"25 Years of Leading British Couturier: Catherine Walker"
2002-05-23 until 2002-11-17
Victoria and Albert Museum
London, , UK

The Victoria & Albert Museum will celebrate 25 years of one of Britain's leading couturiers, Catherine Walker, with a display of over fifty of her designs in the Dress Gallery. The display, which runs from 23 May-17 November, will show a stunning line-up of Catherine Walker's designs including dresses worn by Princess Diana, Viscountess Serena Linley, Lady Helen Taylor and Lady Gabriella Windsor.

"It is timely and appropriate that the V&A should examine the outstanding creative and craft skills involved in making Catherine Walker designs." says curator Amy de la Haye, also author of Catherine Walker, 25 Years, British Couture. "Her work is characterised by the ability to create clothes that flatter and move seamlessly with the female body. Always working with an elongated line, she creates bias cuts that mould the body, exquisite embroideries, provocative sheer panels and reappliquéd laces. These are all among the designer's signatures and can be examined and appreciated in close detail within the display. "

Comments from clients and statements from the designer will be displayed alongside dresses providing insight into the world of haute couture. Mannequins of Princess Diana have been specially created by Proportion London for the display of her outfits. Several of Diana's outfits feature in the display, alongside other memorable pieces including Catrina Skepper's wedding gown, Joely Richardson's lingerie-inspired 'leaf' dress and the white silk satin dress recently worn by Geri Halliwell.

"I treasure the first 25 years of my work because they are filled with memories of the loyalty and love of thousands of wonderful clients" says Walker, "I am deeply grateful to the V&A for exhibiting these pieces and I hope visitors will take away some of the love and happiness that I have put into my work."

The book Catherine Walker, 25 Years, British Couture will be available from the V&A Museum during the exhibition.

Catherine Walker and the V&A would like to acknowledge the generosity and support of Proportion London, who have supplied the mannequins.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for United Kingdom

Other Important Exhibitions in London