Blenheim Palace to Host Who’s Who of British Fashion
Blenheim Palace, the storied UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, has announced an exhibition sure to delight fashionistas and history buffs alike.
“Icons of British Fashion,” opening March 23, 2024 and running through June 30, will showcase a veritable Who’s Who of legendary British designers and fashion houses. Their one-of-a-kind creations, including bespoke designs and loans, will be dramatically displayed amidst Blenheim’s own priceless art and artifacts.
“We are incredibly excited to finally unveil what’s been years in the making,” said Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections, in an interview. “This exhibition will give visitors an insight into the fascinating world of British fashion in such a unique setting.”
Indeed, the juxtaposition of haute couture and Blenheim’s baroque architecture should prove visually arresting. Confirmed participants include heritage brands like Barbour and Turnbull & Asser, avant-garde pioneers Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes, society favorites Bruce Oldfield and Temperley London, and more contemporary stars Stella McCartney and Lulu Guinness.
Representing the height of craftsmanship will be the Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior and a special focus on Blenheim’s own sartorial icon: Sir Winston Churchill. The exhibition coincides with the 150th anniversary of Churchill’s birth in 1874 at Blenheim, then home to his aristocratic relatives the Dukes of Marlborough.
“Icons of British Fashion is the first of its kind at Blenheim Palace, and to partner with some of the most celebrated designers and brands in the world to bring together this collection is something we’re immensely proud of,” said Ballenger.
The exhibition follows other successful and well-attended spectacles at the Palace, like 2023’s “Royal Connections, Crowns and Coronets” and contemporary art shows by Ai Weiwei and Maurizio Cattelan.
Admission to “Icons of British Fashion” will be free with any valid Blenheim Palace pass, including for the Palace, Park and Gardens. For more information, visit www.blenheimpalace.com.
