When the doors of the Kensington's "Enchanted Palace" were thrown open wide today, visitors were treated to lavish eye-popping interior displays by the world's top high-profile designers.
While the former home of Princess Diana is undergoing renovations, the Royals have transformed the sumptuous suites inside to reflect the lives of the Queens and Princesses who once reigned there supreme behind high stone walls and beautifully-crafted doors of great distinction.
A smorgasbord of visual delights was created with a flourish of interactive theatre, film projections, magical storytelling devices, and dramatic breath-taking forays into the fashion world by virtue of installations conjured up by fashion geniuses Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest and milliner Stephen Jones.
Every room was redecorated - and tells a story - about the Royal residents who once threw their pampered feet up on a divine divan or two in a moment of relaxation..
Highlights include Queen Victoria's bedroom.
In this celebrated chamber the naive Princess awoke to learn she was Queen.
The boudoir features an avant-garde interpretation of a period dress (designed by Tempest) which rests alongside 2,000 exquisitely-crafted origami birds.
In the Council Chamber - two stunning gowns that once belonged to Lady Diana (Princess of Wales) and Princess Margaret - are also showcased.
Vivienne's artful creation is a ''dress for a rebellious princess'' (inspired by King George IV's daughter Princess Charlotte) on display at the King's Grand Staircase.
The remarkable piece of wardrobe has been described as a construction of fairytale proportions.
"It's a truly unique opportunity to discover the hidden stories of Kensington Royal Palace," noted curator Alexandra Kim, when asked to reflect on the "Enchanted Palace" installations.
The Palace is currently undergoing a £12 million overhaul with major works set for public scrutiny in June.
Aminaka Wilmont (who has won a fashion fringe award in the past) created a “dress of tears” for Queen Mary II’s bedchamber (based on the tradition of collection tears during times of mourning).
The Queen, as you may recall from your history books, never bore any children which reportedly was a great sadness to her.
William Tempest, whose designs have been worn by actresses such as Emma Watson and Leona Lewis, produced an origami and trompe l’oeil effect dress for the grand unveiling at the Palace.
Stephen Jones whipped up a number of hats for an installation based on the 18th century busts of great philosophers and scientists, to be displayed in “The Privy Chamber”, which is an airlock between the private and public realms of the palace and a place of masculine power.
Also displayed are items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress collection.
The exhibition is a collaboration with Wildworks theatre company.
The renovation project is due to be completed in 2012 in time for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.
Can't wait to pop across the pond to Jolly Old England to take a gander, can you?
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