Royal Fashion: Princess Alexandra’s Evening Dress, 1900

Evening Dress
Made for Princess Alexandra of Denmark, 1900
The Victoria & Albert Museum

As both Princess of Wales and Queen Consort, Alexandra of Denmark was known for her impeccable fashion sense and her enduring beauty. Her style was the benchmark for upper class fashion and ladies of the court looked to Queen Alexandra to see what was in vogue.

Here’s one of her gowns. This elegant evening dress of figured satin, decorated with imitation pearls, diamantes and spangles was designed by the famous Paris fashion house Maison Laferrière which was was frequented by only the wealthiest in London society. Maison Laferrière was celebrated for their exquisite designs and fine workmanship. The chief mind behind the fabulous fashion house was Madame Laferrière's whose designs were among those shown by the Collectivité de la Couture at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 held in Paris.

This gown was made for Princess Alexandra of Denmark (later Queen Alexandra). It was given to theVictoria & Albert Museum by one Lady Lloyd as part of the Cecil Beaton Collection—an exhibition of style collected by the society photographer Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980).