Glorious Giles! Kensington Palace to host glittering Baroque fashion showcase

On 22nd October, Kensington Palace will be hosting a sumptuous high fashion runway show from the archive of celebrated British designer Giles Deacon, accompanied by millinery by Stephen Jones.

Set in the Palace’s stunning Vanbrugh designed Orangery, Georgian Fashion Remix celebrates the work of multi-award winning master designer Giles Deacon, famed for his bold use of colour and texture, and whose collections have drawn inspiration from some of the hallmarks of 18th century style.

In combination with exquisite pieces from renowned milliner Stephen Jones, the show is a rare opportunity to see some of the treasures of Giles’s own archive, and will highlight the surprising and sometimes subtle ways that historic references are woven into current collections; from cut and construction, right through to decoration and embellishment. With dense florals, sumptuous lace and graphic prints a staple of fashionable wardrobes across the land, discover the contemporary relevance of Georgian style rendered across elaborate corsetry, extravagant silhouettes and structured tailoring. Giles’s deft ability to reinterpret historic references has become a stand-out feature of his style - from the striking pannier-style silhouettes of his AW07 collection to AW12’s extraordinary platinum brocaded gowns – and has won plaudits from both the fashion world and the style conscious right around the world. Now, for one night only, independent charity Historic Royal Palaces is offering style enthusiasts a front row seat for this truly unique show in one of London’s most glamorous settings.

The show forms part of ‘Glorious Georges’, an extraordinary year of exhibitions, events and activities taking place at Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Kew Palace to mark the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian ascension to the throne.

Deirdre Murphy, Collections Curator at Kensington Palace, commented: “Kensington Palace has a rich fashion history, with its lavishly decorated apartments playing host to some of London’s most fashionable people. From the opulence of the early Georgian monarchs and their richly brocaded courtiers through to the young Queen Victoria and the high glamour of HRH Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales, the palace has become synonymous with style – and we’re delighted to be able to continue that story with Georgian Fashion Remix.”

Designer Giles Deacon said: “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to show a retrospective of my designs which have been inspired by many aspects of the Georgian era. To have them presented in the Orangery at Kensington Palace, in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces, will make for a very special evening!”

The doors will open at 19.20 and the fashion show will begin at 20.10 – 20.25. Tickets cost £25, including drinks and canapés. For further information please contact fran@giles-deacon.com 

To discover more royal fashion right where it happened, just step inside! Kensington Palace is home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a world class collection of over 15,000 items of royal and court fashion from the 17th century to the present day, with a rotating selection of treasures, including dresses worn by a newly married Queen Victoria and important pieces from the collection of Diana, Princess of Wales, on display. The Palace is open to visitors seven days a week throughout the year.

Set amid the tranquillity of Kensington Gardens in the heart of West London, Kensington Palace is an inspiring venue for stylish events.  Elegant, intriguing and glamorous, the Palace provides a rich and sumptuous backdrop for formal dinners, cocktail receptions, weddings and so much more. By hiring the palace for your event, not only will you and your guests enjoy a truly memorable occasion in a spectacular setting, your hire fee will also provide an important and welcome contribution to the continued building preservation work and public engagement with this iconic London landmark.

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