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On His Royal Badness

The Life and Legacy of Prince’s Fashion
By Casci Ritchie
Series: Inklings
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Brief Description
A garment-by-garment exploration of Prince's singular style and continued influence on contemporary fashion. Not only was Prince a musical genius and one of the greatest artists of all time, he was a fashion icon, a trailblazer devoted to the art of dressing. Lifelong fan and fashion... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999

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On His Royal Badness is a garment-by-garment exploration of Prince’s singular style and continued influence on contemporary fashion.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A garment-by-garment exploration of Prince's singular style and continued influence on contemporary fashion.

Not only was Prince a musical genius and one of the greatest artists of all time, he was a fashion icon, a trailblazer devoted to the art of dressing. Lifelong fan and fashion historian Casci Ritchie assembles a greatest-hits compilation of the best pieces in Prince's wardrobe – from ornate ear cuff down to bespoke heel – telling each garment's incredible origin story and showing how his tastes disrupted hegemonic, heteronormative, and Black masculinities.

On His Royal Badness considers Prince as a visionary artist and fearless provocateur who revered fashion and self-expression, and whose sartorial brilliance continues to shape contemporary culture.

Unaffiliated with the Prince Estate.

On His Royal Badness by Casci Ritchie, a fashion historian. Timed for the 10th anniversary of Prince’s death, this is a rerelease of a fascinating garment-by-garment analysis of what he wore and why it mattered (and how it may have changed what you wear). Also, it has Prince paper dolls. Those alone would have sold me. – Vanessa Friedman, New York Times

Ritchie balances her fandom with a wider discussion of why the "art of dressing" can be transgressive, and just what Prince was transgressing against. In doing she so offers fresh insight into the man and not simply the legend. – Alastair Braidwood, Scots Whay Hae

Ritchie [has] brilliantly merged her academic background – she has three fashion-related degrees – with her lifelong fandom of the so-called Purple One…I couldn’t have asked for a better crash course. – Sydney Urbanek, Mononym Mythology

A delightful set of essays analysing Prince’s aesthetic of dress through characteristic garments and different stages of his career…I particularly liked the tracing of the development of key garments and looks. – Lisa Wynne

This book is an excellent & accessible read for both longtime fans of Prince and those who are just beginning to learn about him. Jam-packed with fashion history, cultural references and the exploration of Prince’s personal style throughout the years – it was informative, fascinating & charismatic. – Ashley Ross

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    A garment-by-garment exploration of Prince's singular style and continued influence on contemporary fashion. Not only was Prince a musical genius and one of the greatest artists of all time, he was a fashion icon, a trailblazer devoted to the art of dressing. Lifelong fan and fashion historian Casci Ritchie assembles a greatest-hits compilation of the best pieces in Prince's wardrobe...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781916637320

Publisher: Saraband

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Inklings

Edition: Paperback original

Illustration: Illustrations, black and white

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 178.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 144

Collections

Arts & Culture Casci Ritchie Education & Reference Fashion & Design Music & Musicians Non-Fiction Series: Inklings

About the Author

Dr Casci Ritchie is a fashion and culture historian, writer, and educator based in Scotland. Her doctoral research explored the origins, materiality and afterlives of Prince’s dress. She has published widely in journals including Critical Studies in Men’s Fashion and Queer Studies in Popular Culture and serves on the board of the International Centre 4 Prince Studies. Alongside her research, Casci is a public speaker and workshop facilitator, working at institutions including Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Paisley Book Festival, Glasgow Film Theatre, and a number of film festivals.

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