The Victoria & Albert Museum Fashion Collection

While traveling in London I was able to visit the Victoria & Albert Museum. The fashion collection at the V&A is the largest collection of clothing in the world. The collection spans five centuries and includes rare 17th and 18th-century gowns. Admission is free, and the collections are divine.

The V&A is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design. It began in 1852 as a manufacturing museum, opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1899, and now houses hundreds of collections spanning over 5,000 years.

I’ve always adored the way the V&A sets up their collection on display in a way that makes you feel as though you yourself are walking through time. From gorgeous silk and cotton 18th century gowns to modern cardigans, mini-skirts, and co-ords you can truly see the evolution of fashion.

I would strongly recommend visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum next time you’re in London. In case you’re not able to make the journey, I wanted to show you some highlights and personal favorites from the fashion collection. If you want to see a more in depth overview of any of the garments I talk about in my presentation please visit the V&A website, as they have extremely extensive photographs and information about their garments.