Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A, Antiques at the Gardens, and Loeffler Randall for McGee & Co.

Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A, Antiques at the Gardens, and Loeffler Randall for McGee & Co. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A

Marie Antoinette remains a fashion icon whose complexity continues to fascinate. Her enduring appeal is shaped not only by her extravagant style and youthful charm but also by the notoriety that has immortalized her in history. I, for one, have been captivated by the beheaded queen since childhood, drawn to the paradox of her tragic life and timeless elegance.

That’s why the recent announcement from the Victoria & Albert Museum about their upcoming exhibition, Marie Antoinette Style, has me absolutely thrilled. Set to open on September 20th, 2025, the exhibition promises an in-depth exploration of the queen’s lasting influence, tracing her impact across more than 250 years of design, fashion, art, and film.

From her iconic gowns to modern-day interpretations of her persona, the exhibition will be the first of its kind in the UK and only the third dedicated to the monarch outside of France. The curators aim to reclaim her narrative, moving beyond the infamous “let them eat cake” myth and exploring whether her reputation as a villain was truly deserved.

Archival research will be displayed alongside an in-depth exploration of the design, fashion, and cultural impact that Marie Antoinette imparted. An array of media will be presented, providing visitors with a new lens through which to view the ill-fated queen and encouraging us to rethink our perceptions of this complex and often misunderstood figure in history. The icing on the cake? The exhibition will be sponsored by the luxury footwear brand Manolo Blahnik.

For anyone enchanted by the intersection of history and haute couture, this is sure to be a spectacle not to be missed. Now, I must rewatch Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.

Birmingham’s Antiques at the Gardens

Today kicks off the 18th annual Antiques at the Gardens show, hosted by the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This highly anticipated event, organized by a committee of 150 devoted volunteers, has become Birmingham’s premier antiques showcase. The lineup features talks by internationally renowned interior designers, floral experts, architects, and landscape architects, offering an inspiring blend of creative talent.

This year, we’re particularly thrilled for The Future of Traditional Design, featuring an all-star panel with Elizabeth Lawrence, Rudy Saunders, and Elizabeth Pyne Singer, moderated by none other than Steele Marcoux, Editor-in-Chief of Veranda. Following that, don’t miss Influence and Inspiration, where design icons Barry Dixon, Mary McDonald, and Michelle Nussbaumer will share their insights, moderated by Margot Shaw, Editor-in-Chief of Flower.

The show also brings together celebrated antiques dealers from across the country, showcasing exquisitely curated pieces—from fine art and vintage jewelry to silver, rugs, textiles, home decor, and garden accessories.

This perennial favorite continues to draw admirers from far and wide, with proceeds supporting the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ mission to protect and nurture the wonders of the Gardens. Thanks to your support, these verdant spaces will keep thriving, ensuring future generations get to stop and smell the roses—literally and figuratively.

Running October 3rd to the 6th, tickets can be purchased here!

Loeffler Randall for McGee & Co.

Fashion and interiors collide! Shea McGee of McGee & Co. has teamed up with Jessie Randall, founder and creative director of Loeffler Randall, to craft an exclusive collection of homewares. The collaboration brings together a sophisticated yet playful assortment of tabletop essentials, pillows, and lighting.

Inspired by Shea and Jessie’s shared love of hosting, fond memories around the table, and their mutual obsession with both fashion and home design, this collection blends classic lines with a dash of playful femininity—ready to give your space a distinctive ambiance and a thoughtfully curated aesthetic that’s perfect for gathering with loved ones. Let’s have a look!