Style Icon:Edward VIII/Duke of Windsor.

I am a just little bit obsessed with Edward VIII. In my third and fourth year in fashion design at uni I centred a main project around him. Of course it had to be a knitwear project, as Edward was known as the man who put fair isle on the fashion map.

He was also responsible for many a fashion innovation. He wore and popularised plus fours for playing golf, he pioneered a new type of shirt collar (called The Prince of Wales collar after him), he also created a new version of the silk tie.

 I'm particularly drawn to the beautiful suits he was often photographed in. The large checks are, I presume and please correct me if I am wrong, the Prince of Wales check as worn by his father. Edward added stylish flair to these very traditional, British fabrics, and to this day, his style remains a wealth of inspiration.

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More Images on Miss Merten's Flickr page

A potted history of Edward VIII's wardrobe

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