Chatsworth - House Style

The most fabulous exhibition opening a time capsule of fashion.

The Peak District may not seem like a fashion hot spot, but for a few months this year it definitely was. The beautiful old house, Chatsworth, which the Cavendish family made their home in the mid-sixteenth century, was host to the enchanting exhibition - House Style: Five Centuries of Style at Chatsworth. I wasn't sure whether to share this post with you or not, as the exhibition is now closed, buuuuut I just adored it so much and thought it would be a nice way for those of you who didn't get the chance to go to enjoy the show.

I'd heard about the exhibition when I visited Chatsworth earlier in the year and peered through the golden gates and since then I'd really wanted to go!

Hamish Bowles the International Editor-at-Large at American Vogue curated the show and its basic aim is to demonstrate fashion through the ages using the different looks and tastes of all the different occupants of Chatsworth. In partnership with Gucci it's all about how the family have expressed themselves through clothes.

We went from tattered slippers...

... to elaborate wedding dresses.

You take a look Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, also known as the 'Empress of Style' and beautifully portrayed by Kiera Knightley in 'The Duchess', as well as British model Stella Tennant and 'Kick' Kennedy, sister to the Kennedy brothers. We see everything from their casual clothes to the costumes from extravagant parties, their royal couture and comfy jumpers. You get a real insight into their fashion favourites, including the designers such as Dior, Gucci and Givenchy.

Everywhere you turn there's a new delight, from elaborate gowns to intricate jewels.

And the opulent setting certainly adds to the magnificent gowns.

Every room in Chatsworth House is breath-taking. It's a perfectly regal and noble background to the show and the exhibition blends beautifully into every room of the house, it doesn't take away the grandeur, but adds to it. The clothes and rooms play with each other and interact to tell a story. Everywhere oozes luxury and extravagance, but this is balanced by the places like the fairytale library that is still used by the family.

The clothes that were also worn by the family are transformed into pieces of art. Everything is so glamorous, but there's also fun touches of personality. The enchanting pieces from bygone eras are also balanced with current and contemporary details, bring every part of the exhibition into perfect harmony.

The Galliano ball-gown in the pretty turquoise blue, Georgiana corridor was definetely a favourite.

There was also delightful stories in every room and the staff who we met on the journey really wanted to share the magical anecdotes with you and it was clear that they loved being part of the exhibition. One of my favourite stories was about two outfits, a boy and a girl, who met at one of the sumptuous balls thrown at the House and went on to marry!

There was even a room re-creating a party with outfits that the family wore to various celebrations.

The treasures that were found in the attic really helped to bring the house and the family history to life. Every room feels alive and full of characters telling there story and sharing family tales. It's got a magical, glittering feel to it and I was blown away by every room I entered, with the stunning, sumptuous surroundings adding to the theatrical drama.

I was so excited to see the exhibition at Chatsworth House and I wasn't disappointed - it was all I had been hoping for and more!

x x x