Crown To Couture Kensington Palace
I am an avid follower of all things fashion and whilst I love designers who push the boundaries there is a special place in my heart for those classic designers who set the standard of what it means to be a luxury brand. For that reason, creating timeless accessories is the design ethos of Priestleys. In order for our patterns and products to transcend trends, we must look to the past. Nothing encapsulates the idea of timelessness, fashion and luxury better than the original celebrity, royalty! I was thrilled to be able to attend the final weekend of the Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace; a magnificent exhibition curating over 200 pieces from the 17th century to the present day. For me, the most exciting realisation was how important style and fashion was in the past and that the idea of ‘influencing’, thought to be a modern phenomenon, is really as old as fashion itself.
The exhibition was closed in November 2023, but if you missed it don’t worry I have got you covered with some of the highlights!
Kensington Palace was the most perfect venue for this star-studded exhibition as it has seen more than its fair share of prominent public figures. Historically fashion trends have drawn influence from the attire of royalty; undoubtedly some former residents of Kensington Palace have forever left their mark on fashion, such as Queen Victoria, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. The Palace continues to serve as a cultural and historical powerhouse for fashion enthusiasts, showcasing the evolution of style across the ages.
The Crown to Couture exhibition was inspired by the pinnacle event of the fashion calendar, the Met Gala. Held annually in New York and known for its guest list comprised of the most influential names in fashion and showbiz. This event is a date when A listers are showcasing some of the most spectacular and sought-after items of clothing and accessories in a bid to be the most admired attendee in the days and years that follow. The desire to be seen in the right place with the right apparel is not a new one, in fact it bears striking resemblance to the Georgian Courts that took place 300 years before the prestigious Met Gala.
My expectations for the quality of the exhibition were high, and it certainly did not disappoint! Even on a grey, dreary day in London there was a tangible buzz outside the palace. This exhibition contained so many amazing garments, accessories and jewellery items from the 17th century right up to stunning looks from last year’s Met Gala. With prominent designers from Edith Head to Osca de la Renta, examples of the old and the new, it was clear that the newest styles and looks are still very much inspired by the old.
Whilst many things at the heart of events like the Met Gala remain unchanged, dressing to be noticed, showing wealth and extravagance, advertising the most revered of designers, one significant contrast for me with the exhibition was the wonderful diversity. A concept completely absent in the 17th century courts attended by the wealthy and privileged who were predominantly white, Crown to Couture challenged this narrative and curated the exhibition with items more reflective of the diversity of modern celebrity and royalty.
Here are a few of my absolute highlights from the exhibition that link the past to the present,
Billie Eilish’s 2021 Met Gala Dress
Such a beautiful blush tulle dress, it had an ethereal beauty, that made you stop and stare. Designed by Oscar de la Rental, the gown was inspired by the iconic tulle dress worn by Marilyn Monroe to he Oscars in 1951.
Audrey Hepburn’s 1954Oscar dress
Dress worn by Audrey Hepburn to the 1954 Oscars Ceremony, Designed by the Iconic Designer Edith Head originally for the Roman Holiday, the beautiful lace dress was then altered by Hubert Givenchy for the Oscars. With its décolleté Sabrina neckline synonymous with Hepburn, matching lace belt cinching in the waist, delicate spaghetti straps and button up back. It really was a thing of absolute beauty, and true testament to a timeless classic piece.
Kendall Jenner’s 2023 Met Gala Dress
Under the theme of ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’ Kendall’s Stunning gown was designed by Givenchy, and inspired by The dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in one of her most iconic roles of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, this dress was designed by Hubert de Givenchy. Both stunning gowns, shimmered with cascading embellishments originating from the centre of the bodice, and continued to glisten all the way to the end of the train.
Katy Perry’s Met Gala Dress worn in 2019
The main dress was a beautiful silver bejewelled Moschino gown, and three layers of candles. It looked absolutely sensational and like a piece of art work lighting up the corner of the room.
The Great Gatsby Book Clutch bag
Designed by Olympia Le-Tan and worn by Reece Witherspoon in 2021, this stunning book clutch is made from silk and wool embroidered by hand onto canvas, with stunning detail, capturing the iconic aesthetic of The Grate Gatsby.
So many wonderful designs, such a fantastic exhibition, wish I could share it all!
