As my obsession with all things royal continues, it's very nice to be invited to preview ANYTHING new at Buckingham Palace. A couple of weeks ago, it was the new exhibition at The Queen's Gallery, In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion.At first I did think it was a bit too 'arty' for me, but on closer inspection of the press release, it turns out that Anna Reynolds, the curator of this collection of paintings and pieces, worked alongside British fashion designer Gareth Pugh - a designer whose collections are often steeped in references to both eras. Ah ha! Fashion gold!And wow, what a collection it is. Don't think it's all about us Brits either. Paintings from Spain, Germany and Italy hang in the 'international' room. And don't think it's all codpieces and frills (although there a lot of both). What I didn't know about fabric weaving, under garments, hat etiquette and measuring stature by the amount of layers your ruff had, and how white it was, I do now.I was totally blown away by this exhibition. The sheer attention to detail that dress and accessory makers put into their work - the embroidery, stitching and symbolism of colours - shine through in this collection of paintings.It's a must see for everyone. I mean, did you know that merely breathing near a newly starched ruff could make it go flat? Or that "gloves were a good indication on your status - the fingers of the gloves extend beyond the fingertips which demonstrates that the wearer is exempt from practical tasks"? No, neither did I before.The exhibition runs until October, check it out all the info here. And check out the video with Gareth Pugh talking about the exhibition below! 
***Notice the big pearl pendant above and below - that's La Peregrina Pearl, the very same one that Elizabeth Taylor owned whilst she was alive. With over 500 years of history behind it, you can see just how incredibly special it has been***
***And here's a royal earn full with tea and the Queen's china - apparently this is the same stuff used at Her Majesty's garden parties - erm, where's my invite??***
***Here's Gareth Pugh, explaining his relevance to the exhibition***