The Other Side of the Coin by Angela Kelly

 

Angela Kelly is the official Senior Dress of Queen Elizabeth II, a post she has held for more than 20 years.  Ms Kelly started out as a lady's maid to the queen, but over time, has come to be a fashion consultant and designer.  Probably more than anyone else, Ms Kelly has made the queen the fashion icon that she is.  This short memoir tells briefly how Ms Kelly rose to the position and then gives more than a dozen behind-the-scene anecdotes about the queen and her wardrobe.  I had no idea, before reading this book, how much it took to keep the queen looking her best.  She can sometimes have five dress changes a day as she moves from one event to another.  Ms Kelly also cares for many of the historic ceremonial garments the queen is expected to wear to state occasions each year.  The book is the second Ms Kelly has written, and both portray the queen is very positive light.  I have a personal interest in clothing and fashion history, and I found this book delightful and fascinating.  (2019, 302 p)