Fashion and Gardens: Intertwining histories (online)

One-day course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Tickets available from 10.00 on Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Join us online as we explore how fashion and gardens influenced each other in past and present times. Since classical antiquity, gardens have played a key role in the well-being of individuals. From providing plants for medication, to food, to essences for perfuming the body, a garden can be a feast for the eye, a trigger for the imagination, a place to think and love. It is no wonder that gardens have made their way onto clothing over the ages, and at the same time clothing has adapted to being worn in the garden. 

The study day morning session will be dedicated to the past: beginning with the perspective of the garden historian who will take us through the magnificent, intertwining history of garden and fabric design. This will be followed by two sessions where dress and textiles historians will explore the fascinating ways in which garden plants made their way onto dress and accessories in the Italian Renaissance and Stuart England. The afternoon session will explore how dressing for the garden became a distinct fashion and how garden plants and flowers continue to play a key role in high fashion still today. The day will close with a presentation by a professional fashion embroiderer. 

For more details, see V&A Academy questions.


 > Prefer to attend the study day in-person at V&A South Kensington? Book now for Fashion and Gardens: Intertwining histories

Please note, the study day will not be recorded. Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
  


course photo
Portrait of Study Day Leader Virginia Hill

Study Day Leader
Virginia Hill

Virginia is a dress historian based in Milan, Italy. After her MA in History of Dress from the Courtauld Institute, London she worked in fashion in Milan. Since 2006 she has lectured on the history of dress in Italy. Since 2018 she has been curating dress and textiles for exhibitions and researching fashion in Milan during the long 19th Century.

A massive thank you - this was fabulous learning Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee

Course overview

Join us for a day of exploration of fashion and gardens: 17th century gardens inspired by intricate lace designs, Renaissance flower-patterned textiles, men in flowers in Stuart England, modern garden fashions and flower embroidery in high fashion today. 
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Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on 4 February 2026. General Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on Thursday 12 February 2026.

Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible collections, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners. 

Enrol now

One-day course: Fashion and Gardens: Intertwining histories (online)

15 May 2026

£49.00

Tickets not available yet

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)

Header image: Brocaded silk; Italy; 1760s© Victoria and Albert Museum, London