The V&A is on a roll when it comes to incredible exhibitions; last year’s blockbuster David Bowie Is... exhibit was followed swiftly by the brilliant , and later this year it will open the doors to a mammoth weddings show. This week? The museum opens its doors to The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, sponsored by Bulgari.

The idea, according to curator, Sonnet Stanfill, is to ‘…explore the essence of Italian fashion, what makes it unique and what it contributes to global fashion.’ So what can you expect? We’ve been down to take a look and, while it may not be as dynamic as the Bowie set-up – that’s the problem when you have beautiful archive pieces that have to be displayed in glass cases and in dim lighting - there are some truly beautiful pieces on display.

You’ll want to see Elizabeth Taylor’s stunning Bulgari jewels, couture gowns by early couturiers like Mila Schon and Walter Albini and dresses designed for everyone from Ava Gardner to Audrey Hepburn. And the final room is dedicated modern creations by designers that you’ll be more than familiar with, so you can get up close to fresco dress – and the crown that goes with it – flame shoes, an encrusted two-piece and couture by .

The exhibition runs from 5 April – 27 July 2014. And, if the popularity of the museum’s past exhibitions is anything to go by, you might want to visit www.vam.ac.uk/italianfashion for more details and to book your tickets.