until Sunday November 30 2025

Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens
W8 4PX London
United Kingdom

Contact
https://www.hrp.org.uk/

Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed and dress codes evolve.

Among the highlights of this new exhibition are pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria.

This exhibition showcases both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.

Stunning items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection on display in 2025 include an extremely rare Japanese court suit dating from the early 20th century, and a never-before-seen 1920s Reville court dress worn to Buckingham Palace.

Alongside these spectacular examples of royal and court dress, discover how dress codes can be reset and re-made for today through designs by our Young Producers, aged 14-17. This new partnership with local youth groups paves the way for a new generation of young people to contribute to the arts and fashion industries.

Dress Codes has been supported by our Associate Partners, the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Avis Charles Associates.

Photo: Liberty print floral cotton dress worn by Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II. © Historic Royal Palaces