Decoding the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection
Discover never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures in Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace.
Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed and dress codes evolve.
Among the highlights of this exciting new exhibition are pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria.
Dress Codes showcases both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
Stunning items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection on display in 2025 include an extremely rare Japanese court suit dating from the early 20th century, and a never-before-seen 1920s Reville court dress worn to Buckingham Palace.
Alongside these spectacular examples of royal and court dress, discover how dress codes can be reset and re-made for today through designs by our Young Producers, aged 14-17. This new partnership with local youth groups paves the way for a new generation of young people to contribute to the arts and fashion industries.
Dress Codes has been generously supported by our Associate Partners, the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Avis Charles Associates.
When
Until 30 November 2025
Ticketing Information
Included in palace admission. (Members go free, no pre-booking required)
Buy Kensington Palace ticketsWatch the Dress Codes trailer
Promotional video for the Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace.
Follow the transcript of the Dress Codes trailer on YouTube. A link to open the transcript can be found in the video description.
A couture-clad history lesson of the highest calibre.
Tatler
Highlights
Image: Young Producers visit the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces
Pieces designed by Young Producers
In a first for Historic Royal Palaces, the charity has partnered with three local youth groups, with 25 participants aged 14-17 acting as Young Producers on the exhibition. The Young Producers have been an intrinsic part of the development of the exhibition, which has included influencing the exhibition design, making creative responses through storytelling, fashion design and music creation, all of which feature throughout the exhibition to offer a contemporary perspective to the objects.
The final room showcases clothing designed by the Young Producers, inspired by items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and showing how dress codes can be reset and re-made for today. The partnership demonstrates how the collection is an important source of inspiration today, paving the way for a new generation of young people contributing to the arts and fashion industries.
The works were created over a year-long collaboration between the Young Producers, fashion and music industry professionals and Historic Royal Palaces’ experts, through a series of workshops and on-site tours of the historic collections.
Generously supported by our Associate Partners
Dress Codes has been generously supported by our Associate Partners, the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Avis Charles Associates.
The Blavatnik Family Foundation
Avis Charles Associates
Read more on our blog
Embracing two worlds: Conserving Bi-cultural heritage with a rare Japanese court suit
Textile Conservator Kaori Motaung shares her experience conserving a rare Japanese court suit from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
A gold 1920s wedding dress for the bride who wanted to shine
For a glittering twist on 1920s wedding dress inspiration, look no further than the Hon. Ursula Mary Lawley's gold wedding ensemble.
The most iconic uniform in London
Second female Yeoman Warder uniform, with AJ Clark
Yeoman Warder Amanda Jayne (AJ) Clark talks us through her uniform, and what it means for this iconic item to be on public display.
Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection
Over 10,000 items of historic dress
The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection includes 10,000 items dating from the 16th century to the present day - all cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
Explore what's on
- Things to see
The Jewel Room
The Jewel Room displays commissioned gems for Queen Victoria by her beloved husband Albert.
- Open
- In line with palace opening hours
- Kensington Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Things to see
Victoria: A Royal Childhood
Discover the story of Princess Victoria, the young girl destined to be queen, in the rooms where she was born and raised at Kensington Palace.
- Open
- In line with palace opening hours
- Kensington Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Things to see
The Queen’s State Apartments
Explore the beautiful private rooms at Kensington Palace where Mary II once took her meals, relaxed and entertained.
- Open
- In line with palace opening hours
- Kensington Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Browse more history and stories
Kings and queens of the Georgian period
Who were the Georgians – the kings and their queens who gave their name to an era?
William Kent
Royal artist, architect and designer to Georgian kings
The story of Kensington Palace
An elegant retreat for Britain's royal family
Shop online
Shop Diana, Princess of Wales
Commemorate this incredible woman and pay tribute to her enduring legacy with our inspired collection of exquisite memorabilia, gifts and souvenirs.
From £2.50
Shop Kensington Palace
Explore our exquisite collection of gifts and souvenirs, inspired by Kensington Palace's rich royal stories, past and present.
From £2.50
Kensington Palace Fine Bone China Collection
Exclusively made for Historic Royal Palaces, this premium range of fine bone china is inspired by the exquisite architecture of Kensington Palace.
From £12