Blenheim Palace opens 'Icons of British Fashion' exhibition

'Icons of British Fashion' opened to the public on, March 23, and will run until June 30.

Leading British fashion designers, including Alice Temperley, Stella McCartney and the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, contributed to the show, which is sponsored by luxury retail destination Bicester Village.

Visitors to the exhibition are welcomed onto a red carpet that leads to displays featuring designs from Bruce Oldfield, Zandra Rhodes, Barbour and Terry de Havilland.

Jean Muir and Lulu Guinness are also among the featured designers with unique items made for the palace by Guinness.

The palace's own collections are interspersed with display rooms celebrating each fashion icon, providing visitors with photo opportunities throughout the event.

To pay tribute to the 150th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill's birth, the palace worked closely with some designers to celebrate the former prime minister, who was born at the Woodstock palace.

The exhibition features a Churchill Siren Suit lent by Turnbull & Asser and a new take on the boiler suit, along with a smoking cap designed by Stephen Jones featuring Churchill's hand-embroidered initials and a clementine — a nod to Churchill's wife — sewn into the lining.

Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, said: "It is an honour to welcome the work and creativity of some of the most iconic fashion labels of our time to Blenheim Palace.

"The whole team here have worked tirelessly to bring to life what has been years in the making, to ensure the exhibition is a hugely exciting and captivating experience for our visitors.

"We have a rich fashion history and this exhibition should help cement our legacy in this fascinating industry.”

Christian Dior is among the designers who have showcased their work at the palace, hosting two shows for the Red Cross in 1954 and 1958 and returning in 2016 for their Cruise Collection.

Bicester Village expressed its pleasure in supporting the exhibition.

A spokesperson said: "Our sponsorship signifies Bicester Village’s commitment to homegrown talent including British design icons found within our own stable of luxury boutiques such as Vivienne Westwood, Barbour and Stella McCartney."

Admission to the 'Icons of British Fashion' exhibition will be granted with any valid Blenheim Palace ticket.

Visitors to the exhibit will also receive a complimentary styling appointment at Bicester Village, providing personalised style advice and recommendations.

For additional information or to book tickets, visit the Blenheim Palace website.