Royal Fashion: A History

Explore the rich history of royal fashion, tracing iconic styles, materials, and symbols of power from medieval to modern monarchies. This course delves into the opulent wardrobes of kings and queens from different eras and empires, revealing the symbolism behind their attire, from luxurious silks and velvets to ornate jewels and ceremonial robes. Through lectures that highlight the museum’s diverse collection, participants will discover how royal fashion reflected societal changes, international diplomacy, and artistic movements. 

Learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with more than 12 hours of study over 6 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 6 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.