Fashion Sketch

This fashion sketch by British fashion designer Ian Thomas is for Queen Elizabeth II. Fashion sketches were sent to customers for approval and comment. Designs for members of the royal family had to be suitable for royal protocol and use for royal duties.

This design is labelled 'For Her Majesty the Queen for the Yacht' and probably worn for less formal occasions. This may explain the sleeveless catsuit design. It is signed 'Ian Thomas. 1978'.

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 The 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.