Embroidered silk wedding dress by Christian Lacroix

Wedding dress of silk satin, embellished with gold leaf, foil, beads, paste gems

Wedding dress, ‘Qui a le droit?’, Christian Lacroix Couture, Paris, autumn/winter 1993-4. Silk satin, embellished with gold leaf, foil, beads, paste gems and chenille embroidery. Given by the designer
V&A: T.241:1-4, 7-16-1993
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The name of the dress, Qui a le droit?’ (‘Who has the right?’) explains the design, which questions whether a contemporary bride should wear a dress associated with purity and chastity.

 

Victoria and Albert Museum logo

Exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Illustration:
DITA VON TEESE WEARING
Vivienne Westwood

Violet wedding dress 2005
Vivienne Westwood Couture, London
Shot synthetic taffeta

Tricorn hat: Stephen Jones, London
Velvet, shot synthetic taffeta, glass beads, and dyed mink pompoms

Illustration by Jeff Waterman