Chatsworth House, nestled in the serene embrace of the Peak District National Park, is set to unveil later this Summer a mesmerising tribute to the late dowager Duchess Deborah Devonshire. Opening its doors from June 21st to October 20th, 2024, the exhibition titled "Imaginary Conversations" weaves a captivating narrative between the legacy of the Duchess and the unique designs of London-based fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu.


The exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey through the corridors of history and creativity, exploring the intimate relationship between the house's opulent past and Erdem's Spring Summer 2024 collection, inspired both by its contents and inhabitants. Erdem, granted unprecedented access to the rare archives of Chatsworth by the Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire family, found inspiration in the essence of the Duchess' life and passions, transforming archival fabrics, including historic curtains from the estate, into one-off catwalk creations.


Taking that inspiration a step further, this anticipated exhibition curated by Erdem creates a dialogue between him and the Duchess, where stories intertwine seamlessly to bring to life her inherent grace and spirit. The journey will begin in the Queen of Scots' Lobby, where cherished belongings, including letters, objects, and photographs, served as the catalyst for Erdem's creative process. Lucian Freud's captivating portrait, "Woman in a White Shirt" will usher visitors through the hallway, and as they venture deeper they will be transported into the Queen of Scots' Dressing Room.  Here, the intricate craftsmanship behind the collection will be unveiled, offering a glimpse into the designer's atelier adorned with fabric boards, maquettes, and toiles. The juxtaposition of Erdem's designs with that of the Duchess' couture pieces will create a mesmerising tableau, blurring the lines between past and present.


In the Alcove Bedroom, Erdem's garments adorned with bejeweled textiles will harmonize with the Duchess' legendary insect-inspired jewellery, breathing life into the garments as if the insects themselves had taken flight. "I have always wanted to create a collection on Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire, and the history of Chatsworth," Erdem shares. That history will be put through his lens, especially in the Leicester Bedroom and Wellington Dressing Room as they will beckon with their own tales, showcasing Erdem's reinterpretation of archival materials alongside cherished relics from the Duchess' personal collection.

The culmination of this journey will unfold in the Wellington Bedroom, where her enduring inspirations and passions are celebrated alongside Erdem's magical creations. Largescale projections of Erdem's Spring Summer 24 catwalk show will immerse visitors in his world, bringing the essence of the collection to life within the hallowed halls from the patio of the British Museum, to Chatsworth. *Photos courtesy of Erdem

The exhibition will take place from 21 June – 20 October 2024 and you can get book tickets HERE

And if you can't wait until June to see it all, shop Erdem's SS24 collection here below!: