Fashion Icon Queen Maud of Norway
British Princess Became Queen after Marrying Prince Carl of Denmark
May 26, 2009
Unlike popular idols Jacqueline Kennedy or Princess Diana, the mention of Queen Maud hardly conjures any image at all. But in her day, Maud was an admired avant-garde original, always on the leading edge of fashion and always true to her own contemporary instincts.
Queen Maud has remained relatively unknown because her unique style is difficult to classify. The sensational 2006 London exhibit re-introduced her surviving wardrobe from the years 1896 to 1938. Now, many of these superb outfits, along with costumes from Norway's Royal Family, are on permanent display at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo, Norway.
Marriage to Prince Carl of Denmark
As the youngest child of Princess Alexandria and a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Maud was born in 1869 into a privileged existence. She expected her quiet, comfortable life to continue after she married a cousin, Prince Carl of Denmark, at the age of 26. However, when Norway peacefully ended its union with Sweden in 1905, it chose to become a monarchy. Prince Carl was elected King and Maud became Queen Consort.
Official Duties with Norway's Royal Family
Her apparel now had to reflect her new public role as she fulfilled official duties on state occasions at home and abroad. Queen Maud called on her favourite French couturiers, such as Worth and Laferriere, as well as British and Norwegian dressmakers. She changed outfits at least four times daily and travelled with 50 suitcases of clothes.
Highlights from the Victoria and Albert Museum
The V & A Museum displayed over 40 years worth of Queen Maud's exquisitely tailored and embellished outfits, portraying an evolution of fashion from three distinct eras of women's clothing design.
Colourful princess-style evening gowns displayed the formal and restricting profile of 1907. Made of lace and lavishly embroidered with beads, sequins and diamante, their long draped skirts flowed into trains.
By 1918, the Queen embraced the latest trend with a sleek black dress covered in swirls of silver and indigo sequins, reminiscent of a midnight sky by van Gogh.
A silver outfit from the 1920s looked more space-age than jazz-age, with tulle sleeves and diamond-pattern quilting. In 1927, the 58 year old Queen shimmered in a black shift by Blancquaert, beaded with glittering rows of silver tassels.
Queen Maud's Accessories
Floral designs were a favourite of Maud's and figured prominently among her accessories. Plastics, leather or more unusual material, such as lacquered cotton and wax, were used to create corsages. This theme continued with rows of pink, mauve and blue rosebuds sewn onto a dainty handbag.
Maud was also an active woman and even had roller skates strapped to a pair of high-button leather boots.
Last Fashions of Queen Maud
Maud was confident enough to change the look of several couture designs, including scaling down the wide shoulders on a 1938 day dress from Worth.
Stylish to the end, Queen Maud died November 20, 1938. One of her last dresses was a slinky black evening gown, printed with exotic flowers at the shoulder, hip and hem. The low-cut bodice was a daring look for a 68 year old queen.
Style and Splendour – The Wardrobe of Queen Maud
The best way to experience the fabulous fashions of Queen Maud is with a visit to the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo. These dazzling designs can also be enjoyed in the book that accompanied the London exhibit. Style and Splendour: The Wardrobe of Queen Maud of Norway 1896-1938 by Anne Kjelberg and Susan North, is available through the V & A Museum Shop and other online sources.
Other London Attractions
Though the Queen Maud exhibit at the V&A is over, the museum is worth visiting year-round. Other London attractions include the art and furnishings of the Wallace Collection in stately Hertford House and the architecture and glorious gardens of Fenton House.
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