Join acclaimed broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark in conversation with author and fashion historian Justine Picardie as they discuss Picardie’s fascinating new book, Fashioning the Crown: A Story of Power, Conflict and Couture.

Together, they’ll explore the tumultuous half-century of British history through the lens of royal fashion and image-making. Informed by Picardie’s entirely original research in the Royal Archives, as well her own interactions with Elizabeth II and her family, it will reveal how, from the outbreak of the First World War to 1960, the soft power of clothing played a crucial role in helping the Royal Family, and the nation, to navigate seismic changes and challenges.

Picardie has worked as an investigative journalist for the Sunday Times, columnist for the Telegraph, editor of Observer Magazine and features director of Vogue. She is author of six books including Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture, and Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life

Justine Picardie is the author of six books, including Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture, and the international bestseller, Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life. She is a contributing editor to Harper’s Bazaar and was formerly an investigative journalist for the Sunday Times and columnist for the Telegraph. She was also editor of the Observer Magazine and features director of Vogue.

Wark has built up a reputation as one of the UK’s most formidable and versatile television journalists. She is best known as an anchor on the BBC’s flagship News and Current Affairs show Newsnight.

She has fronted many documentaries for BBC Television including the critically acclaimed Blurred Lines: The New Battle of the Sexes and more recently The Insiders’ Guide to the Menopause which was nominated for a BAFTA. In addition to presenting on television, Kirsty also broadcasts on the radio and is the host of The Reunion on BBC Radio 4.

All proceeds from this event will help raise vital funds to support the Theatre and its 2026 season, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.