Fashion Sketch

This fashion sketch by British fashion designer Ian Thomas is for Queen Elizabeth II. She wore it for a visit to Sweden in 1983. The bright yellow of the dress with the blue sash of the Order of the Garter reflect the host country's national colours. The note 'Mrs Richardson' suggests the designer had a particular dress maker in mind to work on the dress.

Fashion sketches were sent to customers for approval and comment. Designs for members of the royal family were often subject to royal protocol and suitability for a royal occasion such as this.

Ian Thomas dressed many members of the Royal Family. He worked with Queen Elizabeth II for over 20 years and created some of her most iconic outfits, including the outfit she wore for the wedding of King Charles III, when Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

It is reported that the Queen appreciated the restrained and understated elegance of his designs. Both were known to share a common interest in horses and horse racing. In 1973 the designer was awarded a Royal warrant as dress maker. Before setting up his own label and couture house Ian Thomas worked for 17 years as an assistant to the prestigious British designer, Sir Norman Hartnell, who designed Queen Elizabeth II's wedding and coronation dresses.