On a chilly Thursday evening in January, the Duchess of Edinburgh commanded attention at the Royal Corps of Army Music dinner held at the Gibraltar Barracks in Camberley. As the temperature dipped, she radiated warmth and elegance, dressing in a striking silver gown from designer Erdem, which shimmered under the venue’s lights. To combat the cold, she layered her outfit with a chic bottle green faux fur jacket from Zara, elevating the ensemble while maintaining a cozy aesthetic. The opulence of her attire was further enhanced by an array of dazzling Chopard diamonds, showcasing her refined taste and setting the standard for evening wear.
While her outfit was undeniably splendid, it was her hairstyle that truly captured the spotlight. Having recently celebrated her 60th birthday, the Duchess showcased a voluminous blow dry that seemed to be inspired by contemporary hair trends. Abandoning her typical sleek or pinned-back style, she sported luscious, bouncy locks that added dimension to her overall look. Many observers likened her hairstyling to the Dallas blow dry—a look that has gained immense popularity on social media platforms, specifically TikTok.
Professional stylist Micheal Gray provided insight into the elevated hairstyle, articulating the technique behind achieving the stunning volume. According to Gray, the Dallas blow dry involves strategically working with sections of hair using a round blow dry brush to achieve a significant lift and movement, pinning the hair to maintain its shape as it cools. When brushed out, this technique creates a refined finish that perfectly complements any elegant dress, highlighting the Duchess’s sophisticated fashion sense.
The royal family is known for keeping their beauty regimens mostly under wraps; however, on special occasions, some details slip through. For instance, during her wedding day in 1999, the Duchess wore a flawlessly crafted hairstyle created by renowned stylist Andrew Collinge. The transformative duration between her engagement announcement and nuptials provided no room for trials, which meant Collinge relied on his expertise to create a graceful pixie cut that framed her face beautifully.
On that memorable day, her hair was styled into a chic, bouncy look with her fringe artfully blow-dried forward. Complementing this classic hairstyle was a diamond tiara borrowed from the late Queen, which added a touch of royal heritage to the Duchess’s embellished coat dress, expertly designed by Samantha Shaw. The seamless blend of tradition and modernity in her styling choices reflects the Duchess’s evolution in the royal fashion landscape.
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s latest appearance encapsulates the perpetual allure of royal sophistication and contemporary trends. By marrying elegance with fashionable elements, she not only enhances her personal brand but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for many women looking to elevate their own styling game. In an age when social media dictates trends, it’s refreshing to see a royal figure embodying these influences while remaining grounded in timeless classicism. Ultimately, the Duchess stands as a testament to the idea that style knows no age, and beauty is adaptable and always relevant.