Crown to Couture

The fashion show of the centuries

The Evening Standard called Crown to Couture, "Surely the starriest fashion exhibition London has ever seen".

This brand-new fashion exhibition for 2023 took over Kensington Palace's State Apartments and Piggott Galleries, featuring over 200 items from ball gowns to court suits and handbags to jewellery. The exhibition drew fascinating parallels between the world of today’s red carpet and the Georgian Royal Court in the 18th century.

200 FASCINATING OBJECTS

From Beyoncé To Katy Perry and Lizzo

Visitors were able to see Beyoncé's look for the 2017 GRAMMY Awards, designed by Peter Dundas, and the custom Moschino chandelier-inspired outfit designed for Katy Perry and worn at the 2019 Met Gala.

Other key iconic looks from recent years included Billy Porter’s "Sun God" outfit, styled by Sam Ratelle and designed by The Blonds for the 2019 Met Gala, and Kendall Jenner’s shimmering Hepburn-inspired Givenchy dress worn to the 2021 event.

Contrasted with these modern-day looks, were a stunning yellow mantua on loan from National Museums Scotland, the widest surviving court gown in Britain at nearly three metres, plus the exquisite Rockingham Mantua, one of several objects from Historic Royal Palaces' Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.

Exhibition generously supported by Garrard, the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Cunard.

Header image: The Rockingham Mantua. © Historic Royal Palaces

When

Closed

Ticketing information

This exhibition has now closed.

"The most dazzling exhibition of the year... Beyoncé meets Bridgerton"

Tatler

"Surely the starriest fashion exhibition London has ever seen"

Evening Standard

"The court of George II meets Beyoncé and Lady Gaga"

The Times

How to Conserve a Historic Mantua Dress

When preparing historic fashion for an exhibition, a lot goes on behind the scenes. Join our talented conservators as they practice safely mounting this historic dress for display.

Learn more about the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection

The Silver Tissue Dress

This rare historic dress known as the Silver Tissue Dress is 360 years old. Discover how this remarkable dress was carefully prepared for display in Crown to Couture, celebrating the craftsmanship and beauty of a dress that has survived since The Stuarts were on the throne.

Exhibition sponsors

Historic Royal Palaces are especially grateful to our sponsors, Garrard, the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Cunard for their generous donations which have enabled the exhibition to take place.