BRITAIN’S beautiful Blenheim Palace is to honour the nation’s fashion icons with the biggest exhibition ever staged in the historic house’s 300-year history.

A bespoke blockbuster exhibition labelled Icons of British Fashion will open in March 2024, featuring the work of world-class designers and all manner of exclusives.

The curation of clothing, accessories, archival materials, drawings, photography and patterns is currently under wraps but will be displayed in what is being described as “a fresh and engaging way”.

With each room on the route through the palace dedicated to an icon, the exhibition will also explore concepts of sustainability, ethical fashion and the future of style and innovation.

“Some of the world’s biggest fashion icons are British and have worn outfits that hold a lot of cultural significance and have influenced thousands of people,” say promoters.

“We are honoured to be collaborating with British designers to pay homage to the creativity and talent within the UK’s fashion industry.”

Dior Cruise collection at the palace

In fact, Blenheim has a rich history in British fashion, which has included hosting fashion shows, photoshoots, and catwalks attended by high society and royalty.

Christian Dior famously exhibited at the palace in 1950, when Princess Margaret was a royal guest, and Yves Saint Laurent brought a collection to the Oxfordshire venue in 1958.

In more recent times, Dior unveiled the fashion house’s cruise catwalk collection at Blenheim Palace in 2016, and several other major shows and awards nights have been hosted. 

Icons of British Fashion will run at Blenheim Palace from March 24 to June 30. To register interest, and to receive updates as more show details are announced, see the dedicated palace webpage.