One of the most stylish women to ever grace the Royal Family was Wallis Simpson, a controversial figure who Edward, the Duke of Windsor, abdicated for.
Before Kate Middleton dazzled in Alexander McQueen or Meghan Markle modernised the royal rulebook, Simpson was collaborating with Salvador Dali on bespoke lobster-print gowns and stunned in multiple wedding outfits.
With Roland Mouret creating a £2,100 dress inspired by her for his 2011/2012 autumn/winter collection and Madonna even releasing a film in 2011 called W.E., she remains a royal style icon - known for her bold styling choices and recurring leaf print motifs.
Mouret once said, “You can't work in fashion and not be inspired by the life and wardrobe of Wallis Simpson. Love or hate her, the world is still obsessed by that woman.”
From Paco Rabanne spacesuits to Elsa Schiaparelli creations, she was a permanent fixture at fashion shows, including Givenchy and Dior.
However, Simpson, who married the Duke of Windsor following two divorces, truly broke the mould with her third and final wedding dress.
She married the Duke in a halo-esque hat and sky blue Mainbocher wedding dress - which later went on to be exhibited at the Metropolitan Institute of Art. The shade of her dress also became known as ‘Wallis Blue’.
She wasn't afraid to pull in unusual textures and elements into her royal wardrobe. For example, she once sat for a portrait in a blue and white diagonally striped sequined jacket, then on another occasion wore a white ballgown tastefully embroidered with monkeys.
Her style was emulated for the new series of The Crown on Netflix, where Simpson is played by Lia Williams.
