Starting March 13, 2025, Kensington Palace invites visitors into the dazzling world of royal fashion with Dress Codes, a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing iconic, never-before-seen garments from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Supported by the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Avis Charles Associates, Dress Codes will dive into the history, codes, and evolving symbolism of royal attire, shedding light on the powerful ways fashion has been used to convey status, influence, and personal identity across generations.
Highlights of Dress Codes
One of the exhibition’s most charming displays will feature two matching Liberty print dresses from 1936, worn by young Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret. These sweet cotton dresses, worn by the princesses during their London childhood, exemplify the royal family’s thrifty approach, with one dress altered to accommodate the growing Elizabeth and likely passed down to Margaret. This display reflects the family’s own “dress code” of reuse during a period that valued longevity and practicality.
The exhibition also spotlights the role of dress in diplomacy, with pieces that demonstrate the careful thought behind royal attire. Among the highlights is a stunning red Bruce Oldfield gown worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, on a state visit to Saudi Arabia in 1987, illustrating the elegance and cultural respect woven into her fashion choices. Also on display is a green silk velvet tuxedo-style dress by Catherine Walker, which Diana later famously auctioned to benefit HIV/AIDS and cancer charities.
Princess Margaret, known for her fashion-forward style and daring choices, will also be featured with rare items like a 1978 Thea Porter evening ensemble and a vibrant green gown by Filipino designer Jose Pitoy Moreno. These striking pieces showcase Margaret’s unique take on royal fashion, reflecting her personality and her willingness to push the boundaries of royal style.
Royal Fashion Through the Ages
The exhibition reaches even further back with historical items from Queen Victoria, who was born and raised at Kensington Palace. Included in the display is a never-before-seen black mourning bodice from the early years following Prince Albert’s death, illustrating the deeply personal side of royal fashion as a way to convey status and emotion. Also on view is a 1920s court dress by Reville, a black and white ensemble with a dramatic train, worn by Lady Annie Holcroft at a Buckingham Palace presentation in 1928. This piece reveals the grandeur and opulence of court life while adhering to the strict dress codes that governed royal occasions.
Among the fascinating artifacts, a unique early 20th-century Japanese court suit with gold embroidery, representing European-style diplomatic attire, will also be displayed. The suit’s delicate paulownia flower embroidery, a symbol of Japanese government, reflects global influences in royal fashion, a theme that resonates throughout Dress Codes.
A Contemporary Take on Tradition
In a first for Historic Royal Palaces, Dress Codes includes contributions from London’s youth. The exhibition has partnered with local youth groups, inviting teens aged 14-17 to act as Young Producers. These young creatives have worked alongside professionals in fashion and music, producing original works inspired by the royal pieces on display. The final exhibition room showcases these unique, contemporary pieces, reimagining royal dress codes through today’s cultural lens. Through this collaboration, Historic Royal Palaces demonstrates the lasting inspiration of royal attire for new generations.
Matthew Storey, curator at Historic Royal Palaces, shared his excitement: “Working with the Young Producers has shown how fascinating the histories of these garments are, from the personal to the political, and how their design can inspire creativity today. Kensington Palace has always been the home of royal fashion… I’m looking forward to sharing an incredible range of stunning items with our visitors, including many that have never been seen before, and celebrating the creativity of our remarkable Young Producers.”
Plan Your Visit
Dress Codes will be open to the public from March 13 through November 30, 2025, and is included with general admission to Kensington Palace. This exhibition promises to be a captivating experience for fashion enthusiasts, royal watchers, and anyone curious about the history and power of royal style.
For ticketing and more information, visit Historic Royal Palaces’ website.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.