Silver and Gold: The Autobiography of Norman Hartnell

Sir Norman Hartnell (1901–1979) dominated London couture during the inter-war years, gaining international fame as dressmaker to the British royal family. Silver and Gold, first published in 1955, tells how he formed his couture house, his appointment as dressmaker to the royal family in 1935, and the most momentous commissions of his career: Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947, and her magnificent Coronation dress six years later. Best known for romantic eveningwear, he also established a successful ready-to-wear line, dressing a loyal clientele of high society and film stars, cementing London’s position as an innovative fashion centre. Silver and Gold describes an extraordinary life, with elegance and panache.

Originally published in 1955, this book is now part of the V&A Fashion Perspectives Series. Selected by V&A publishing in consultation with our world-leading fashion curators, the Fashion Perspectives series offers an access all areas pass to the glamorous world of fashion. Models, magazine editors and the designers themselves take readers behind the scenes at the likes of Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Dior, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue in the golden age of couture.