Hartnell to Amies : Couture by royal appointment

Glamorous exhibition at the London Fashion and Textile Museum of the work of the designers Normal Hartnell and Hardy Amies who both designed for the Queen at various stages in their careers looking at how they established London as a centre of couture at the start of the 20th century.

I would have liked a bit more context with the outfits but the clothes were beautifully displayed and it was lovely that you could get so close and they were not behind glass. It was easy to see the detail on the items both the classically plain the luscious embroidery. I would say though that everything would have looked even more glamorous if the gallery had not smelly so strongly of curry! It was quite distracting! 

The 1950s section was the most elegant including a beautiful copper coloured strapless cocktail dress. I also liked a funky 60s mini coat in pale blue a gold.

There was also a nice section of hats by Frederick Fox including a copy of the Queen’s silver jubilee bell hat showing how it was constructed. I think I found what may have been the inspiration for the strange daisy bonnet I wore as a bridesmaid in 1970!

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