Princesses, Parties and Debutantes: Sir Norman Hartnell – British Couturier

'I despise simplicity. It is the negation of all that is beautiful,' - Norman Hartnell (Source V&A Museum, Norman Hartnell biography). A presentation at court to the royal family was a rite of passage for most upper-class girls during the 1920-30’s. A long lasting tradition of the British establishment, the trip to Buckingham Palace was …

A Biography of Lucile: London, Lace, and Lingerie

During the Belle Epoque era, a young, feisty entrepreneur emerged. Her name was Lucile; and her mission was to create couture for a new kind of a woman. A British designer, Lucile was arguably the first female to receive international recognition for her sartorial creations. C.I.47.57.1. Lucile dance dress. c1914. Silk, fur and metallic thread. …