The world of luxury yachting has long been intertwined with the fashion industry, capturing the attention of journalists, photographers, and spectators alike. Fashion icons from the sixties have left a significant imprint on contemporary fashion, particularly within the yachting scene. Classic figures such as Jackie Kennedy, exuding elegance in her tailored skirt set aboard Christina O alongside her husband Aristotle Onassis, and Brigette Bardot, depicting timeless sensuality in her satin bikini and floral headscarf aboard a RIVA in St Tropez, continue to influence women’s fashion trends today. However, Elizabeth Taylor’s distinctive style arguably laid the foundation for bolder fashion choices in modern times. Her daring plunging neckline and taffeta kaftans have become synonymous with contemporary onboard fashion.
Taylor was known for her extravagant sense of fashion and jewellery pairing. Her extensive collection included some of the world’s rarest and finest jewels. While aboard their superyacht Kalizma in Monaco, Richard Burton famously gifted Elizabeth Taylor the Burton-Taylor diamond. The previous owner felt it was unbecoming of a woman to wear such a garish piece in the streets of New York and consequently parted with the jewel, but Taylor thrived off the attention it brought her. The Hollywood star was also a loyal client of Bvlgari and Piaget. Her vast collection from Piaget included gold and crystal-embedded cuff watches. There are countless photographs of Elizabeth displaying her fantastic jewellery collection onboard Kalizma with Richard Burton. They cruised the Mediterranean and enjoyed lavish onboard events in Monaco, where they hosted Hollywood stars and royals. With all the media attention Elizabeth Taylor received while onboard, using her unique fashion to make bold statements of feminity and sophistication, it is arguable that she helped to bridge the gap between luxury yachting and haute couture.
Many yachts, such as the 99m historical Christina O, offer endless possibilities for hosting luxury events, including haute couture fashion shows. A superyacht charter allows the elite to host exclusive events in complete privacy, escaping the limelight and only exposing themselves at their discretion. In 2016, the 99m superyacht Christina O hosted the first known private onboard fashion show featuring the designs of Jean Claude Jitrois, a globally respected leather designer with clients such as Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. The allure of the sea and the exclusive setting of a superyacht sets a flawless scene for a luxury fashion show. However, luxury yachting also offers an experience that can perfectly weave into the catwalk performance, as creative mastermind Philipp Plein demonstrated during confinement.
In September 2020, German designer Philipp Plein organised a fashion show onboard the explorer yacht for charter Ragnar. He incorporated the luxurious superyacht lifestyle into his haute couture catwalk, creating a truly unique aesthetic. Plein’s creative direction incorporated a wide range of the superyacht’s amenities honouring the synergetic relationship between the charter yacht and his brand. In typical fashion of the revered German designer, he took to Instagram to livestream the pre-shot fashion show for his audience to watch alongside him, offering them an escape from the challenges of confinement. This approach allowed film editing to craft seamless transitions from casual attire into the day collection and, later, to the evening dress. The models arrive on the tender and helicopter before beginning the catwalk on the main deck; the camera then moves to the models enjoying the onboard jet ski collection against the backdrop of Monaco, and finally, they stride back onboard for the evening party. Plein, known for his extravagant shows, managed to captivate audiences with his exceptional creativity for his SS21 fashion show, ensuring that the show went on against the odds.
More recently, during the Monaco Yacht Show 2023, a catwalk featuring a collaboration between Lebanese couturier Elie Saab and luxury Swiss jeweller Piaget took place onboard M/Y Moneikos. As the Haute models of Monaco paraded the exquisite gowns adorned with dazzling jewellery embellishments, one could not help but think of Elizabeth Taylor illuminated in Piaget while cruising the Mediterranean in the 1960s.
Luxury yachting and the fashion industry have a shared history, with iconic figures of the 1960s such as Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot, and Elizabeth Taylor leaving a lasting impression. Though Elizabeth Taylor may not have directly influenced the fusion of yachting and fashion, it is undeniable that she has left an imprint on some of today’s most luxurious brands. For example, Elie Saab recently showcased his BRIDAL SS25 collection in Elizabeth Taylor’s former Manhattan townhouse. Luxury fashion shows have been reborn as unique and iconic extravaganzas, and yachts have become venues for exclusive haute couture events hosted by renowned designers and jewelers like Elie Saab, Philipp Plein, and Piaget. The combination of high-end fashion and superyachts reflects elegance, creativity, and opulence, while also evoking the superyacht lifestyles embraced by some of the most iconic fashionistas of the 1960s.
Both Christina O and Kalizma are available to charter with Morley Yachts. Contact us if you dream of seamlessly transitioning from land to sea with a luxury fashion event hosted onboard a superyacht.
