Hartnell to Amies Exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum

From today the 16th of November and until the 23rd of February don't miss the chance to visit the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. The exhibition " Hartnell to Amies Couture By Royal Appointment"  marks another aspect of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Gowns and dresses designed by Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies and hats by the milliner Frederick Fox have been worn by the Royal family and the British high society for the last 90 years.

This beautiful wedding dress designed by Norman Hartnell has been created for Lady Anne Glenconner when she got married to Colin Tennant in 1956. Lady Anne has been the bridesmaid at the Princess Elizabeth's wedding and she carried the train of her dress during her coronation few years later.

This fabulous suit is so modern with the return of the hounds tooth print seen in the latest collections at London Fashion Week. This silk two pieces suit has been designed in 1956 by Norman Hartnell.

Hardy Amies is the designer of this fantastic orange floaty dress dated circa 1964. The print, the design, are still fresh and easily something similar can be found and worn nowadays. When something is good as this it will be in fashion forever and surely many young designers have been inspired by these great collections from the past.

Hardy Amies designed this Prince of Wales checked fine woollen suit in 1940. This dress has been worn by Hollywood actress Mildred Shay. The fox fur complements the look. This is as well a style that has been seen on the catwalk recently, with many designers taking inspirations from the 1940s.

Norman Hartnell  has designed this "positive/negative" three pieces suit  in silk. The blouse sports a bow and the 3/4 sleeves are just waiting to have a pair of long gloves to complement the look. This suit has been created in 1957 and still would be very modern to wear it now.

Frederick Fox is an Australian born milliner who has created hats for many components of the Royal family and celebrities around the world. Over 30 hats are on display at the exhibition from fascinators to huge Ascot style hats, a feast for anyone passionated about millinery.

This is a replica of the hat worn by Her Majesty the Queen during the Silver Jubilee in 1977. Frederick Fox has recreated this silk crepe beauty on display together with the original block and the materials used for the creation.

As well as gowns to die for and accessories, the exhibition has on display sketches and memorabilia of the designers and photos by Norman Parkinson commissioned by British Vogue in the year of Queen Elizabeth 's Coronation in 1953.
The exhibition is organised by the Fashion and Textile Museum, curated by Dennis Nothdruft and Michael Pick. The museum is at 83 Bermondsey Street SE1 3XF and the admission ticket cost £ 7 for adults, £ 5 for students and concessions while under 12s have got free entry.