National Museum of Australia - Crowns and gowns

Queen in sunglasses at Randwick
National Archives of Australia, A1773 RVK25

From nipped waists and sloping shoulders to flared skirts with matching hats, shoes and handbags, the simple elegance of the Queen's royal tour wardrobe was reported on in every detail. Whether it was a simple ensemble to visit a regional town or a more formal gown for a civic reception, the Queen's clothes were always centre stage on the royal tour.

Floral dress, Adelaide, 1954
National Archives of Australia, A1773 RV1271

The royal tour wardrobe comprised colour and printed day dresses, including several sleeveless frocks suited to the warmer Australian weather, small specially made hats which allowed the public to see the Queen clearly, and beautifully sequined evening gowns designed by Norman Hartnell. Each outfit was accompanied by carefully selected jewellery. From three rows of pearls and a diamond brooch for the day, to a tiara and sapphire necklace for white tie balls in the evening. According to Bobo McDonald, the Queen's dresser on the tour, a troublesome outfit that did not hang well was taken out of the royal wardrobe while a comfortable outfit was worn over and over again.

The Queen opening Parliament House, 1954
National Archives of Australia, A1773 RV376

One of the most eagerly anticipated events was the opening of Parliament in Canberra. For this the Queen wore her white satin coronation gown which was flown from London at a cost of 75 pounds. Even though the gown was specially packed for the journey, it still took three days to iron the wrinkles out! The Queen looked magnificent in her sunray fringe tiara and heavily embroidered gown in the solemn setting of the Senate Chamber.

Norman Hartnell dress, State Reception, Hobart
National Archives of Australia, A1773 RV1403

Norman Hartnell dress, State Reception, Hobart, 1954, NAA

The young Queen captivated Australians. The hundreds of thousands who saw her relished in the glamour and style of her wardrobe. It allowed Australian women to look towards a new future of full-length ball gowns and full skirts with ruffled petticoats coordinated with matching hats, shoes and handbags to create a total balanced fashion look

Norman Hartnell dress, Brisbane, 1954
National Archives of Australia, A2756 RVK129

Norman Hartnell dress, Brisbane, 1954, NAA

An excuse for a new dress

Although the Queen expressed the wish that no one should be put to unnecessary expense in buying clothes or accessories, the anticipated royal tour was an ideal opportunity for Australian women to purchase a new outfit. The Australian Women's Weekly interviewed Norman Hartnell, royal dressmaker, on what was appropriate to wear for royal occasions.

Curtsey
National Archives of Australia, A1773 RV1416A

When attending a garden party, women were instructed to wear light tailored dresses with small hats, as this made curtseying easier to perform. Curtseying was of such importance that women had dresses specially cut so that the skirts fell gracefully. Gloves were always to be worn during the daytime and only taken off once the wearer was presented to the Queen and the Duke. For late-afternoon receptions women were obliged to wear cocktail dresses, gloves and hat.

Crowns and gowns

Crowns and gowns

Image Gallery Page Navigation

Queen in sunglasses at RandwickNational Archives of Australia, A1773 RVK25

Floral dress, Adelaide, 1954National Archives of Australia, A1773 RV1271

The Queen opening Parliament House, 1954National Archives of Australia, A1773 RV376

Norman Hartnell dress, State Reception, HobartNational Archives of Australia, A1773 RV1403

Norman Hartnell dress, Brisbane, 1954National Archives of Australia, A2756 RVK129