The Collection of Romilly McAlpine
7 April to 25 June 2000

The bold, witty and strikingly beautiful clothes and accessories on show celebrate Vivienne Westwood's standing as one of London's most original post-war fashion designers. This is an opportunity to see some of her most important designs: the diamond-encrusted codpiece corset, made only to special order, and the dramatic Grand Midnight Experience skirt.

 Codpiece corset
Tailored suit

The collection displays the innovative cut, unconventional use of striking fabrics and sensual appeal that mark out Westwood as a world-class talent. Sexy, figure-hugging suits reveal her respect for the tailoring traditions of Savile Row. Tight bodices, bustle skirts and jackets with deep cuffs reflect the way she has explored the past to create designs that are uncompromisingly modern.

Among the accessories there are shoes that many would think are, quite literally, 'to die for', as well as zany hats, gloves, socks, bags, stoles, and scarves.

 Accessories

Romilly McAlpine

Romilly McAlpineRomilly McAlpine was born in Shanghai, China and spent her childhood in the Middle and Far East, before settling with her family in England. Having developed an eye for colour and detail when she was in the Far East, she began to take an interest in clothes whilst still at school during the swinging sixties. After finishing school, she lived in Paris and then Rome, where, whilst working for the United Nations, she became familiar with the cutting edge of European design. In 1980 she married Alistair McAlpine (now Lord McAlpine of West Green), who was then Treasurer and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, and found herself at the centre of British political life.

During the 1980s, Romilly McAlpine started collecting clothes seriously. She bought her first Vivienne Westwood clothes in 1987 and has assiduously acquired items from Westwood collections since then. Lady McAlpine wore her Westwood clothes on many formal occasions, including receptions at Buckingham Palace, the Opening of Parliament, state dinners at No. 10 Downing Street, as well as at more informal gatherings such as Cabinet Ministers' dinners and cocktail parties.