Last night at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), I felt like I was in a dream world.
Indian royalty and other high society were treated to an amazing party as the V&A was transformed into an Indian palace to celebrate the opening of Maharaja: The Splendour of India’s Royal Courts.
The exhibition explores the world of the maharajas, with more than 250 fabulous objects including jewellery, thrones, costumes, jewel-encrusted weapons, a Rolls Royce, photographs and paintings.
Many of these exhibits are on loan from royal collections in India – hence the fabulous invitees.
The galleries were crowded with guests, but what I did manage to see of the exhibition was very impressive.
I was particularly interested in the influence of European society on the modern maharajas, and how they are expected to marry Western lifestyle with traditional duties and customs.
For the costume and jewellery alone, this stunning exhibition is worth a visit.
Interesting comments about Maharaja: please check out the opening night party film we just posted on line with Maharajas reviewing the show. See http://tiny.cc/HbYEt or follow my tweets at http://twitter.com/DavidRedhead