The wedding dress has evolved over time
What is the history of the wedding dress?
Before the 19th century, the wedding gown was not white, instead it was coloured with a thousand shades. Queen Victoria of England (1840) and Empress Eugenie of France (1852) adopted the white dress for their weddings. Very quickly, in affluent circles and in cities, the white wedding gown was widespread. It soon became popular in other social classes and was adopted by country folk.
Subsequently, as more liberal customs were embraced and changed the original meaning of marriage, the tradition for white remained prevalent. It’s popularity has been unflappable. At present, white is for those who wish and colour, for those who want!
Just Married, a story of marriage was a temporary exhibition. It showcased superb wedding dresses which have contributed to the history of fashion.
The pieces from the museum’s collections showcased in the “Just Married” exhibition have been added to the inventory of the movable cultural heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region. For example, see our sumptuous ivory moiré silk faille dress created by Yves Saint Laurent in 1985.
