Fashion Sketch

This fashion sketch by British fashion designer Ian Thomas is for a gown worn by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent in 1980. 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 royal occasions.

This sketch shows the Duchess wearing a blue sash carrying the Royal Victorian Order, reflecting her appointment by Queen Elizabeth II in June 1977 to be a Dame Grand Cross of the Order.

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 design she wore for the wedding of The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. 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.