Last week I went to Buckingham Palace no less…sadly Queenie was otherwise engaged, but it did mean I could see the ‘In Fine Style’ exhibition exploring the fashion of the Court during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

I have a pavlovian response to this sort of treat…just the thought of finding  secrets, and secrets about secrets and the little ideas that will then play in the mind and link up with other ideas already dancing is enough to make me drool.

I love the collar just poking over the top of his doublet. Tres chic.

A later picture, but another lovely, charming collar line with exquisite detail.

The detail on this slashed cuff with the shirt underneath pillowing through?

How much did Nether Stocks wrinkle? And why did Aglets go out of fashion?

There was no impressing discreetly.  This was a time when fashion was a huge vehicle for displaying social status and wealth, but as a consequence the quality of the craftsmanship is awe-inspiring.  As was the glimpse of the shell pink pink satin in this pocket.

The work on this collar..literally done by the fingers of angels the stitches were so small. The tassels on the end were like a collection of snowflakes hanging impossibly together.

Monochrome has never been out of fashion.

A fine way to tie a cravat..

As was this.

It was sleeve and cuff heaven.

Hows that for a trendy man-bracelet?

So unusual..made of scarlet feathers..and holding?

And all the rooms were in strong, royal colours. The perfect backdrop.

We thought this was for a child.  But no. I could literally fit my leg calf  ankle in the waist. The cut of the neck..so elegant.

More exquisitly unbelievable detail.

I can also confirm..the royal toilets pass muster..

Laters, Kate x