Hugh Grant

How do others perceive us Brits?  We're not seen in a particularly bad way but most of our worldwide cousins imagine we bumble around in a Hugh Grant foppish way; stuttering and blundering through life to the delight of many a maternal woman wanting to jump to the rescue.  Or else they see us blithering on like Bridgette Jones in a similarly silly and clumsy manner, hopeless at everything and embarrassing to behold; frumpy and unfashionable and certainly not a role model for us to aspire to - let's be honest.

It's true to say this does paint a pretty accurate picture of our upper classes, including our very own princes! However it is by no means an accurate portrayal of the real Brit. The twits and "toffs" of the 1980's  yuppie era have thankfully melted into the woodwork of their stuffy stately homes to be replaced by the more up to date and modern; someone with their finger on the pulse of the current rather than their nose in a dusty old book. 

Rene Zellweger as Bridget Jones

 

Yuppies Nigella

The new upper class elite are a brand new breed of upwardly mobile and ultra fashionable young things whose gang includes the daughters of peers and some minor Royals too, including Lady Victoria Hervey.

Nevertheless, it was always going to take considerable time for the colonial and old boys network to fade away.  The Oxbridge Universities certainly see a mixed and varied student these days as its doors are open to those from diverse social classes and economic backgrounds.  Your place is no longer assured at these lofty establishments based purely on daddy's influence as skill and merit are now the order of the day.  Being rich but dim will get you nowhere fast.  Besides, who wants to be a relic of a bygone era with all that Harris tweed and the dress sense of a librarian?

We've even seen sacred and long established events such as racing at Royal Ascot and the cricket at Lords relax their rules too.  These once fiercely snobbish and guarded of events are open to anyone with money these days, including the nouveau riche with their gaudy gold baubles too!

  

Ascot Ladies    
 

Ladies Day at Ascot

That said, some old traditions have certainly benefited from new blood and influences.  A combination of style, pageantry and tradition, Royal Ascot is a magnificent horse race meeting with Ladies Day the most fashionable event in the racing world and the ideal opportunity to put on a posh frock and a big hat!  We have seen this annual event blossom and grow into a magnificent parade and spectacle simply by it embracing the new, the weird and the wonderful with much aplomb. 

Further evidence that the divide between the classes is beginning to blur via fashion is apparent on the Kings Road Chelsea, West London.  This swish and swank top notch shopping street used to be awash with Chanel two piece suits and quilted Barbour jackets.  It was de rigueur to wear this uniform in order to stand out in a distinguished manner, lest you be mistaken for anything else, god forbid!

These days the exact same area of West London will play host to exactly the same people but in an entirely different uniform.  It is now no longer desirable to look like an ambassador's mother, sister or daughter as looking like Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine Zita-Jones or Kate Moss is the order of the day, no matter who you are! If skinny jeans are the must have item, then you'll have absolutely no problem finding a pair in Harrods or on the high street.  Prince William's former squeeze, Kate Middleton, is fabulous as a modern, often seen in uber fashionable outfits, was admired by many as a new style icon.

 

Kate Moss in skinny jeans

Kate Middleton in a blazer

Therefore, isn't it ironic that the staple uniform of the Sloane Ranger, the very item that separated the ‘have and have nots' back in the 80's', is making a magnificent comeback.  The blazer, in all its glory, returns as a staple item that absolutely everyone wantst to get their manicured paws on.  Worn with less stiff upper lip and more laid back cool this time round, this statement piece will be a wardrobe chameleon as it hangs loose for daytime, accessorised with badges and scarves, while dressing up at night and feeling like a manly arm around the shoulders in the cool of an evening.

United through fashion, the clothes speak for themselves.......

Simone Brookes lives and works in the ultra fashionable East End of London where she has an office in the creative melting pot that is Brick Lane in Spitalfields. Working closely with many local fashion designers she supports them through her PR, marketing and managerial roles while also undertaking retail and trade shows with them at www.carouselboutiques.com.  Her career has spanned more than twelve years in an industry that is forever changing and evolving.  Simone is a regular at many top fashion events and shows both in the UK and Europe and will be writing exclusively for Herstoknow.com.