In a move that proves fashion is becoming as important as art in the collections of museums, The V&A, The Bowes Museum, and the Fashion Museum, Bath have jointly acquired gowns designed by French couturier, Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975; active 1912-1939) after an export stop was placed on them. This is the first time an export stop has been placed on examples of 20th-century couture and the first time three British museums have worked together to acquire a collection of dresses. They will split the collection between them. Read ArtDaily.org article here.
(Image: Blue and red floral printed silk afternoon dress, 1931. Madeleine Vionnet, 1931. Purchased with the support of the Friends of the V&A © V&A Images.)
