Red carpet couture and historic royal fashion will merge next spring in a fascinating new exhibition at Kensington Palace. Titled Crown to Couture, the installation will feature everything from a Met Gala gown worn by Lizzo to shimmering royal gowns worn at the 18th-century Georgian court.
The palace, itself famous as the setting for historic royal fashion, will open the doors of its beautiful State Apartment Rooms, where visitors will find more than 200 objects on display, including a host of dazzling gowns and golden gowns. The exhibit will follow everything from the preparation and style required for certain events, as well as the “fashion rules” that must be followed, to the grand finale arrivals both at the royal court and on the red carpet. Ticket holders will learn just how far stars and royalty go to grab attention, as well as the more subtle messages clothing can convey, and discover sources of design inspiration for designers and couturiers.
Lizzo with Thom Browne at the Met Gala 2022
John Shearerfake images
The experience will be created by Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that cares for Kensington Palace, among other royal residences, in collaboration with Emmy-winning production designer Joseph Bennett, known for his work on Alexander McQueen’s fashion shows.
“We are delighted to collaborate with a wide variety of well-known fashion houses and emerging designers to showcase some of the most iconic red carpet looks of recent years and celebrate the wonderful diversity and creativity we see there today,” says Claudia Acott. Williams, Curator of Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). “By bringing these familiar looks into the palace and putting them in conversation with spectacular 18th-century court dress, we hope to provide a new perspective on these historic spaces and the seemingly distant customs of the Georgian court, and allow visitors to experience the palace. as it was meant to be experienced: filled to the brim with the most influential and fashionable names of the day.”
Lady Gaga wearing Christopher John Rogers at the 2020 MTV VMAs
Kevin Winter/MTV VMAs 2020fake images
Specific pieces to be featured include the dramatic Thom Browne gown Lizzo wore to the 2022 Met Gala, as well as the voluminous green Christopher John Rogers gown worn by Lady Gaga to the 2020 MTV VMAs. these two designs do not differ in size and style from the dresses that would have graced the state apartments of Kensington Palace centuries before.
rockingham mantua
Ian Serfontein
Alongside contemporary looks created by today’s designers, the exhibition will pay homage to the intricate design of the Georgian era, from the distinctive mantua to the delicately embroidered court dress, with donated pieces from HRP’s Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including a fabulous variety of accessories such as fans, dress swords, hats and even a wig curler. A particular highlight is the world-famous silver-weave dress, on loan from the Bath Museum of Fashion, which will form the opening of the exhibition and is an example of the type of royal fashion worn during the court of King Charles II. . The fine silk gown, handwoven with silver thread, is believed to be one of the few remaining complete gowns from the 17th century.
The silver fabric dress
Ⓒ Bathroom of the Fashion Museum
“Just as designers today dress celebrity royals for major public events, Kensington Palace was home to the original Georgian court red carpet,” says Polly Putnam, curator of Historic Royal Palaces. “Crown to Couture will demonstrate the similarities in fashion ‘rules’ set by high-society designers, drawing fascinating comparisons between today and the 18th century, when the palace was at its busiest, most politically and culturally exciting. important”.
Crown to Couture opens to the public on April 5, 2023 and is included in admission to the palace.
Source: news.google.com