CROWN TO COUTURE

From ball gowns to court gowns, handbags and jewelry, the new fashion exhibition 'Crown to Couture' draws fascinating parallels between today's red carpet world and the Royal Court of Georgia in the 18th century.

On my trip to London last week I visited CROWN TO COUTURE at Kensington Palace, a mega fashion exhibition with over 200 objects on display that analyzes and compares vintage looks and the high fashion of the contemporary red carpet, and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you a little about what this incredible experience was like.

PARALLELISM

This visit turned out to be a unique opportunity that allowed me to see in detail not only dresses from yesteryear, but also to see up-close pieces of current design that celebrities have worn at galas and awards in recent years.

Going to court in Georgian times meant attending receptions or balls where you could meet the King, Queen or Prince of Wales. In these events, appearance played a very important role, since appearance could strengthen a person's social position as well as elevate their career.

In parallel, today, the red carpets are the scene of world fashion. Singers, actors, athletes and prominent personalities carefully choose the pieces that they display on these occasions, which, in addition to celebrating the art of designers, are an opportunity to tell a story and send a message to the whole world. From cultural to political statements, at these events the personality of the individual is exposed.

THE STARS

As part of the exhibit, the palace room displays the Peter Dundas outfit worn by Beyoncé for her performance at the 59th annual Grammy Awards in 2017.

Another of the pieces on display is the chandelier-dress designed by Jeremy Scott, former creative director of Moschino, for Katy Perry< /strong> at the Met Gala in 2019, 'Camp: Notes on Fashion'.

Also on display are iconic looks from recent years such as Billy Porter's "Sun God" outfit, designed by Sam Ratelle for the 2019 Met Gala, and Kendall Jenner's sparkling Audrey Hepburn-inspired Givenchy gown for the 2019 Met Gala. same gala in 2021.

In contrast to these modern pieces, the exhibition includes a collection of royal ballgowns, including Britain's widest surviving cut gown at nearly ten feet, as well as the incredible Rockingham Mantua, one of several historical objects in the Historic Royal Palaces.

One of my favorites in the show was, without a doubt, the one worn by Lil Nas X to the BET Awards 2021. A corseted dress and matching jacket that could have indisputably come out of The Bridgertone. While the piece itself is marvelous, I think it's appropriate to point out that the fact that it was worn by a personality like Nas marks a complete contrast to the gender roles established in the 18th century.

Although the abyss between the outfits is undeniable, the relationship between the items on display, without a doubt, a visit that made me reflect and see fashion from a different communicational point of view.

A look into the future

The red carpet, much like the Georgian court back then, shapes the changing cultural world.

In 1824 Queen Charlotte insisted that baggy dresses be worn long after they were out of fashion, establishing dress codes. From then on, being well dressed was not enough to enter the court, you needed an invitation.

Today, the red carpet also looks to the future. Initiatives like the Eco-AgeGreen Carpet Challenge, established in 2010, have highlighted the importance of dressing sustainably. Many designers and celebrities are now striving to take a more ethical approach, using innovative eco-fabrics, going vintage, recycling and repurposing their favorite looks.

Crown to Couture will be available until October 29, so if you are in London or have a trip planned before that date, I recommend visiting Kensington Palace. Without a doubt, it is a must for any fashion lover!

If you are interested in seeing the expo, remember to get your tickets in advance!