Go to the ball with the V&A
The exhibition features important ballgowns from 1950 to the present day, including garments worn by Daphne Guinness, Beyonce and Diana, Princess of Wales.
From a pink, pearl-embellished Bellville Sassoon dress from 1964 to Erdems floral fantasia from autumn winter 2008, the gowns on show represent some of the most imaginative examples of formalwear from the past six decades.
We have a wonderful collection of ballgowns in the archive, but this period isnt traditionally associated with the ballgown, V&A fashion curator Oriole Cullen told us when the exhibition was announced in November. The garment has changed from 1950 to today, yet is still very current.
Click through the gallery above to see sketches and artwork from Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Giles Deacon and Bellville Sassoon.
Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950, sponsored by Coutts, opens at the V&A on 19 May. Learn more here.
An Erdem AW08 design appearing in the V&A show, illustrated exclusively for ELLE
Erdem silk evening dress, AW08
A close-up of Mary Katrantzou's digital artwork for her gown in the Ballgowns exhibition
Mary Katrantzou printed silk dress, SS11
Giles Deacon’s pleated silk 'carwash' dress from 2007
David Sassoon's design for Bellville Sassoon, 1964
Bellville Sassoon pink embroidered organza evening gown, 1964
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