Bridal bliss
In the 16th century, it was believed that if you were a bridesmaid three times there was no hope of you becoming a bride, although the curse would be broken after your seventh trip carrying someone else’s train down the aisle. Personally, I think that anyone who is prepared to don a peach taffeta tent that many times certainly deserves a medal.
June is a popular month for weddings, a decision that stems in part from the medieval tradition of taking an annual bath in May, thereby making some sense to have the nuptials shortly afterwards.
5. Flowerbomb dress and hat by Ian Stuart, 2011 6. On her wedding day, in 2005, the Duchess of Cornwall wore an embroidered silk coat and dress designed by Anna Valentine and a feather headdress by Philip Treacy
If ever there was a place to lay out the history of this most important of dresses, then the sumptuous surroundings of the Victoria and Albert Museum is that place. The result, Wedding Dresses 1775–2014, is 80 creations chosen from more than 300 years. It includes Kate Moss’s 1920s-inspired sequinned sheath of genius by John Galliano, a simple dress from 1775 that has all the hallmarks of the Empire, and two dresses worn by wartime brides, a reminder of how clever the English girl can be at making do and mending.
7. The Temperley bridal ‘Jean’ dress, 2014 8. Myrtle and orange blossom wedding favour, 1889 9. The wedding dress of American heiress Cara Leland Huttleston Rogers 10. Embroidered silk and satin dress designed by Norman Hartnell in 1933 and worn by Margaret Whigham, later the Duchess of Argyll, for her marriage to Mr Charles Sweeny
The tradition of wearing white started with Queen Victoria and gave birth to an industry now worth billions. We have her to thank for the society wedding and our obsession with seeing what everyone wore. The exhibition doesn’t include the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress but it does include the Duchess of Cornwall’s perfectly chosen embroidered silk coat by Anna Valentine.
11. This gold silk dress, embroidered with arti cial pearl beads, was worn by Maud Katharine Alicia Cecil for her marriage to Richard Greville Acton Steel 12. Dita von Teese’s Bird Of Paradise silk dress was made by Vivienne Westwood in 2005. The tricorn hat is by Stephen Jones 13. A model wears an Ian Stuart wedding dress of ta eta and beaded metallic lace
All the dresses tell a story; with the shoes and handbags providing wonderful supporting roles. In 1933, it took Norman Hartnell’s 30 seamstresses six weeks to build the creation worn by Margaret Whigham. Taking no chances, the royal courtier had already measured the nave to ensure her 12ft-long, 9ft-wide train would fit. As she processed along Knightsbridge to Brompton Oratory, the traffic stopped. As it still does for any girl on her big day.
Until 15 March at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London SW7: 020-7420 9736, www.vam.ac.uk
June is a popular month for weddings, a decision that stems in part from the medieval tradition of taking an annual bath in May, thereby making some sense to have the nuptials shortly afterwards.
5. Flowerbomb dress and hat by Ian Stuart, 2011 6. On her wedding day, in 2005, the Duchess of Cornwall wore an embroidered silk coat and dress designed by Anna Valentine and a feather headdress by Philip TreacyIf ever there was a place to lay out the history of this most important of dresses, then the sumptuous surroundings of the Victoria and Albert Museum is that place. The result, Wedding Dresses 1775–2014, is 80 creations chosen from more than 300 years. It includes Kate Moss’s 1920s-inspired sequinned sheath of genius by John Galliano, a simple dress from 1775 that has all the hallmarks of the Empire, and two dresses worn by wartime brides, a reminder of how clever the English girl can be at making do and mending.
7. The Temperley bridal ‘Jean’ dress, 2014 8. Myrtle and orange blossom wedding favour, 1889 9. The wedding dress of American heiress Cara Leland Huttleston Rogers 10. Embroidered silk and satin dress designed by Norman Hartnell in 1933 and worn by Margaret Whigham, later the Duchess of Argyll, for her marriage to Mr Charles SweenyThe tradition of wearing white started with Queen Victoria and gave birth to an industry now worth billions. We have her to thank for the society wedding and our obsession with seeing what everyone wore. The exhibition doesn’t include the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress but it does include the Duchess of Cornwall’s perfectly chosen embroidered silk coat by Anna Valentine.
11. This gold silk dress, embroidered with arti cial pearl beads, was worn by Maud Katharine Alicia Cecil for her marriage to Richard Greville Acton Steel 12. Dita von Teese’s Bird Of Paradise silk dress was made by Vivienne Westwood in 2005. The tricorn hat is by Stephen Jones 13. A model wears an Ian Stuart wedding dress of ta eta and beaded metallic lace All the dresses tell a story; with the shoes and handbags providing wonderful supporting roles. In 1933, it took Norman Hartnell’s 30 seamstresses six weeks to build the creation worn by Margaret Whigham. Taking no chances, the royal courtier had already measured the nave to ensure her 12ft-long, 9ft-wide train would fit. As she processed along Knightsbridge to Brompton Oratory, the traffic stopped. As it still does for any girl on her big day.
Until 15 March at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London SW7: 020-7420 9736, www.vam.ac.uk