While the Coronation of Their Majesties, The King and The Queen at Westminster Abbey was said to be a scaled back affair, it will none the less, go down in books as one of the grand occasions of the century.

Wonder as we might about the future of the monarchy, I think we can agree, that the meticulously orchestrated show of pomp, pageantry and historic tradition was in sharp contrast to the simplistic, more laid back style we’ve found ourselves adhering to lately.

However, if recent high fashion and design collections are anything to go by, change is indeed in the wind in more than just the royal family. The 2023 ready-to-wear catwalk season oozed sartorial elegance and a concern for detail using contrasting textures, fine fabrics and more complex sophisticated designs. 

Elegance in the furnishings space is making a comeback as well with the use of noble materials (high quality marble, brass, steel and fine fabrics) along with elementary forms and geometries.

Shown in Italy earlier this year, animalier prints, for instance, were featured on indoor and outdoor sectional sofa, with patterns inspired by the coats of the giraffe, zebra and jaguar. Others turned to velvets and brocades and introduced prints inspired by a Rococo representation of the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan along with columns, pedestals and classical monuments.

Could the Coronation lead to a more formal and celebratory approach for all of us? Experts suggest that it may be so and that going forward 2023, and 2024, will be full of energy, golden glamour and power. Could his be just be what we need to shake ourselves out of our doldrums? Here’s hoping so!

Caroline Tapp-McDougall,
Editor-in-Chief
caroline@bcsgroup.com