Walking through the dimly lit exhibition space and looking up at the dresses hung from the ceiling, it is possible to see the lovely creations at a close range: witness the delicate chiffons, smooth silks, experimental synthetics and the rich, vibrant colours. Rhodes’ favourite of all is the ‘cage-dress’ by Romeo Gigli, “It gives an impression that it was selected with some thought behind it.”

You maybe surprised by Vivien Westwood’s selection. It is a charming brown knitted dress with flower motifs sewn on around the neckline. ‘After the war experimenting with many kinds of knitting techniques took place – knitting by hand, by machine. I feel that this dress is the epitome of this time.’

Elie Saab became well known for his dress worn by Halle Berry at the Oscars 2002. The full taffeta skirt was made of rich silk paired with a fine net tulle top. The breast and waist area was covered with delicately hand-embroidered flowers and leaves and the dress gives an impression of the wearer being half-naked, half-dressed. However the dress seems to be incomplete on its own, reflecting back to how Berry looked radiant in it, it is a good example of the wearer perfecting the look of the dress.

The Museum aims to hold two to three major exhibitions a year, manage international educational and outreach programmes as well as provide an extensive digital archive, with images of dresses and fabric in 72 dpi format.

Fashion & Textile Museum
Open: 11:00 – 17:45 (Closed on Monday)
Address: 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF
Tel: +44 (0)20 7403 0222
http://www.ftmlondon.org