Tour Details
Photos & Highlights
- Learn about fashion history in the world's capital of trend
- Led by a fashion or art historian
- Victoria and Albert Museum
Tour Description
The fashion collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum is a unique treasure trove for trend setters and fashion lovers. This Victoria and Albert Museum Fashion Tour takes dedicated followers of fashion on a journey through 250 years of “la mode” in the fashion collection at the V&A Museum. In addition to learning about the history of couture and the ways style has evolved through the decades, we'll also discover why London was, and still is, a hub for high fashion.
Victoria and Albert Museum Fashion Tour
What made English trend-setters exchange their muslin prints, silks, and pearls for safety pins, plaid, and underwear as outerwear? What did the ton—the fashionable society—wear in the eighteenth century, and how did the Industrial Revolution in Britain affect what we wear in the twenty-first century? What made the 1930s slink, the 1960s swing, and the 1980s rock?
Using the museum galleries as a backbone, we will weave a narrative connecting the history of Britain, its geographical and cultural expansion and the influence that this had on the development of fashion. From fabrics and precious stones brought in from the four corners of the Empire, to the traditional Harris Tweed woven in the Hebrides, we will discuss all aspect of the fashion industry and how they survive in Great Britain.
Fashion Icons Through the Ages
We will consider past movers and shakers that have made London the most creative and dynamic centre for fashion in the world in the twenty-first century. We will admire one-of-a-kind court dresses from 1750, consider style icons of the past, and discuss the role of contemporary fashion muses. There will also be an opportunity to explore the greater picture and consider how 250 years of history and the spirit of the times are reflected in that phenomenon we call fashion.
Those interested in visiting today's finest department stores may be interested in our London City Tour of Kensington and Knightsbridge.
For private tours this walk can be extended to include a visit to boutiques and fashion designers around London
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where do we end?
We will meet near the V&A, and end inside the museum. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point, along with a map and emergency phone number.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We some excellent family friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of kids and teens. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
The tour moves at a leisurely pace. There are opportunities to sit, and use the restroom if needed.
Is the V&A mobility friendly?
Yes, the museum has a stair-free entrance, and the majority of the museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
Where You'll Start
Tour Experts
Hattie
Hattie has a degree in History of Art and an MA in Historic Interiors, she has a life-long passion and fascination in Fine and Decorative Arts, particularly works produced in Europe from the 16th to 18th century. After working for the Royal Collection in the Print Room at Windsor Castle, she was a curator for a private collector of 17th and 18th century prints and drawings. This sparked a keen interest in portraiture and English art, as well as the printed image. Hattie has worked for London's foremost framer of important old master paintings during which time she sharpened her appreciation and understanding of the decorative arts and the changing tastes of collecting. Recently she has been dealing in prints and works of art as well as taking groups of all ages to museums and galleries.
Vanessa
21 Reviews
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Hattie was both knowledgeable and just as important, passionate about the topic. She was engaging and interesting. She knows the V&A super well and it showed in the range of exhibits that we viewed plus the depth of her knowledge. Big thumbs up.
Sandra
Jan. 29, 2019
My daughter and I enjoyed our tour with Hattie. She provided a lot of insight and shared details of many things we would have missed had we tried doing this on our own. Hattie kept a nice pace going and answered our questions throughout the tour.
Melissa
Jan. 4, 2019
Simon was fantastic. So interesting and knowledgeable about so many things. The tour was very well organized but sensitive to our needs. I can’t say enough good things about Simon. Just a really fantastic experience!!
George
Dec. 25, 2018