House Style

Hamish Bowles, International Editor-at-Large at American Vogue, has curated this landmark show with creative direction and design by Patrick Kinmonth and Antonio Monfreda, the duo behind some of the most memorable fashion exhibitions of recent years. 

House Style demonstrates the power of fashion and brings to life the captivating individuals from the Cavendish family, including: 

Bess of Hardwick, one of the most powerful women of the 16th century 

The 18th century “Empress of Fashion” Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire 

Adele Astaire, the sister and dance partner of Fred Astaire 

Deborah Devonshire and Nancy Mitford, two of the Mitford sisters, model Stella Tennant and John F Kennedy’s sister ‘Kick’ Kennedy will also be central to the show. 

Layering art history, fashion, jewellery, archival material, design and textiles, the exhibition is organised by theme. Highlights include exceptional couture designed by Jean Phillipe Worth and Christian Dior, together with influential contemporary garments from designers such as Gucci, Helmut Lang, Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Erdem, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane and Vetements. 

The show also features personal family collections, including items belonging to the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. These pieces are displayed alongside livery, uniforms, coronation robes and fancy-dress costumes, demonstrating the varying breadth of fashion and adornment from the Devonshire Collection throughout the generations. 

Important artworks are also on display, including rare costume designs from the early 17th century by Inigo Jones, Surveyor to the King’s Works and one of the most notable architects of 17th century England.

Image © Chatsworth House Trust, photographer Thomas Loof.