IAN THOMAS
Evening Dress
1980RCIN 250300
For The Queen’s state visit to Pope John Paul II at the Vatican City on 17 October 1980, Ian Thomas designed this dress which was worn together with the traditional black silk tulle veil or mantilla.
The ensemble respects the convention whereby female monarchs or heads of state wear black when in audience with the Pope at the Vatican and is an example of the careful planning and diplomacy that is involved in the preparation of Her Majesty’s wardrobe.