Kensington Palace, the official London address of TRH the Prince and Princess of Wales, is the set of a new exhibition that charts how the aristocratic dress worn between the Restoration of Charles II (1660) and the end of the Georgian Era (1837) has transcended the centuries and inspired looks worn by some of the world’s most famous movie stars and singers.
Crown to Couture, which runs from April 5 to October 29, features over 200 objects that span hundreds of years. Among the most noteworthy historical pieces are the Silver Tissue Gown, a rare survivor from the court of Charles II, and the breath-taking Rockingham Mantua, which dates back to the 1760s.
Meanwhile, visitors will also be able to get up close to iconic outfits that have defined fashion over the past few decades. These will include the dress Audrey Hepburn wore to the 1954 Academy Awards, which was originally designed by Edith Head for Roman Holiday and then altered by Givenchy; the iridescent green Christopher John Rogers gown worn by Lady Gaga to the 2020 MTV VMAs; Billie Eilish’s 2021 Met Gala Oscar de la Renta mantua gown; and Billy Porter’s incredible ‘Sun God’ outfit designed by The Blonds.
Speaking to Vogue, curators Polly Putnam and Claudia Acott Williams said that this landmark exhibition looks to “compare, contrast, and ultimately celebrate the culture and fashion” of the eras it spans.
Tickets for Crown to Couture can be purchased from Historic Royal Palace’s website directly. For other Pink magazine features check out this exhibition about the legendary Coco Chanel.
