As the UK mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the nation is simultaneously carrying on with their daily routines. However, in light of this news, there have been temporary suspensions and closures of certain establishments. One such example is Selfridges, which made the decision to close its branches early on Thursday and remained closed on Friday. Despite this, their online store remained operational. The retailer expressed profound sadness over the Queen’s passing and acknowledged her unwavering commitment to the country and the Commonwealth over the span of 70 years.
During this period of mourning, broadcasters halted their regular programming, and advertisements were put on hold across various media platforms. Harrods, another prominent retailer, also conveyed their condolences and solidarity with the nation. They specifically emphasized the Queen’s significant role as a symbol of Britain, highlighting the comfort and leadership she provided during her extraordinary 70-year reign. The British Fashion Council took to social media to pay tribute to the Queen, reminiscing about her visit to London Fashion Week in 2018 and her support for young creatives.
Despite the somber atmosphere, the British Fashion Council announced that London Fashion Week would proceed as planned. However, brands were advised to cancel non-essential events, prompting Burberry to withdraw its scheduled show on September 17th. This decision stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the Queen’s funeral, which is expected to occur around 10 days following her passing. Given the proximity of Burberry’s show to this period of national mourning, the brand chose to respect the occasion and opted to withdraw. The British Fashion Council encouraged designers to take into account the timing of their image releases and to be mindful of the nation’s mood.
Beyond the fashion industry, numerous businesses also expressed their condolences. The Duke of Westminster, who oversees the Grosvenor estate housing many luxury brand stores in London, reflected on the profound impact and lifelong inspiration the Queen provided. He praised her as a beacon of hope in times of crisis and as a symbol of national pride during celebrations. Various retail leaders, including Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, issued statements honoring the Queen’s extraordinary life and extending their deepest sympathies to her family.
As the UK continues to navigate this period of mourning, it is clear that Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy will endure, continuing to resonate and inspire individuals from all walks of life. Her unwavering dedication and service to the country will be eternally cherished and remembered for generations to come.
Useful Links:
1. The Royal Family Official Website
2. Vogue UK – Fashion News and Features
