"I'm nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else." ~ Wallis Warfield Simpson

Elusive and controversial, while famously vivacious and stylish, Wallis Simpson has been another royal consort to gain the limelight. From her biography by Anne Sebba, That Woman: A Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor to the movie W.E., directed and co-written by Madonna,  this American socialite, twice divorced, managed to scandalize all of Britain when Edward abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry her, "the woman I love". Rumors and censored reports circled about her at the time, as one can imagine, and while many Britons share the queen mother's animosity toward "that woman", Americans tend to see her more sympathetically, focusing on the romance of their famous love affair. 

And, of course, there are the clothes...

Wallis' striking sense of style continues to invoke interest in designers and  society alike even after her death in 1986. Up for auction at Sotheby's last year, her jewelry alone sold for $13 million. A personal Louis Vuitton vanity case fetched over $77,000 and one of her chiffon nightgowns in scarlet red was sold for more than $10,000. So what is it about this royally shunned woman, showered in controversy, that has grabbed artistic attention?

Wallis Simpson simply embodied personal style. This is how she became such a chic style icon. Always polished and immaculate even when casual or intimate, photos taken of the Duchess and her attire depict images of a timeless elegance and attention to detail. She often exhibited a bold wit and sense of fun while maintaining meticulous style.

Evidence of her fun fused with fashion could be seen as a bride-to-be in this famous frock below. Renown artist Salvador Dali teamed up with fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli  for a creation which became known simply as "The Lobster Dress". Dali's bold red lobster was the focal on one of Sciaparelli's white silk evening gowns, elegantly modeled by Wallis and captured by Cecil Beaton in 1937.

It was a brilliant facade generated by these star crossed lovers. Torn between his duty to Britain and passion for Wallis, Edward's decision to wed her resulted in a rebellious choice to lead a life of itinerant luxury as Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

A story of love and what she wore...

Wishing everyone a captivating St. Valentine's Day... xoxo-Sonya