Freddie Mercury’s Fake Wedding at Fashion Aid 1985

Freddie Mercury’s Fake Wedding at Fashion Aid 1985

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Mercury’s biggest scene-stealing fashion moment took place at Fashion Aid, a one-time fashion show fundraiser held on November 5, 1985. Bob Geldof hosted the charity event, a style-focused spin-off of his Band Aid philanthropy project, which was organized to raise funds for the ongoing Ethiopian famine. The event attracted 5,500 guests and was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was reportedly one of the largest gatherings of fashion types in the UK at the time, featuring local designers such as David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Joseph Tricot, Bruce Oldfield and Body Map. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Ringo Starr and Anjelica Huston were in the crowd, while musicians such as Boy George, George Michael and Madonna made an appearance at the red carpet event, too.

There was also a major fashion show, featuring designs by Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Issey Miyake, modeled by the girls of the moment, including Jerry Hall and Grace Jones. The finale of the show, however, was the highlight. English actress Jane Seymour sauntered out in a white lace dress tied up with bows that was designed by the Emanuels; they were the same duo that created Princess Diana’s iconic wedding gown.


Accessorized with a flower crown made of daisies and lilies, Seymour sauntered down the runway and planted a theatrical kiss on the lips of Mercury, who at the time was notoriously closeted—even to his Queen bandmates. With that, their vows were sealed and Mercury then took off down the runway with the massive bridal bouquet, throwing blossoms to the delighted crowd.

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