Marie Antoinette Style Exhibition

The V&A in London's South Kensington has always been a source of wonder and inspiration to me, championing design and creativity in all forms. As a member of the V&A, I'm always drawn to new exhibitions and couldn't wait to visit the Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, which runs until Sunday 22nd March 2026. This exhibition explores the influence that Marie Antoinette's taste and style had on fashion, interiors and design during her lifetime, and also how this has permeated decorative arts, fashion and film over the last two centuries - what an incredible design legacy!

Of course, the textiles were the hero of the exhibition for me. The intricate florals, hand embroidered onto striped silks were a highlight, and I loved reading about how Marie Antoinette embraced cotton and linen gowns in the late 1770s, with many cotton fabrics imported from India. Light, bright chintz fabrics provided a contrast to the heavy silks she wore in formal court life. A fine white embroidered muslin from India was layered over pink silk to create a blush effect - unbelievably pretty. 

If you have the opportunity, do go and explore this wonderful exhibition!