Dressing the Stars: British Costume Design Exhibition

Here is something irresistible for fans of British costume design in film: Dressing the Stars, an exhibition of largely Oscar winning pieces from some of the most famous designers in the business, including Jenny Beavan’s recent work on The King’s Speech.

The exhibition will take place at the Fashion Museum in Bath, running from 12th July – 29th August. Emphasis is predominantly, though hopefully not exclusively, on period and fantasy. Expect to see Orlando Bloom’s costume from the original Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (designer Penny Rose), Gwyneth Paltrow’s from Shakespeare in Love (Sandy Powell), Meryl Streep’s from The French Lieutenant’s Woman (Tom Rand), Keira Knightley in The Duchess (Michael O’Connor), among many others.

Exhibition curator Yvonne Hellin-Hobbs explains her idea:

This is a great opportunity to showcase some spectacular and iconic costumes from some great films. It is also a chance to bring the public’s attention to the design process and the designers behind them; another group of Brits on the red carpet.

Excitingly there will even be opportunity to view the ensembles in motion with a series of screenings, plus lectures by some of the designers involved:

Not only will the costumes themselves be on display but there will also be interviews with the designers about the process involved in creating an award winning costume.

Indeed, this reads like a comprehensive and thoughtfully put together exhibition. If for no other reason than the draw of Jenny Beavan’s detailed (though hugely budget constrained) costumes for multi award winner The King’s Speech, do pay it a visit if you can.

Dressing the Stars runs from 12th July – 29th August at the Fashion Museum in Bath, UK, Tel: 01225 477789.