Crowns, Castles & Couture: Embracing the Royalcore Aesthetic in Fashion & Decor
“In the past, people were born royal. Nowadays, royalty comes from what you do.” — Gianni Versace
You start off the morning as you do every single day: by lacing up your silk corset, stepping into one of your countless floor-length gowns, and floating into the parlour, where you sip tea and chat with old friends. After a heaping serving of tea and conversation, you make your way into the garden. As you plant yourself underneath a weeping willow, you marvel at the land that took you years to cultivate: a plot of white roses here, a speckle of purple hydrangeas there. Back inside, you beat yourself at a game of chess and commend your exemplary skill, rewarding yourself with a puffed pastry and another cup of tea — extra sugar. At nightfall, you bathe the day away and wrap your body in gold silk sheets. You drift lazily off to sleep, where you dream of creeping castles, splendid scepters, and regal rulers.
Royalcore (also known as royaltycore) is a term that refers to a group of aesthetics that all center around and romanticize West European royalty, both in its external visual aspects and in its internal principles and values. Those who follow the aesthetic seek to emulate the majestic fashion elements and attitudes of ancient royalty figures that were alive during anywhere from the Arthurian times (late fifth and early sixth centuries) to the Tudor period (late fifteenth through early seventeenth centuries). Because it is a fairly new aesthetic, royalcore’s current focus lies with the historical European monarchies and their visual aspects; however, many of the aesthetic’s followers are currently working on expanding royalcore’s context to incorporate other culturally-relevant facets of royalty.
For the royalcore follower, the aesthetic’s emphasis on visuals makes up the most notable aspect of her identity. Much like most royal women, the royalcore connoisseur is a style icon, and she inspires fashion lovers everywhere with her majestic mannerisms and noble nature. She is enthralled with all things fashion and interior and emulates royal style flawlessly in this aspect of her life. Her taste is impeccable. She decorates her body in relics reminiscent of centuries past — brocade corsets, billowing dresses, and ornate gold jewels distinguish her from the everyday fashion fanatic. Covering her body in the finest fabrics, she layers her clothing with various velvets, taffetas, and silks. The interior of her home, too, is glorious and grandiose. The structures of ancient castles inspire her endlessly, and she dreams of the day when she will possess her own castle, complete with a spiral staircase, portraits of herself lining the long gallery, a horse stable, and, of course, her very own throne.
The royalcore devotee spends just as much time refining her inner attitudes as she does her outward appearance. She values elegance, intelligence, duty, and morality above all else. Because the aesthetic is fairly new, there isn’t much information on the internet about the kinds of activities that those who follow royalcore might enjoy participating in. However, I believe that the typical royalcore enthusiast likely has an affinity for all of the activities that the royals of past decades enjoyed. Just as she embraces the traditional values of royalty, the royalcore adherent also clings to many activities that are considered to be inherently royal. In my mind, the royalcore extraordinaire spends her favorite days preparing garden parties and banquets, listening to classical music, playing chess, watching live theatre, and simply immersing herself in the outdoors, feeding the local swans and gathering homemade bouquets of flowers.
Because ‘royalty’ is a rather general theme, most people who follow the aesthetic seek to emulate the values and duties of a specific member of the nobility or royal family. Listed below are the five most popular subcategories within the royalcore umbrella.
Knightcore
With its emphasis on chivalry and courage, knightcore is an aesthetic that is influenced by the knights of the medieval times. Because medieval knights were often involved in combat and physical training, many knightcore followers imitate these high-intensity activities in their own workout and exercise regimes. For this reason, fencing is a popular sport within the knightcore community. Due to the impracticality of most of the fashion elements of medieval knights, most knightcore devotees do not actually wear protective gear such as chainmail, gauntlets, and shields; rather, these articles are mainly reserved for knightcore art and cosplay. However, practical fashion pieces inspired by the garb of medieval knights are often worn by those within the community. Additionally, knightcore places an emphasis on male loving male (MLM) relationships in fictional works and it is therefore a well-loved aesthetic in the gay community.
- Interests & Values: castles & palaces, chivalry, combat, courage, expansive fields, fire, forests, generosity, horseback riding, honesty, honor, justice, loyalty, nobility, patriotism
- Colors & Patterns: dark brown, leather or faux leather, moon & sun designs, olive green, royal blue, silver, wine red
- Fashion & Interior: puff-sleeves, tucked-in shirts, vests
- Jewelry & Accessories: belts, boots, buckles, chains, gloves, layering, metal rings, small crowns & pouches
- Media: Braveheart (1995), Krzyżacy (The Knights of the Cross) by Henryk Sienkiewicz (1900), Monty Python & the Holy Grail (1975)
- Quote: “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” — William Wallace, Braveheart
Princecore
Princecore is a royalcore aesthetic that focuses mainly on the visual aspects of medieval princes. You are likely to find a princecore follower flaunting a flawlessly-fitted suit, lazing about his garden, and writing love letters with a quill in hand. Like knightcore, the princecore community is heavily centered around male loving male fictional writing prompts that focus on the romantic relationships between princes and knights. As a result of this common theme, princecore is also rather popular within the gay community.
- Interests & Values: elitism, chivalry, gardens, poetry, romance, royalty, wealth, writing
- Colors & Patterns: black, blue, cream, gold, green, silver, white
- Fashion & Interior: blazers & jackets, button down & collared shirts, dress pants, suits
- Jewelry & Accessories: gold lapel pins, polished dress shoes, riding boots, vintage cufflinks
- Media: De Principatibus (The Prince) by Niccolò Machiavelli (1532)
- Quote: “He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.” — Niccolò Machiavelli, De Principatibus
Princesscore
Princesscore is the feminine version of princecore; however, in addition to their fascination with the visual elements of the typical princess, princesscore enthusiasts also focus on the mannerisms, life, and behaviors of princesses of the past. The passionate princesscore advocate strives to be perfectly poised, polite, and polished, all qualities that reflect traits that will one day ensure a princesses’ ultimate reign as queen.
- Interests & Values: animals (specifically white horses), antique shops, calligraphy, castles & palaces, elegance, elitism, femininity, flora, laughter, letter writing, optimism, pastries, poise, politeness, presentation, romance, tea drinking, wealth, youth
- Colors & Patterns: abaca fabric, cashmere, cream, eyelet fabric, flowing fabric, gold, lace, light blue, light pink, silks, silver, white
- Fashion & Interior: antique furniture & mirrors, candles, corsets, extravagant robes, flowing dresses, maxi gowns, off-the-shoulder looks, shawls, square & sweetheart necklines
- Jewelry & Accessories: anklets, dainty & sparkling jewels, elbow-length gloves, fans, flowy & long hair, fragrant oils & perfumes, goblets, heels or no shoes at all, light & minimal makeup, parasols, tiaras
- Media: Bridgerton (2020)
- Quote: “You have no idea what it is to be a woman, what it might feel like to have one’s entire life reduced to a single moment.” — Daphne Bridgerton, Bridgerton
Kingcore
Drawing inspiration from the kings of the past, in folklore and in fictional tales, kingcore is a more mature and darker version of princecore. Those who follow the aesthetic focus on themes such as power and conquest, and are typically seen as skillful and influential leaders. Though many kings throughout history have come to be viewed as malevolent, heartless forces, it should be noted that the aesthetic is meant to be lighthearted and fun. In other words, although they enjoy emulating and studying ancient kings, few kingcore devotees have malicious motives or plan on world domination. Those who prefer a visually darker version of kingcore simply wear darker or more muted versions of the colors listed below.
- Interests & Values: black horses, blood, chess, confidence, conquest, control, duty, fire, guidance, hedonism, intelligence, leadership, lions, patriotism, politics, power, skill, smok, status, treachery, war, wealth
- Colors & Patterns: black, grey, gold, deep purples, deep reds, royal blue, silver, white
- Fashion & Interior: button down & collared shirts, dark suits, furs, oil paintings, tunic shirts, war rooms
- Jewelry & Accessories: crowns, daggers & swords, fitted slacks, large rings, military uniforms, polished dress shoes, silver cufflinks and lapel pins, spiked studs, ties
- Media: The Last Czars (2019), Versailles (2015)
- Quote: “Ah, if I were not king, I should lose my temper.” — King Louis XIV
Queencore
Much how kingcore is a darker and more mature version of princecore, queencore is a darker and more mature version of princesscore. A queencore connoisseur displays the qualities of confidence, strength, and patience, and she therefore tends to take on the leadership role in whatever group she finds herself in. Though her unmatched power and influence make her a formidable foe, she is an extraordinarily kind and dependable friend to those who are lucky enough to be members of her inner circle. The queencore aficionado is drawn to beauty and elegance both in her relationships and in her own style, and is seen as a fashion icon by many. Depending on personal style, a queencore follower can either dress in lighter or darker shades and styles.
- Interests & Values: confidence, conquest, duty, elegance, horses, intelligence, leadership, patience, patriotism, politics, power, roses, skill, status, strength, thorns, war, wealth
- Colors & Patterns: black, deep purples, emerald green, gold, royal blue, silk, silver, white, wine red
- Fashion & Interior: ball gowns, corsets, dark wood, extravagant robes, fitted slacks, intricate gardens, libraries, square necklines, tall ceilings
- Jewelry & Accessories: capes, cloaks, clutches, crowns, daggers & swords, dark & heavy makeup, elbow-length gloves, heels, intricate updos, ornate jewels, scepters, tailored blouses, veils
- Media: The Crown (2016), Reign (2013)
- Quote: “History was not made by those who did nothing.” — Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown
From the finest fabrics to the most ravishing rubies, those who follow the royalcore aesthetic are no doubt utterly entranced by all things royal. Because of the extravagant and lavish nature of royalty, however, many people are intimidated by the aesthetic and all that it encompasses. Though it is true that most of the fashion pieces and accessories that are associated with royalcore are in fact out of the typical plebian’s budget, it is also true that genuine royalty is a state of mind; it is a richness of the soul and of the heart that cannot be bought or sold. Regardless of whether she wears silk or synthetics, brass or gold, a person who is truly royal emanates an air of majesty and mystique, not because of the clothes that she wears or the jewels that she flaunts, but because an eternal beauty lives within her.
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