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Fashion Designers

The Messel Dress Collection contains over 100 examples of dress purchased from London and Dublin based designers, reflecting the family's consistent support of London and Irish fashion talent. From ready-to-wear to top international couture, this collection tells the story of the family's upward social mobility, from private middle class comfort to the public stage of the aristocracy. Mary Ann Herapath and her daughter Marion Sambourne shopped at department stores in central and west London. Harvey Nichols was one of Marion's favourites, but Harrods she thought to be 'a dirty place though cheap'. Like most middle class women of this period Mary Ann and Marion ordered their best clothes from local private dressmakers and seamstresses. Marion's favourite was a woman called Madame Bouquet.		Designer's label in evening bodice by S.A. Brooking c1874, worn by Marion Sambourne CCE0278.1. ©Nicholas Sinclair 2004

Following her marriage to wealthy stockbroker Leonard Messel, Maud Messel could buy her best clothes from Court dressmakers and tailors. She selected those with artistic leanings who would incorporate her taste for unusual accessories and decorative details. In London she patronised Reville and Rossiter, Lucile, Madame Hayward, Madam Ross and Mascotte. Her favourite designer was Sarah Fullerton Monteith Young. Outside of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, only two other examples of this designers work are known to exist. For over 40 years Anne, Countess of Rosse championed young, innovative London and Irish designers, including Norman Hartnell, Charles James, Victor Stiebel, Peter Russell and John Cavanagh. Occasionally she purchased dresses from Parisian couturiers with London salons, such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Irfé.		Designer's label in coat by Madam Ross c1907, worn by Maud Messel CT004229. ©Nicholas Sinclair 2004

Anne's patronage of Irish based designers began following her marriage into the Irish aristocracy. She bought clothing from Irene Gilbert, with whom she worked closely, Sybil Connolly, Ib Jorgensen and Thomas Wolfangel.

Anne's daughter Susan, Viscountess of Vesci and daughter-in-law Alison, 7th Countess of Rosse have followed her example and selected clothing by young Irish designers, including Sybil Connolly and Mary O'Donnell.

The current generation of the family continues to patronise contemporary British couturiers and now, through Anna Lin Xiaojing, Lady Oxmantown, Chinese designers.