United Kingdom : Fashion Museum Showcasing Vintage And Modern Design

The best of vintage and modern design was showcased in London's first museum dedicated to the global fashion industry's achievements.

The exhibition space was opened to the public on May 12, is the brainchild of Zandra Rhodes, the grande dame of British fashion, famous for outfitting the likes of Jackie Onassis, Diana Ross and Princess Diana.

The converted warehouse, colored pink and orange, is also a first for Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta and marks his entry into European and British design.

"On the first day of opening to the public it's been very busy, with people queuing to see 'My Favorite Dress,'" exhibition organizer Louise Stocks said.

In contrast to many exhibitions where curators rule, 70 international designers were asked to choose their favorite dress from their own archive for this exhibition.

Selected pieces from global names in the fashion industry including Giorgio Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Galliano, Christian Lacroix, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Versace and Vivienne Westwood are now on display in the 5,000 square foot (464 square meter) space on the bank of the River Thames.

But the main collection, as well as the museum archives, is made up of 3,000 pieces from Rhodes' personal archives. This includes every design she has been involved in since 1968 -- including a 1973 chiffon dress with a print inspired by Australia's Ayers Rock.