Fashion Museum provides online preview of fabulous frocks

Ahead of the official 2nd February opening of the show, the Fashion Museum is releasing images of some of its most glamorous outfits during January via Twitter (follow @Fashion­_Museum) and Facebook (search for “FashionMuseum”).

Rosemary Harden, Manager of the Fashion Museum, said: “As a big ‘thank you’ to all our followers on Twitter and our Facebook friends, we’re offering them an advance look at some of the fabulous garments which will be on display throughout 2013 to celebrate 50 years of the Fashion Museum being in beautiful Bath.

“We hope people will create a buzz across social media by sharing these images; ranging from our oldest piece – an exquisite 17th century silver tissue dress – to one of the latest Burberry creations.”

The 50 Fabulous Frocks exhibition will include the iconic and influential names of 20th century couture – Schiaparelli, Poiret, Vionnet, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent – as well as today’s most desired fashion designers and brands – Erdem, Burberry and John Rocha.

This display will show both the richness of the Fashion Museum’s collection as well as key moments in fashion history that continue to provide inspiration for modern day designers along with makers of period TV dramas and films such as Downton Abbey, The Great Gatsby and Anna Karenina.

The year-long show will also feature a gorgeous gold embroidered Georgian court dress and a delicate 1870s gauze bustle day dress edged with purple fringing and reminiscent of the paintings of Tissot, alongside a svelte crepe evening dress by Ossie Clark and a classic chic Chanel suit.

Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “The Fashion Museum houses one of the world’s great museum collections of historic and fashionable dress. It’s been designated as a collection of outstanding national significance and was recently listed as one of the world’s top 10 fashion museums by the international broadcaster CNN.

“Bath & North East Somerset Council is keen to offer everyone the chance to enjoy a wide variety of culture and creativity. This exhibition is designed to appeal to all – from those with a passion for fashion, to anyone interested in history or those who enjoy costume dramas like Downton Abbey and ITV’s new programme Mr Selfridge. As 2013 also marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we’re also proud to display some costumes which hark back to that era.”

The display will also include delightfully curious pieces from the Fashion Museum’s world-class collection of original objects, such as a Champagne Dress worn at a fancy dress party in Edwardian times. Men’s fashion is also covered – from an ornately embroidered man’s coat from the early 18th century through to a pair of bondage trousers by Dame Vivienne Westwood, Queen of Punk.