Inside Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A: A Feast for the Senses
Whether you think of her as the ultimate style icon or history’s most misunderstood queen, Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A brings her world vividly to life — all silk gowns, jewels and quiet rebellion.
It’s the museum’s first UK show dedicated to the French queen, and it’s every bit as decadent and imaginative as you’d hope, while offering a more intimate look at the woman behind the myth.
The exhibition traces Marie Antoinette’s journey from Austrian princess to France’s most talked-about queen, reframing her not as frivolous or out of touch, but as a complex, creative woman who used fashion, art and fragrance to express identity, freedom and power.
Among the highlights are delicate beaded slippers, the famous Sutherland Diamonds and the gowns that shimmer softly under the light. My personal favourite was the portrait of her with her two children — a rare depiction of maternal tenderness that reveals a side of her history often overlooked.
The curation is deeply sensory. You can lean into marble busts perfumed with scents from her life — the powdery florals of her dressing table, the lilacs of the Petit Trianon gardens, even the haunting cold air of her prison cell. It’s strangely moving, and adds a new dimension to her story.
The finale room is pure spectacle — a modern reimagining of her enduring influence, which considering she died at 37 is quite impressive. A room filled with Dior couture, Vivienne Westwood, Galliano, Fenty and more, displayed alongside Manolo Blahnik sketches. It’s playful, cinematic and proof that Marie Antoinette’s legacy — equal parts rebellion, beauty and myth — continues to inspire centuries later.
I went along with Beatrice, and it turned out to be one of the most baby-friendly cultural outings we’ve done.
The space is fully accessible and surprisingly relaxed — there were a few other mums with prams moving gently through the galleries too, and Beatrice was utterly absorbed. There’s so much to take in, from glittering jewels and ornate fabrics to immersive sound and scent installations.
It’s already proving incredibly popular, so booking ahead is a must. If you’re tempted to see more, the V&A membership is well worth it — unlimited entry to all exhibitions, and a great way to spend time on mat leave enriching your mind with little ones in tow.
Marie Antoinette Style runs at the V&A, London, until 22 March 2026. Book tickets here.
Images courtesy of V&A Museum