According to Fiona Clare, her interest in fashion was genetic. Both her grandmother and mother were soigne and stylish women. Her up-close and personal view of their wardrobes has informed her own vision: “….the creation of unique and perfectly finished couture”. She has been designing for over 30 years and didn’t even slow down during lock-down. Instead, she used the time to design her first online ready-to-wear, silk capsule collection. It includes kimonos, shirts, trousers, nightgowns, and face coverings.
The designer’s desire to produce clothes that flatter women of all ages and sizes makes her a perfect fit for the Duchess of Cornwall. It’s a meeting of minds. Some of the Duchess’s best looks- for day, evening, and outside – have been produced by Clare.
Her day dresses tend toward floaty prints that manage both shape and flow, a feat often missed by other designers. They also look as if they allow for comfortable movement. The feather dress is a particular favorite of Camilla’s, and it has seen many outings.
My personal favorite is this fresh blue and white small print which includes some interesting detail around the neckline.
She has also designed some of the Duchess’s evening gowns, and they, too, look like they allow movement and comfort. It’s a nice change from the stiffer dresses that the Duchess has worn to tiara events. The designer is a fan of sheer sleeves and open necklines, which look pretty and fresh but not at all too juvenile for a Classic Duchess.
For the US State Visit in 2019, the Duchess wore a Clare gown with sheer sleeves and a floral embroidered overlay, with a deep v-neck.
For a visit to Munich, Camilla wore one of my favorite Fiona Clare gowns. It featured a square neck – be still my heart! – and that trademark Clare shaping and flow. The subtle overall print added a nice touch of springtime.
For a December engagement in Windsor, Camilla sported a festive Fiona Clare purple coat. The coat featured a slim waist and black fur cuffs.
Let us see your Fiona Clare designs!