Red Carpet and Catwalk Spectaculars at V&A
1st June 2012 The strong British tradition of creating sumptuous ballgowns is celebrated in the Victoria & Albert’s beautiful exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950. The collection is vast with luxurious designs from Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Catherine Walker, Zandra Rhodes, Victor Stiebel, Bruce Oldfield, Ossie Clark and Alexander McQueen among others. There is a selection of exquisite royal gowns designed for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Princess Diana. Dresses worn by actresses and celebrities are also on display. Above photo: Atsuko Kudo, worn by Georgia Frost with dresses by Hardy Amies and Worth of London. Credit: Carlos Jimenez, V&A images
The exhibition is the first to be presented in the newly renovated V&A Fashion Galleries, and covers more than 60 years of a tradition that continues to flourish. In the 1950’s coming out balls for young women formally introduced to society, was often the first occasion to wear a splendid gown. Nowadays, charity events and the red carpet is where many gowns are showcased with fashionable splendour. This impressive exhibition continues through 6 January 2013. www.vam.ac.uk JG
Catherine Walker photo: Victoria and Albert Musuem, London