Want to dress like a princess? Beautiful ballgowns from Coast x V&A

Lovers of couture, decadence and vintage, prepare yourselves. Occasion wear connoisseurs Coast have been given access to the fashion archives at the V&A to create an exquisite collection.

The range of six dresses was inspired by and created to complement the V&A’s recent exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950. This showcased British glamour with a spectacular collection of stylish eveningwear belonging to debutants and royalty, alongside a collection of dresses by contemporary designers.

“Being the occasion wear specialists, we approached the V&A to see if we could do a fabulous collaboration…as that’s why we exist, to bring fabulously designed, beautiful and inspired dresses to our customers,” explains design director Kim Elliott.

Coast’s design team was granted access to the museum’s archives of fashion history, delicate embroidery and iconic photography for inspiration. All of which has been used in the collection to create beautiful pieces, which are more art than fashion.

The decadent Blanche dress is typical of the attention to detail that has been given to the collection. The bodice is formed from 280 individual petals, each applied by hand, alongside over 1,000 jewels. “These are true couture garments, symbols of joy for the design team and I!” says Elliott. The inside of the dresses have been given as much attention as the outside with the internal construction of the gowns being inspired by the couture structures of the 1950s. The finished collection recreates the classic styles in contemporary ballgowns.

Although the six dresses have been inspired by elegant gowns of bygone eras, the collection has been designed for modern-day fashionistas, and can be worn on the red carpet or to just go out and party in. The vintage designs lend themselves perfectly to modern touches. The pretty lemon Daphne dress would look great teamed with heels and ankle socks, whilst the black Lottie maxi style lends itself perfectly to a slick of bright lipstick.

Hollie Bracciale
Photos: Courtesy of Coast

Shop the collection here.