Long live the Queen
Mrs. Common joins the queue of well-wishers on the occasion of the Queen´s platinum jubilee. Unbelievable, for 70 years now, Elisabeth II has been exceptionally elegant, well equipped with loads of British humor and treading carefully at all times. She cherishes tradition and dignity… not only in Great Britain. Without her, the world wouldn´t be the same, thinks Mrs. Common.
A Tribute to The Icon if the Icons
Madam,
You set an example. You know that grey and beige are not an option. At the time of the coronation 70 years ago, you were 1,65m tall. In the meantime, your life has left its mark and you had to worry about quite a lot with your children and grand children. That took a few centimeters from you. MAISON COMMON totally agrees to your philosophy of courtesy. It´s important to be seen by people, to spread happiness. A third of the British has already seen you in reality. You invented the color-blocking trend. Strong colors, often mixed with wild flower patterns and combined with the most eccentric hats.
Since 1968: You only have that one purse. Hats off, that is the highest possible class! Extract out of the duties record book of the one & only Launer in London: black or alternatively cream leather, especially suitable for a Caribbean trip, silk lining but without inside pockets, no fastening, and a longer handle to meet your demands. This purse is carrying your tissue, as well as some peppermints and a crossword puzzle notebook for longer journeys. And of course it carries your signature lipstick. Clarins produced a special one for your coronation in 1953, a raspberry lipstick named “Oh la la”. You´ve kept the shades of rose to this day to underline your wonderful meet & greet smile. One thing your purse doesn´t carry is papers of any kind. You don´t own a passport, neither a drivers license.
The noble-mindedness of sustainability: For your whole life you held on to the lessons that life teached you during war period. These values are deeply engrained in the British nobility. Even Charles still uses to let his socks and suits be patched up. Others do not even replace the roof tiles of their castle. Very charming I think is your morning routine that also started during war period. Don´t matter if in Windsor, Sandringham, Buckingham, or Balmoral: At 7am you are being woken up with the help of a bagpipe-player. Then you take your bath which is exactly 18 centimeters high. Respectfully, Madam, I tried it out and realized that you are really being modest. I for one prefer a bath height of minimum 29 centimeters.
A queen´s life is made out of rituals. I recently dared to serve your typical Windsor-breakfast to my family. Cornflakes out of a tupperware box, Earl Grey, and milk. The imitation of your modesty was not very successful. In occasion of the Platinum jubilee of MAISON COMMON, I noted to serve something that receives more popularity. A Dubonnet-Gin before lunch, Dry Martini as an aperitif, wine during dinner, and champaign to round everything off.
You already travelled 117 of 193 countries which is rounding our planet 42 times. Hip hip hurray, Madam, you are the world for me! I say goodbyes for now, of course following the correct British etiquette.
I have the honor to be, Madam, your Majesty´s humble and obedient servant.
Yours sincerely, Rieke Common