Jubilee Style | Celebrating British Fashion at Symphony

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee with an extended weekend in the UK this week, sixty years ago, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was the ceremony in which the newly ascended monarch, Elizabeth II, was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ceylon, and Pakistan, as well as taking on the role of Head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth ascended the thrones of these countries upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952, and was proclaimed queen by her various privy and executive councils shortly afterwards. The coronation was held more than a year after the accession, on 2 June 1953.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at the coronation, June 2 1953

A Coronation Party, 1953

In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee this weekend – marking sixty years as Monarch of the UK – we highlight some of our favourite British brands, all available at Symphony, The Dubai Mall now…

Charlotte Olympia at Symphony

Luxury accessories designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal launched her London-based shoe brand ‘Charlotte Olympia’ in February 2007. Charlotte Olympia designs have become synonymous with classic shapes and meticulous attention to detail. Each shoe is finished with the brand’s signature gold spider web on the sole. Inspired by the allure of Hollywood glamour of old, Charlotte Olympia’s leopard prints, fan detailing and arresting use of colour have been coveted by Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, Anna Dello Russo, Keira Knightly, Katy Perry and Beyoncé amongst others. Each shoe is handcrafted in Italy using only the finest materials. Her vertiginous heels and urbane ‘island’ style platforms are sold at some of the world’s most prestigious retailers, including Symphony, The Dubai Mall.

Charlotte Olympia Avalon SS12 heels available at Symphony, The Dubai Mall now

Felicity Brown exclusively at Symphony

Felicity Brown SS12 exclusively at Symphony, The Dubai Mall in the UAE.

Holly Fulton exclusively at Symphony

Holly Fulton SS12 exclusively at Symphony, The Dubai Mall in the UAE.

Jenny Packham at Symphony

Synonymous with eminently glamorous design, luxurious quality and resolute craftsmanship, Jenny Packham has become the design house of choice when it comes to partywear and evening dressing. Red carpets the world over are graced with her sumptuous designs worn by the most iconic, talented and influential women of recent generations, from Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Rhianna and Beyonce to Keira Knightley, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and The Duchess of Cambridge. Packham’s designs are regularly selected for stylistically acclaimed television and film productions and most recently her show featured heavily in Gossip Girls with a show dedicated to a Jenny Packham show presentation in New York modeled by the lead characters. Other Oscar nominated shows featuring Packham’s designs include James Bond and Sex and the City. With flagship stores and showrooms now situated in London, Paris and New York and presence in the world’s most discerning stores from Harrods and Neiman Marcus to Bergdorf Goodman and Net-A-Porter, and Symphony, The Dubai Mall – Packham’s global brand appeal and demand is clearly illustrated. The luxury design house now produces ready-to-wear, resort, bridal, accessories and lingerie collections. With an honours degree from Central St.Martins and an honorary doctorate and multitude of awards for both her ready-to-wear and bridal lines, Jenny Packham is clearly recognized as one of the UKs most successful and independent fashion brands with global recognition.

Jenny Packham SS12 at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

Jonathan Saunders exclusively at Symphony

Scottish-born print designer Jonathan Saunders graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1999 with a BA in Printed Textiles, going on to graduate from Central Saint Martin’s in 2002 with an MA with distinction in Printed Textiles, subsequently winning him the Lancôme Colour Awards 2002. In September 2006, he was awarded the Fashion Enterprise Award by the British Fashion Council. Saunders uses traditional silk screening techniques, developing the concept of engineering prints around pattern pieces. In effect each garment has its own specifically designed print rather that one standard print being used throughout a collection.

Jonathan Saunders SS12 exclusively at Symphony, The Dubai Mall in the UAE.

Marchesa Accessories at Symphony

British born Georgina and Keren met at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. Georgina, a 2001 graduate of the Wimbledon School of Art, began her career as a costume designer. Keren graduated from Brighton Art College in 2000 and subsequently focused on print and embroidery design. Georgina’s draping and design expertise paired with Keren’s textile creations resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of Marchesa in 2004. Elegant eveningwear, inspired by vintage and Asian influences, defines the Marchesa Collection. The beautifully crafted designs fuse high fashion with an eclectic aesthetic. Co-founded by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the company’s namesake and muse, Marchesa Luisa Casati, is the noted eccentric European style icon. Based in New York, the Marchesa collection is presently available in Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in the United States, Harrods in London, and Symphony, The Dubai Mall.

Marchesa Accessories SS12 at Symphony, The Dubai Mall.

Michael Van Der Ham Exclusively at Symphony

Now on his 6th collection Michael Van Der Ham has firmly positioned himself as one of the most notable NEWGEN designers. Van der Ham initiated his design foray with a number of invaluable internships with well-respected design houses including Alexander McQueen and Sophia Kokosalaki and As Four, before taking a place on the highly coveted Central Saint Martins MA course. His graduation collection was extraordinarily well received and led to him showing at London Fashion Week. Van Der Ham has a distinct aesthetic achieved by mismatching unusual fabrics and a subtlety of cut. His signature style has led to sell-out collections amongst highly respected stockists and established Van Der Ham as the most exciting design talent of his generation.

Michael Van Der Ham SS12 exclusively at Symphony, The Dubai Mall in the UAE.

Rupert Sanderson at Symphony

In a moment of madness or divine intervention Rupert Sanderson resigned from a disastrous career in advertising to learn how to make shoes at the Cordwainers College in East London. During the summer break of the two year course he rode a motorbike to Italy to visit as many shoe factories, tanneries and last makers as he could. In a very short time he was working in Italy firstly for Sergio Rossi and then Bruno Magli. His design philosophy is simply ‘less is more’. Avoiding augmentation and over dressing the foot he concentrates on perfecting line, volume and material to flatter and lengthen the leg, and make women feel sexier. His inspiration comes from the materials themselves; from the sensual curve and silhouettes of the lasts and heels, to the quality and finish of the best leather and fabrics. To complement his obsessive passion with the Italian craft of shoe making, every pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes is named after a Daffodil.

Rupert Sanderson SS12 at Symphony, The Dubai Mall.

All available at:

Symphony | Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue | The Dubai Mall | T: +971 (0)4 330 8050

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