ROMANCE. GLAMOUR. EXTRAVAGANCE.
Exhibition now closed
17 December 2011–22 April 2012
Unveiled showcases 200 years of extraordinary wedding fashion from one of the world’s most superb collections – that of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. See outfits inspired by tradition, practicality, celebrity, fantasy – and, of course, love.
Highlights include lavish gowns by some of the biggest names in international fashion – Charles Frederick Worth, Norman Hartnell, Christian Lacroix, Vivienne Westwood, and more. Also on show are special commissions by leading New Zealand designers WORLD, Lindah Lepou, and Jane Yeh.
How is it that the traditional western European white wedding dress has become the garment of choice for brides in many countries and cultures? And what do wedding dress styles say about the social and economic conditions of their day? You'll learn some of the answers from this magnificent display.
Listen to these fascinating conversations between Unveiled curators Edwina Ehrman of the V&A and Claire Regnault of Te Papa to find out more about the dresses, suits, and accessories in this exciting exhibition. Listen now on your computer, or listen inside the exhibition.
Listen to curator conversations
Te Papa commissioned WORLD, Lindah Lepou, and Jane Yeh to design wedding outfits for Unveiled. In the videos here, they discuss those garments – and much more. Step into their workrooms.
Watch the interviews
Edwina Ehrman, Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, offers behind-the-scenes insights into developing Unveiled.
And V&A exhibition preparator Keira Miller talks about choosing mannequins and petticoats, creating wigs, and packing the dresses for travel.
Watch Edwina and Keira talk about Unveiled
Listen to an interview with Edwina Ehrman of the V&A , London, in which she talks about the inspiration behind this lavish exhibition.
Sonia Sly of 'The Arts On Sunday' talks to Te Papa's Senior Curator History, Claire Regnault, about some of the highly detailed gowns in Unveiled.
Listen to the interviews
For more on Dita von Teese and her famous corsetry by Mr Pearl, watch this short documentary by Diane Pernet, an American-born, Paris-based fashion commentator.
Watch the video (Youtube)