, and how their personal styles evolved in response to their royal roles and their relationships with the Queen and other family members. It's a story of two women using fashion as a form of self-expression on a global stage.

For anyone who loves fashion, royal history, or simply a good story about two of the most iconic women of their era, Royal Style Wars is a treasure. It's a beautiful, informative, and utterly compelling chronicle of a time when what the Princess and Duchess wore was front-page news and a source of endless fascination. Highly recommended.