A passion for fashion: 300 years of style at Blenheim Palace

Abstract

'A Passion for Fashion' provides an amusing look at some of the clothes, underclothes, shoes and accessories worn by many of the more colourful characters in Blenheim Palace's 300-year history, as well as a cautionary look at the role that arsenic, lead, mercury and mouse traps played in the fashions of the day. Adult and children's fashions from the 18th and 19th centuries are examined, as well as contemporary style from renowned designers including Christina Stambolian, Stephen Jones, Christian Loubout in and most recently of all, Dolce & Gabbana. Blenheim Palace's on-going relationship with the House of Dior, is celebrated with a look at the early catwalk shows of the 1950s, and the launch of Dior's Cruise collection, which took place at Blenheim in May 2016.