Recently, both me and Eve watched W./E., you know, the film directed by Madonna, that has received quite a few unpleasant reviews (if we're to say the least). The movie tells the story of two women: Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who became Duchess of Windsor, after marrying Prince Edward (he gave up the throne for her) and Wally Winthrop, a young married New Yorker in 1998 who has a strange obsession for the Duchess. Ok, this was just an introduction, I am not, by any means, going to talk about this second plot, as it was beyond weird and dull. Even the connection between the two stories was incredibly unpolished and there were more than few scenes that did not belong in this movie.
However, as a lover of all things fashion & British, I gravitated towards the diamond-studded and much more interesting royal love story, between Wallis Simpson (portrayed by Andrea Riseborough) and Prince Edward (James D’Arcy). I absolutely loved this half of the movie, even if it was, as the critics said, focused more the visual, shiny, superficial side of things. I think I've said this before, I believe we sometimes need a dose of that in our lives, don't we? And the movie had an effect on me (other than making me constantly dream of those breathtaking dresses and jewels). I want to order this book to find out more things about her, because until now I've only known her from a generally-shared point of view (doubled by the image of her presented in King's Speech), therefore a not very positive one.
Photos 1, 2, 3 James D'Arcy and Andrea Riseborough as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, source Vanity Fair
I do not intend to bore you with details about Wallis' life (although I might write another article after I read the biography, if you wish), but I am going to share a few photos and details depicting her amazing style. As she described herself: "I'm not a beautiful woman. I'm nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else." I must confess: as I did the research for this post, not only once did I die and go to fashion heaven.
Left: Wallis Simpson wearing a gown and jacket combination of carbon blue jersey from the Schiaparelli Summer 1937 Collection, photographed by Cecil Beaton/ Right: Wallis Simpson wearing a Schiaparelli gown with a lobster print designed by Dali, photographed by Cecil Beaton for Vogue, 1937 - source-
Mrs. Simpson by Cecil Beaton,1934,via TFS
Too fashionable for words. And I mean both of them! Left: The Duke and Duchess enjoying time outside with dogs in Miami, 1941/ Right: Vacationing in Italy, 1953. Photo credit: Bettman/Corbis, via Harper's Bazaar.
Advanced style at its best. Left: In a breton striped top and capri pants in 1950/ Right: Wearing a shift dress in 1966. Photo credit: REX, via http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk
Left: The Duchess at a ball in Versailles, wearing a Cartier necklace, June 17, 1953, Right: Close-up of the necklace -source-I hope you enjoyed this post and I'd love to read your opinions about the Duchess of Windsor or the W./E. movie. If you want to see (many) more stylish photos of Wallis Simpson, you can check out my Pinterest board.
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