I didn’t really need another reason to visit London this year but the new exhibition House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth has me checking flights. Hamish Bowles from Vogue was tapped by the Countess of Burlington to curate an exhibition that explores the fashionable history Chatsworth after she stumbled across some of the couture pieces while searching the attic for a christening gown. 

The fashions include a coronation gown and pieces from five centuries of famous inhabitants, “Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire; Adele Astaire, sister and dance partner of Fred Astaire; two of the infamous Mitford sisters – Deborah Devonshire and Nancy Mitford; Stella Tennant, who was photographed with her grandmother, the 11th Duchess, at Chatsworth for Vogue (above); and John F Kennedy’s sister Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy.” The exhibition will include couture designed by Jean Phillipe Worth and Christian Dior, along with contemporary fashions from designers such as Gucci, Helmut Lang, Margiela, Erdem, Alexander McQueen, and Christopher Kane.

Gucci is the principal sponsor of the exhibition along with major sponsors C.W. Sellors Fine Jewellery, Investec, Sotheby’s and Wedgwood, and supporting sponsor Perspex.

If you can’t make it to the exhibition in person, there is an accompanying book, House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth that you might want to pick up.

“House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion” is showing at the Chatsworth House from 25 March – 22 October 2017.
Mistress of the Robes coronation gown, worn by Duchess Evelyn at 1937 Coronation and Duchess Mary at 1953 Coronation.

Portrait of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (1757 – 1806) by Thomas Gainsborough and a shepherdess fancy dress costume worn by Duchess Evelyn in India 1889 by Russel & Allen.

Gown worn by Stella Tennant, granddaughter of the 11th Duke of Devonshire, for a Vogue photoshoot.
Wool sweater, or jumpers as they call them in England, commissioned by the 11th Duke of Devonshire from Lords.
Black suede suit, Miura, owned by the 12th Duke of Devonshire. 

Huntsman recreated Adele Astaire’s order from 1924 for the exhibition.

Another gown on display.

“Inconspicuously draped on a wire hanger, an ice-pink satin gown commissioned by Debo Devonshire was instantly recognized by the author as Dior’s “Carmel” from spring 1953—and is now a centerpiece of the exhibition.” via Vogue

Bedroom with armoire at Chatsworth.

Lady Burlington and Hamish Bowles.

An image posted from Hamish Bowles on Instagram.

Cabana Magazine announced this morning that their Issue 7, the English Issue, out on April 7th will feature Chatsworth and the exhibition.

A look at the installation preparations.

A look at the completed installation from Luke Edward Hall via Instagram.

A magnificent look at the exhibition by Jasper Conran via Instagram.

Another view of the exhibition by Jasper Conran.

Garden in bloom at Chatsworth.

“The Countess of Burlington stands before a newly regilded 17th-century urn on Chatsworth’s terrace in a Gucci suit borrowed from the boys—garnished with the necklace from the c. 1852 Devonshire parure and Debo’s bejeweled bug brooches.” via Vogue

Daffodils at Chatsworth.

“Flanked by a pair of bronze hounds by Nicola Hicks, the Countess of Burlington, dressed in a Victoriana textured-jacquard Gucci ensemble, descends a flight of steps on the grounds of stately Chatsworth.” via Vogue

Photos via Vogue, Chatsworth, and Instagram.