The Glamo(u)r of the British Gown...

Just touched down in London town today, only to discover that I think I lost my iphone on the plane yesterda.  Grrr.  What is it with me on this trip? It's like a comedy of errors.  And of course I'm getting some trademark London rain.  But nothing like an Itsu lunch (yes, I'm still a creature of habit), and a bit of glam to cheer me up.

An exhibit on British ballgowns in all of their finery is opening up at the V & A Museum - unfortunately, I'll be leaving before it opens up, but as it's on through the end of the year, I should be able to catch it on my next trip.  The collection will feature all sorts of gowns, worn by charity types, royal types, and experimental types.  From New York Magazine's preview, it looks like there will be a bit a touch of everything, each gown have some quirky element that seems to make it distinctly British.  And I don't just mean the quirky "heads" on the mannequins.

A couple of fun facts about the Royal gowns included - they mentioned that British Royals, unlike many other royal families, are notorious re-wearers of gowns, believing if it was special once, it can be special again.  And why not? And when designing a royal gown you have to consider whether it can support the various jewels and insignia that royals wear.  Makes perfect sense but never thought of it that way before.

The items look stunning so definitely putting this on my list for the next visit but the one I'm really holding out to see is Diana's pearl-encrusted stand up collar jacket and dress.  I completely remember and love the photos of her in it.  It's funny to see things you remember in person...also found out it was called the "Elvis dress".  You know that just made me love that much more.

Photos by David Hughes via New York Magazine, last photo via Victoria and Albert Museum.