Dresses spanning five centuries will be put on display at a milestone exhibition at Bath's Fashion Museum.
The 50 Fabulous Frocks event at the attraction at the Assembly Rooms will mark the museum's 50th anniversary with everything from Georgian court dresses to punk bondage trousers.
The museum was founded in 1963 by Bath City Council when it accepted a substantial private donation from enthusiast Doris Langley Moore's Museum of Costume.
Mrs Langley Moore was a writer, costume designer and passionate collector of historic dress, who was looking for a permanent home for items which had been displayed at a number of venues, including the Octagon in Milsom Street.
The year-long exhibition will feature items from the Bath and North East Somerset Council-run museum's oldest piece – an exquisite 17th-century silver tissue dress – to one of the latest Burberry creations.
Fifty Fabulous Frocks will also include the work of iconic and influential names of 20th-century couture including Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as the most desired fashion designers and brands of today such as Erdem, Burberry and John Rocha.
The show will feature a gold embroidered Georgian court dress and a delicate 1870s gauze bustle day dress edged with purple fringing, alongside a svelte crepe evening dress by Ossie Clark and a classic chic Chanel suit.
Council cabinet member Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib Dem, Combe Down) said: "The council is keen to offer everyone the chance to enjoy a wide variety of culture and creativity. This exhibition is designed to appeal to all – from those with a passion for fashion, to anyone interested in history or those who enjoy costume dramas like Downton Abbey and ITV's new programme Mr Selfridge.
"As 2013 also marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, we're also proud to display some costumes which hark back to that era."
The display will also include eccentricities such as a champagne dress worn at a fancy dress party in Edwardian times, while men's fashion is covered with an ornately embroidered coat from the early 18th century and a pair of bondage trousers by Dame Vivienne Westwood.
The exhibition opens on February 2, but sneak previews are available on Twitter – @fashion_ museum – and the museum's Facebook page. For more information visit www. fashionmuseum.co.uk or call 01225 477789.
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