ROYAL HISTORY UNDER THE HAMMER WALLIS SIMPSON DUCHESS'S COUTURE STARS IN MAJOR PARIS FASHION SALE

Renowned for her impeccable style, the Duchess of Windsor was a sartorial powerhouse with a penchant for haute couture.

- PHOEBE TATHAM

She was one of the first clients of Christian Dior, parading the French fashion house’s groundbreaking New Look, and appeared on the International Best-Dressed Hall of Fame List no fewer than 16 times.

Reflecting on her sense of style, the former Wallis Simpson once said: “I’m not a beautiful woman. I’m nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else.”

Now, those looking to grab a slice of fashion history can bid for haute couture gems from the wardrobe of the woman whom Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry, in an auction conducted by Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.