Most girls dream of that Cinderella moment where you are bestowed with a gown so fine that it makes you giddy! We at lola&grace faced up to our ballgown-less existence when we stopped playing with our barbies but that is not to say we are any less passionate so when we heard the V&A were to host ‘Ballgowns  – British Glamour Since 1950’ we were positively ecstatic!  Encapsulating gowns from royalty to the red carpet, the exhibition is a rare chance to see couture pieces up close. A prospect so good the space was already buzzing by midday (so be sure to turn up early!)

Displayed in glass cabinets, the ball gowns take you on a journey though history, shedding light on designers who are no longer in the public sphere but inspired generations of designers to come. It’s amazing to see how many of the older gowns, with their contemporary shapes and cuts, wouldn’t look out of place today; such as a Hardy Amies satin and velvet dress from 1961. Or a 1955 silk bead encrusted dress by Worth. Though you can’t deny things were a little more glamorous back then; we noted bustier tops, full skirts, taffeta, and big bows aplenty!

Upstairs is devoted to contemporary designers. From an extravagant grey and white silk tuelle Marchessa beauty to a puffy leopard spot dress by the Queen of Brit fashion Vivienne Westwood to a spectacularly sci-fi silver leather Gareth Pugh creation, the exhibition appeals to both demure and extravagant tastes…and featuring over 60 designs, your imagination is sure to run wild! And as with most exhibitions you really need to see it for yourself. If only for research purposes. Harry is still single after all…

See here for more information.