At the Golden Age exhibition various topics will guide viewers through an remarkable era prominence Post-War fashion and the Theatre de la Mode, and offering guests the in and outsides of the world of couture. Also on show is a selection of fashion photography, illustrations, tailoring alongside cocktail dresses, early evening wears and ball gowns. Special talks will be organised to unravel the couture culture. For the late Friday evenings the V&A has talks lining up with model Erin O'Connor and designer Ozwald Boateng. Adults can choose from different courses and young visitors are offered workshops in accessorising techniques and fashion illustration.

Prior to the opening of the exhibition, the V&A will host a Golden Age of Couture Gala on September 20. Fashion editor of Vogue Alexandra Shulman, designer John Galliano and Daphne Guinness are chairmen of the committee. It's the first gala and it promises to be an annual key event with guests from the fashion world and creative industries together with celebrities. The Couture Gala will feature an auction in aid of further development of exhibitions at the V&A inspired by the fashion industry.

Besides the exhibition, the V&A will host a two-day conference about the Golden Couture decade on November 16 and 17. The interdisciplinary conference highlights the post war period of couture in London and Paris. Dior's New Look of 1947 is the starting point of the fashion decade, referred to by Dior as the Golden Age. In the ten years to follow, fashion took a new direction and marked the period with a fashion standard that's hard to disregard. Paris established its name in couture by a great attention for elegance and glamour designed by Balenciaga, Balmain and Fath. In London, formal state gowns and flawless tailoring was the main focus.

The exhibition is open from September 22 and is ongoing until January 6 of next year.