Sara Parker Bowles, the former daughter-in-law of Queen Camilla, has shared her admiration for Carole Middleton, marking the latter’s 70th birthday by highlighting her influence as one of Britain's most celebrated style icons. Parker Bowles, who once shared her life with Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, now works as a fashion editor and is the founder of Wardrobe Revivals.
Reflecting on Carole's sartorial choices, Parker Bowles noted, "There's a kind of freedom and an easiness to her dressing. She wears the clothes, they don't wear her," showcasing her appreciation for Middleton’s natural elegance.
Throughout the years, Carole Middleton’s royal fashion moments have become synonymous with refined taste, especially through her loyalty to designer Catherine Walker. Her standout appearance as mother of the bride, wearing a beautifully crafted baby blue coat-dress during the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, remains etched as one of her most notable looks.
“Her mother-of-the-bride outfit was definitely a highlight for me. It hasn't dated at all,” Parker Bowles reminisced, reflecting on the timeless nature of Carole's fashion choices.
Fashion experts have noted how many women look to Carole's outfits for inspiration when dressing for various events. Designer Claire Mischevani commented on Carole's influence, stating, "Many ladies take inspiration from her outfits when dressing for events themselves," underlining Middleton’s impact on women’s fashion.
Carole’s versatility has positioned her alongside other stylish septuagenarians, including the likes of Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley. Stylist Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey elaborated on Middleton's dynamic wardrobe, saying, "One moment she is in a Breton top and jeans, the next a Me+Em dress, then a fabulous Catherine Walker suit." This adaptability reflects Carole's mastery of dressing appropriately for every occasion, from casual outings to grand royal events.
Her choices often highlight soft colors complementing her complexion and maintaining elegant proportions through thoughtful necklines and hemlines. Recently, she wore a stunning electric blue coat dress to King Charles III's Coronation, showcasing her continued commitment to sophisticated dressing.
Carole Middleton has gained recognition not only for her exemplary tastes but also for her support of British fashion as she champions various brands, from high street favorites like Boden and Reiss to mid-range designers such as Me+Em and Cefinn. Daisy Knatchbull, the founder of Cefinn, praised her enduring style, remarking, "Supporting local talent is so important, and she does it in a way...that truly highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of British fashion on a global scale."
This dedication to showcasing British fashion with integrity has made Carole Middleton not just a fashion icon but also a pivotal figure within the industry, embodying the values of elegance and sophistication.
On this jubilant occasion of Carole's 70th birthday, both Parker Bowles and the fashion community at large celebrate her influence, taste, and unwavering style. The fashion editor's remarks provide insight not only on Carole's fashion legacy but also on the inspiration she continues to provide to women, effortlessly bridging the gap between royal tradition and modern fashion sensibility.
While celebrating Carole Middleton, there's no mistaking her unique ability to navigate the fashion world with authenticity and grace, firmly establishing her place as one of the nation’s true style icons.