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Keyword

Royal Style in the Making: The art of dressing icons

Start Date
15 March 2025
End Date
04 January 2026
Venue
Hillsborough Castle
Location
Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Curator
Claudia Acott Williams
Floor-length, sleeveless gown with a fitted bodice and wide straps, featuring a soft ivory or off-white base colour. The dress is richly embellished with gold floral embroidery that cascades symmetrically down the front and continues onto the train, adding elegance and texture.
Pale blue ball gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a voluminous skirt, designed in a classic, mid-20th-century style. The bodice appears structured and fitted, while the full skirt creates an elegant, regal silhouette. Delicate embellishments like embroidery or beading can be faintly seen.
Orange floor length dress with gold speckles throughout. V-neck neckline with wise long sleeves.
Ivory high heel shoes in a peep toe. Sketches of a female figure in a wedding dress and a wedding magazine.

Royal Style in the Making: The art of dressing icons

Step into the world of regal elegance with Royal Style in the Making, a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Unveiling the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers, discover how the British fashion industry has crafted the iconic style of the British royal women.

The exhibition showcases three stunning outfits on display, including the extraordinary toile used in the design of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s coronation gown, worn in 1937.

Original design drawings feature some of Britain’s finest designers including Madame Handley Seymour, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Oliver Messel. Don’t miss sketches from David Sassoon, for Diana, Princess of Wales, including her handwritten comments.

A thrill for fashion fans, don’t miss this unique journey into regal elegance and history, only until 04 January 2026.

Images courtesy of © Hillsborough Castle.