Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979) was the star of London couture during
the interwar years, gaining international fame as dressmaker to the
British royal family. His autobiography, first published in 1955, tells
the story of the creation of his couture house in 1923, his formal
appointment as dressmaker to the royal family in 1935, and the most
momentous commissions of his career: Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown
in 1947 and her magnificent coronation dress six years later. Best known
for romantic eveningwear shimmering with beads and embroidery, Hartnell
is credited with reintroducing the crinoline to world fashion through
his full-skirted designs for Queen Elizabeth. Silver and Gold
describes an extraordinary life with elegance and panache.