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Waking up this morning I was approached by the daily dilemma of what to wear. The sun was shining but I was sceptical about the British weather. Settling for the favourite fail-safe leather trousers, I rushed to catch my train to Harrods to see the ball gown display in their Brompton Road windows in celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Standing like a child in front of a sweet shop, I soon realised that no outfit would have sufficed to compete with the stunning ball gowns that stood before me.
Harrods have transformed the store into a real royal experience. From the red carpets to the decadent crowns in every corner, the store allows for everyone to feel like a princess. The window display showcases some of the most bespoke ball gown designs from some of the world’s top ateliers, which are quite literally beautiful from seam to seam. The ball gowns belong to names such as Erdem, Marchesa, Ralph & Russo, Carolina Herrera, Toujouri, J. Mendel, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Nina Ricci, Jenny Packham and Elie Saab.
The 18th century can be thanked for gracing us with the introduction of beautiful ball gowns. Notoriously, gowns were worn for formal occasions where etiquette and class were of paramount importance. Traditionally floor length with intricate and delicate designs, they were worn alongside men in white tie attire to symbolise wealth and social class. Just like every dress however, ball gowns were heavily accessorized with with gloves, jewellery and clutches to match, meaning every woman could enjoy and personalise her experience with the grandiose dresses.
The ball gowns have been designed to accentuate female beauty and offer an enchanting experience. “In our eyes, beauty and style is unique and personal, capable of arousing multiple emotions and attitudes. With this beautiful lace and tulle embroidered delicate ballgown, we feel that any
woman could live a princess moment.” Quoted by Creative directors of Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
The display at Harrods coincides with a gorgeous designer collection of jubilee crowns and the Victoria & Albert museum’s ‘Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950’ exhibition which is on until January of this year. So to ensure yourself a princess moment, be sure to pencil in a date for both.
By Marni Banks
