Vivienne Westwood’s designs to take centre stage at Blenheim Palace’s ‘Icons of British Fashion’ exhibition

In anticipation of the ‘Icons of British Fashion’ exhibition taking place at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, from 23 March – 30 June 2024, it has now been revealed that the designs of the late Vivienne Westwood are set to take centre stage in the Great Hall.

Additionally, each fashion house featured in the exhibition will also be "taking over a significant room" in the 300-year old Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and the exhibition coincides with the national campaign honouring the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Other confirmed designers and brands to showcase at the exhibition include Jean Muir, Terry de Havilland, Bruce Oldfield, Zandra Rhodes, Lulu Guinness, Turnbull & Asser, Barbour, Temperley London and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior.

Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections, said: "We are privileged to collaborate with such incredible British designers and celebrate the creativity within the UK's fashion industry. Blenheim Palace has a rich history of its own in British fashion having hosted fashion shows, photoshoots, and catwalks attended by high society and royalty.

"Our Palace is the perfect backdrop to showcase the lasting impact of British fashion on the global stage over the years and we can’t wait to open our doors to the public on 23 March and finally show everyone what has been years in the making."

Here’s what to expect from each designer:

Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood will present a selection of avant-garde looks synonymous with the British fashion house. Tracing the long-term collaboration of Westwood with her creative partner and husband, Andreas Kronthaler, there will be a selection of looks created throughout their partnership, including carefully curated gowns, corsets and capes handcrafted in their London atelier.

Jean Muir

Jean Muir’s signature style "married a distinctive purity of line with a fluidity on the body" to create the deceptively simple, timeless and elegant clothes that became her trademark. Known for her precision cut and great attention to detail, the display will be a celebration of Muir’s designs throughout her career and includes the Bath Fashion Museum 1979 Dress of the Year.

Terry de Havilland 

This part of the exhibition will begin in 1973, a pivotal year which witnessed Terry de Havilland becoming a fashion phenomenon, adorned by style icons such as Bianca Jagger. The brand graced the cover of Playboy in 1974 and provided the signature shoes for the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show. Both those designs will be on display at Blenheim Palace. The brand also crafted a bespoke, hand-painted pair of ‘Zap Pow’ pop art shoes for the late Amy Winehouse's UK tour, and one of the three original pairs will be a highlight of the exhibition.

Bruce Oldfield 

With the chandeliered Green Drawing Room as his backdrop, Bruce Oldfield is aiming to capture the mood of the celebrated 1948 photograph by Cecil Beaton of a group of society women wearing the elegant gowns of couture dress designer Charles James in a similarly grand room. His installation of 10 seasonless designs from the last 10 years will display "a modern way of dressing for grand occasions".  There will also be intricately engineered and hand-stitched jackets and tops - paired with voluminous, pleated, mid-calf skirts, multi-panelled pants and floaty, pleated jupes-culottes.

Zandra Rhodes 

Zandra Rhodes will be exhibiting her work in the Red Drawing Room of Blenheim Palace. Named after the beautiful red silk that adorns its walls and furniture, the room is also known as the Entertainment Room. The dresses on show will celebrate Rhodes 50-year long career of experimentation with vibrant statement textile prints. Vintage mannequins will be staged and dressed in an array of Rhodes’ colourful printed garments, "as if in the middle of a fabulous party".

Lulu Guinness 

From the very first daring designs to the latest contemporary creations, the installation will unveil for the first time a treasure trove of handbags from the Lulu Guinness archive, showcasing the evolution of design, craftsmanship, and glamour that has defined the brand for 30 years. Always at the forefront of innovation, Lulu Guinness will also be looking into the future by presenting special one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from recycled materials, exclusively for the Blenheim Palace exhibition.

Turnbull & Asser 

Marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, and presenting in The Birth Room at Blenheim Palace, Turnbull & Asser will be unveiling a captivating collection inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s traditions, sartorial choices, and disposition through attire. Starting with the acclaimed ‘Siren Suit’, which is considered as one of Churchill’s favourite garments during the war, the brand will also be introducing a curated tribute capsule with specially designed elements.

Barbour

Barbour’s instillation will delve into the family history, fashion collaborations and how it extends the life of its garments. It will also be a celebration of those who wear the brand - from farmers to rock stars and everyone in between. Visitors can "expect the unexpected", as the many facets of this very British brand are brought to life.

Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior 

Stephen Jones will be celebrating the relationship with Christian Dior and Blenheim Palace initiated in 1954, and will showcase three complete outfits from the creative directors with whom he has collaborated since 1996. The British milliner has also designed a special smoking cap paying homage to Sir Winston Churchill. The traditional velvet cap features his embroidered initials. Additionally, a button and tassel were taken from Sir Winston Churchill’s iconic ‘Siren Suit’ and slippers for the cap and, within the lining, there’s a hand embroidered clementine in honour of Churchill’s wife, Clementine.

Temperley London 

Alice Temperley will be creating a dreamlike party scene that will transport the visitor to a realm where reality blurs with fantasy. Showcasing the craftsmanship and escapism of Temperley London, the installation "will capture a moment of unbridled celebration and intoxicating beauty".

‘Icons of British Fashion’ is described at Blenheim Palace’s |biggest exhibition to date". Admission to the exhibition will be free with any valid Blenheim Palace ticket including Palace, Park and Gardens, Annual Pass or a Privilege Pass.