An outfit worn by a RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant, Ginny Lemon, is now part of the Captivating Costume display which has opened at the County Museum in Hartlebury Castle. This is a new exhibition that documents three whole centuries of fashion and curators have explained that the exhibition provides a “fascinating tour” of fashion. The exhibition is even set to be permanent.
“From the extravagant 18th Century frocks of the Georgian era to the crinolines of Queen Victoria’s reign, and from body-restricting corsets of the early 20th Century to the miniskirts of the 1960s, fashion has forever reflected change in society,” said a spokesperson from the museum.
The exhibition shows how World War One in particular brought “radical changes in fashion” because women began to need more practical and functional clothing for work. It also features the “power dressing” of the 1980s.
Senior curator Deborah Fox said that “It is fantastic to be able to show all these wonderful costumes.
“I hope visitors enjoy this fabulous collection which covers all the major periods of fashion from the last three centuries and is brought right up to date with Ginny Lemon’s amazing Queen of my Hometown costume.”
Ginny wore the costume, which was inspired by the Worcester’s music hall performer Vesta Tilly and Worcestershire sauce when appearing on Season two of Drag Race UK. It was also previously shown at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.
The Captivating Costume display also looks at how Worcestershire influenced fashions. For instance, the creativity and talent of Worcester’s glove-making industry has been supplying gloves around the world for years.
Admission is included in the price of admission to the castle.