Wallis Simpson - the Duchess of Windsor
Wallis Simpson – the Duchess of Windsor

Fashion has always been an integral part of Royal life…. and films. Lately however, while most Hollywood films haven’t had any classical fashion moments (like Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy dress in Breakfast At Tiffany’s or Julia Roberts’ brown polka-dot dress in Pretty Woman), get ready for Madonna’s next film W.E (which releases in December) and promises lots of vintage fashion.

The Duchess of Windsor
The Duchess of Windsor
The stars of W.E dressed as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor
The stars of W.E dressed as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

Based on the love story between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII (who gave up the Throne of England to marry this twice-divorced, American woman), the film W.E – which stands for Wallis and Edward – will be a fashion extravaganza especially since Wallis (who became the Duchess of Windsor after marriage to the former King) wore only creations by Givenchy, Dior, Mainbocher, Elsa Shiapirelli and other leading couturiers of the time (1930’s up until her death in 1986). In fact, in one interview the Duke said, “The Duchess loves Paris because it is not too far from Dior!”

The Duke and Duchess on their wedding day. She wore a pale blue Mainbocher gown
The Duke and Duchess on their wedding day. She wore a pale blue Mainbocher gown
Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy as the Duchess and the Duke of Windsor
Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy as the Duchess and the Duke of Windsor

Some of the bigger designers who have done clothes and jewelry for the film include John Galliano, Issa, Cartier and milliner Stephen Jones for the hats.

The film is expected to release on the 9th of December 2011. It promises to be larger-than-life. But we’re just waiting to see the classic vintage fashions.

A still from W.E
A still from W.E
A 1948 picture of the Duke & Duchess
A 1948 picture of the Duke & Duchess