Guo Pei Gowns at Bower’s Museum

I can’t say I’m the snazziest dresser but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate fashion. Whether it’s classic designers such as Chanel and Christian Dior or new folks like Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade I can’t help but wish I could slip into one of their pieces. Last week I was invited to Bower’s Museum to view the work of Guo Pei. I must admit I wasn’t familiar with the Chinese designer but soon realized I knew one of her pieces quite well.

The Great Queen Gown was created in 2009 and became famous this year when Rihanna wore it to the Met Gala.

I’m a sucker for that annual event and remember seeing the dress on the red carpet. I’m not a big Rihanna fan and although impressed by vastness of the dress it was far from my favorite. Seeing it in person was a whole different story. It’s gigantic, no doubt about that, but also strikingly beautiful. It’s covered in intricate embroidery and is gold brocade bordered by fur. The train is 9 feet long and the gown weighs about 60 pounds. It’s an incredible piece of handiwork.

Guo Pei herself was on hand to introduce the gown to Southern California. Sweet and charming she expressed her happiness at having it on display at Bower’s Museum. She also told us how she had no idea who Rihanna was when she was approached to provide a dress for the Met Gala! In the photo above she’s flanked by two models wearing additional designs of hers. The blue velvet dress has a long train and the the blue and white gown is made of the most delicate material. Both dresses were stunning in person and I only wish I had the figure to wear them myself.

The Great Queen Gown is on display through January 3, 2016 and is well worth viewing in person. Any picture you see online does not do it justice.