This week sees the arrival of a royal first for Northern Ireland as Hillsborough Castle plays host to some iconic dresses created for many high-profile members of the Royal Family.
The exhibition titled 'Royal Style in the Making' aims to tell the story of the working relationship between a designer and a royal.
It will feature three show stopping dresses worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, her sister Princess Margaret and their mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother along with sketches for others to be worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Originally shown at Kensington Palace in 2021, this abridged version of Royal Style in the Making is the first royal fashion exhibition at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens by Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that cares for Northern Ireland's official royal residence.
It will reveal the creative process and craftsmanship behind clothing destined for the world stage while exploring how fashion shaped the style and image of the monarchy throughout the 20th century.
Highlights include a salmon-pink silk chiffon dress with small gold rectangles and bat-wing sleeves, worn by Queen Elizabeth II to a film premiere in 1979 and created by her royal dressmaker, Hardy Amies.
Also taking pride of place is an eighteenth-century-style blue and gold ball gown designed by Oliver Messel and worn by Princess Margaret to a charity ball at London’s Mansion House in July 1964.
Thirdly there's an elegant floor-length calico toile accented with gold detailing, crafted by Elizabeth Handley-Seymour for the coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) on May 12 1937 at Westminster Abbey.
In addition to these fabulous gowns, visitors will have the rare opportunity to see original sketches, fabric swatches and embroidery samples from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection – a treasure trove of over 10,000 items of dress and design history cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
The exhibition also features a specially commissioned film that delves into the creative collaboration between each designer and their royal client.
This includes sketches by celebrated British designer David Sassoon for Diana, Princess of Wales, and Norman Hartnell’s meticulously kept drawings and personal correspondence with Queen Elizabeth II, documenting his close working relationship with the newlywed Princess, having designed her wedding dress in 1947.
Charlene Farrell, Interpretation Producer for Royal Style In The Making, told Belfast Live: "The exhibition focuses on five key designers who worked closely with the Royal Family from the 1930s for The Queen Mother through to the 1990s for Princess Diana.
"This abridged version is Historic Royal Palace's first royal fashion exhibition in Hillsborough Castle, but with 10,000 pieces in their royal collection, I'm hoping it won't be the last.
"Exhibition highlights include three show stopping gowns, a rare opportunity to view original sketches by designers, fabric swatches, embroidery samples, and especially commissioned film which delves into the creative collaboration between designers and their royal clients.
"Other items on display include personal correspondence between Norman Hartnell and Queen Elizabeth II - Hartnell designed her wedding gown.
"We also have original sketches by celebrated British designer David Sassoon for Diana, Princess of Wales. You can see notes from the Princess to David about tweaks for colours she preferred.
"For anybody who has any interest in fashion, the Royal Family or dressmaking, you just have to come along. It's a real must see."
You can view the exhibition from March 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026. More details available here.
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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