Ballgowns at the Victoria and Albert Museum

On Tuesday 17th July 2012 I made my way to South Kensington on the way to the BBC Proms at The Royal Albert Hall. Before the evening's concert there was no better place to spend the afternoon then at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

While at this wonderful museum I attended the Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 Exhibition. From debutantes and royalty to charity balls and the red carpet this celebration of fashion highlights 60 years of stylish evening wear. Sponsored by Coutts this event was to mark the opening of the newly renovated Fashion galleries. With pieces by Victor Stiebel, Zandra Rhodes, Alexander McQueen, Erdem and Giles Deacon this was truly a great showcase for British design.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of my favourite places in London and this was a great exhibition at the world's greatest museum of art and design. On display were a selection of royal ballgowns including a Norman Hartnell gown designed for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Diana’s ‘Elvis Dress’ designed by Catherine Walker and gowns worn by today’s young royals.

The exhibition also include dresses worn by actresses and celebrities including Elizabeth Hurley, Bianca Jagger and Sandra Bullock, and a stunning metallic leather dress created especially for the exhibition by innovative designer Gareth Pugh. Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 is at the Victoria and Albert Museum until 6th January 2013.