Lily Donaldson by Carter Smith for British Vogue, February 2005

For me, this past editorial encapsulates an international perception of quintessential English style. Lily channels that part 1940s, part librarian look that we’ve come to associate with British fashion. They’re the kind of clothes your grandmother might have once worn, minus the hot-pants! It helps that Lily has the classic features of a 1940s/50s icon, and here, she pulls off that delicate ‘English rose’ quality with aplomb. I love that the styling is fresh, whimsical, and includes plenty of pretty beaded accessories. There’s definitely an essence of a look back in time to past British fashion, and that’s what makes it one of my favourite and special editorials.