V&A Ballgowns Exhibition

On the 19th May 2012, the V&A museum in London is opening it's doors to an exhibtion exploring British glamour since 1950 through the medium of ballgowns. The exhibition is going to feature over 60 pieces spanning from the 1950s to the present. The pieces will be a combination of evening wear and catwalk dresses from designers such as Jonathan Saunders, Erdem and Alexander Mcqueen. Rather fittingly to co-incide with the Diamond Jubilee, the exhibition will also feature dresses worn by the Queen and other female members of the Royal Family.

A 2008 Erdem dress is fronting the exhibition

In honour of the exhibition, Vogue recently did a run-down of their favourite ball gowns. They also looked outside of British design and embraced the spectacular creations of designers like Valentino and Oscar De La Renta.

Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, 1954

Princess Elizabeth circa 1947

Versace

Gemma Atherton in Valentino

This exhibition got me thinking about what I love about ball gowns. The dress is the most revered item for a designer to exhibit their talent upon and often the dress can take the centre of attention, such as the hotly talked about McQueen dress from last summer's Royal Wedding. For me, the more outrageous the better and in my eyes John Galliano is king of the ball gowns. A talent displayed in his many couture collections for Dior.

John Galliano for Dior Haute Couture

The late Alexander McQueen produced similarly memorable designs and thankfully Sarah Burton has continued this legacy.

Taken from the 'Savage Beauty' exhibition

Alexander McQueen S/S11

The exhibition is curated by Oriole Cullen and Sonnet Stanfill and will be open from 19th May 2012 - 6th January 2013. Visit the V&A website for more information.