Ballgowns: Britsh Glamour Since 1950, Victoria and Albert Museum, 19 May 2012 - 6 January 2013.

 Alexander McQueen, S/S 2011. Image: Courtesy Christopher Moore, Catwalking

 State evening ensemble 'Elvis Dress' for Princess Diana by Catherine Walker, 1989. Museum no. T.1-2006. Given by the Franklin Mint

 Silk satin and beaded 'Rumina' gown by Erdem, A/W 2008. This dress was a highlight of the V&A's Fashion in Motion: Erdem show in December 2009. Lent by the designer. © V&A Images

 Atsuko Kudo gown worn by Georgia Frost with dresses by Hardy Amies and Worth of London. Lent by the designer. Carlos Jimenez, © V&A, 2011.

 Satin and flocked tulle gown by Vivienne Westwood. Created for Lay Bianca Job-Tyoran to wear to Queen Charlotte's Ball, 1994. Museum no. T14-1997. Given by Lady Bianca Job-Tyoran.

Beaded silk satin gown by Norman Hartnell, 1953. Museum no. T.253-1981. Given by Lilli Palmer

Ballgowns: Britsh Glamour Since 1950.

19 May 2012 - 6 January 2013

Fashion Galleries
Room 40
Admission charges will apply
From spring 2012 the V&A celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers.  Displayed over two floors, Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 will feature more than sixty designs for social events such as private parties, royal balls, state occasions and opening nights.
The exhibition will cover over sixty years of a strong British design tradition that continues to flourish. Eveningwear from the V&A’s vast collection, by designers including Victor Stiebel, Zandra Rhodes, Jonathan Saunders and Hussein Chalayan, will be on show alongside dresses fresh from the catwalk shows of Alexander McQueen, Giles Deacon, Erdem and Jenny Packham.
A selection of royal ballgowns will be on display, including a Norman Hartnell gown designed for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Diana’s ‘Elvis Dress’ designed by Catherine Walker and gowns worn by today’s young royals. Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 will also include dresses worn by actresses and celebrities including Elizabeth Hurley, Bianca Jagger and Sandra Bullock, and a stunning metallic leather dress created especially for the exhibition by innovative designer Gareth Pugh.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/ballgowns/
The Victoria and Albert Museum is located at Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
http://www.vam.ac.uk/