On the 28th November, The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, in the afternoon held a Meeting. Her Royal Highness as London College of Fashion‘s Patron, in the evening held a Reception at Buckingham Palace. Event hosted by HRH celebrated ten years of Better Lives at LCF, encapsulating projects that use the power of fashion to tackle issues around equality, social mobility, diversity and sustainability.
At the reception The Countess spoke about her commitment to the college – which began in 2013 – and her dedication to projects such as Making for Change. HRH said: “What I love about the college is that it isn’t just about educating young people to create business opportunities, to create careers in and around the fashion industry, it also is an outward facing college and it takes its responsibilities very seriously.”
“To give female prisoners the chance to come out of prison with a genuine job opportunity is a wonderful thing to do, and I’m thrilled that the college is working with recovered female prisoners. So, that’s just one example. And, of course this is just one part of the Better Lives programme. That, alongside sustainable fashion, which is becoming more and more prevalent. But we still have a lot of work to do and the London College is taking its part very seriously in ensuring that students are aware of how to sustain fashion and keep it on the agenda.”
Sophie also joked by saying: “I can’t claim that my track record in fashion has always been as good as it is today, but you know, we learn in time.”HRH spoke with many invited guests, including plus size model Felicity (@FelicityHayward), who tweeted afterwards: “Such an honour to be at the Palace last night to meet HRH The Countess of Wessex and to talk all things #SelfLoveBringsBeauty and sizing in the fashion industry.”
Head of LCF Professor Frances Corner also spoke at the event and reflected on how far the college had come – helping fashion as a discipline to extend and expand its influence, countering traditional stereotypes of fashion as a lightweight subject and how over the past ten years, the college has redefined its agenda, placing sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of what they do. She also wrote an entry on her website with a great attention to detail on the background of the event. You will find her article at her official website, by clicking here.
For full press release by London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, click here. For Royal Family’s website coverage click here. For Daily Mail’s coverage click here.
Outfit & jewellery:
Black turtleneck.
New Jupiter flared floral-jacquard midi skirt by Temperley London. ID courtesy of Ashley Marie.
Tiffany studs paired with citrine drops from Heavenly Necklaces.
Hermes Constance charm in rose gold set with 65 diamonds.
LP Bennett black suede pumps.
HRH The Countess of Wessex 
Love Sophie’s comment, about her not always being intune with all things fashion as she is today. I remember an interview she gave to Camilla Tominey from the Daily Express, where she said, something similar. When you look at her fashion choices now, she can’t help but think, Wow, she nails it every time ! And although, when she attends events she wants the causes and charities be highlighted, I love to see her choices and how stylish she looks. I remember a time when only Sophie wore Jane Taylor creations, now Royal ladies here in the UK and abroad wear her designs, so a ‘shout out’ to Sophie for bringing everyone attention to the wonders of Jane Taylor ! 👏 Bel x
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