"A good wedding dress should reflect the period in which it's worn"
Edwina Ehrman
"A good wedding dress should reflect the period in which it's worn"
Edwina Ehrman
Whilst visiting the V&A museum to view the Disobedient Objects exhibition I decided to also visit the Wedding Dresses exhibition which showcases over 80 wedding dresses from 1775 to 2014. I'd heard about the exhibition when it first opened and I was really keen to visit as before uni I actually worked in a Bridal Boutique, Miss Bush Bridalwear. The exhibition tells the story of the evolution of the wedding dress tracing the development of the the bridal gown over the last two centuries. The exhibition is displayed over two floors with the first displaying the oldest gowns from the 18th century and the mezzanine level showcasing the last 50 years of fashion.
From 18th century flower sellers to Kate Moss’s 2011 John Galliano dress, The Guardian describes the exhibition as a ‘democratic affair’. The curator of the exhibition Edwina Ehrman wanted the exhibition to involve ordinary people as well as some iconic dresses viewers may have seen before.
The exhibition runs in chronological order which allows the viewer to see how both weddings and the dresses have evolved over time. As you make your way through the exhibition, alongside many of the dresses, there are photographs and short films giving an insight into the fascinating details of each dress including the bride which wore the dress. The exhibition was curated by Edwina Ehrman and took five years to put together. She explores trends of the times from the drop-waist of the Twenties to the mini dress of the Sixties to the growth of the modern unconventional outfit.
As I made my way through the exhibition and neared the stairway to the mezzanine I heard the sounds of cheering and church bells. I was greeted by a video of the royal wedding which is projected onto the wall. There was a big crowd gathered round the video of the Duchess of Cambridge dressed in Alexander McQueen on her wedding day which captured the nations heart in 2011. The video felt somewhat nostalgic and evoked a sense of Britishness.
Throughout the exhibition the history of each dress is highlighted whilst fascinating details about the wearer and their life are revealed. From their circumstances to their fashion choice. I found this particularly interesting, to be able to gain such an intimate insight into what many consider to be one of the most important days of a woman’s life. Many of the modern dresses inspire invention. Dita Von Teese’s purple taffeta Vivienne Westwood gown is a highlight within the exhibition with its tiny wasp waist.
The exhibition includes some of the most glamorous, romantic and extravagant wedding dresses of all time and is definitely one of my all time favourite exhibitions I've seen at the V&A. See more information here.
Images all courtesy of the V&A Museum.
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