Fashioned by History: Madame Perregaux – The Wallace Collection
Celebrate London Fashion Week at The Wallace Collection with a special talk exploring how fashion has reflected changing ideas of status, identity and taste across the centuries.
Led by Guide Lecturer Lynne Woolfson, the talk focuses on Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s portrait of Madame Perregaux, painted on the eve of the French Revolution. Through the sitter’s Spanish-inspired dress, rich black velvet and carefully considered styling, the work reveals how fashion could communicate both social position and an emerging sense of individuality.
Looking closely at the portrait, the session will consider the ways changing tastes in clothing reflected wider shifts in society, offering a glimpse into the transition towards a more modern and personal approach to style.
Taking place on Wednesday 23 September 2026 from 1pm to 1.15pm, the talk will be held at the museum. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with visitors asked to reserve a place at the entrance desk on the day.
Find out more here.
Event Details
Address
Manchester Square
London
W1U 3BN
United Kingdom
