Thumbnail of Mourning dress reading list

Mourning dress reading list

Recommended reading about mourning dress

Thumbnail of Four haute couture dresses by Madeleine Vionnet

Four haute couture dresses by Madeleine Vionnet

These four evening dresses were designed by Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975; active 1912-1939) and purchased by Lady Foley (circa 1888-1968) between 1929 and 1938. Minoru Foley's marriage to Baron Foley (1895-1927) made her part of British society. Madeleine Vionnet was one of Europe's greatest couturiers.

Thumbnail of Silk day dress, by Worth, 1889

Silk day dress, by Worth, 1889

With its minimal bustle and strong emphasis on the sleeves, this day dress illustrates the smoother silhouette that began to appear in the late 1880s.

Thumbnail of Linen dress, by Foale & Tuffin, 1966

Linen dress, by Foale & Tuffin, 1966

Foale & Tuffin's small headquarters in Marlborough Court became one of London's most fashionable destinations. This dress shows their characteristic attention to detail and finish.

Thumbnail of Silk taffeta evening dress, by Worth, 1960

Silk taffeta evening dress, by Worth, 1960

By 1960 the famous Paris couture house of Worth had dressed the world's richest and most fashionable women for over a century. The London branch supplied the British aristocracy with timelessly elegant clothes - as this example illustrates - for every occasion in the London season.

British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age

31 March–12 August 2012

Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.

More details

Shop online

The Wedding Dress: 300 Years of Bridal Fashions

The Wedding Dress: 300 Years of Bridal Fashions

A spectacular look at the history of the wedding dress

Buy now

Event - British Ballgowns: Pattern Cutting and Dress Design

Wed 11 July 2012 10:30

3 DAY PRACTICAL WORKSHOP: Learn the skills and techniques needed to create couture ballgowns.

Book online