Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery, V&A

Forget Paris: England was at the forefront of fashion from the 12^th to 15^th centuries – it enjoyed a reputation for the finest and most luxurious embroideries. Now the V&A is showcasing some stunning highlights from our chic past. Amongst the V&A’s exhibition – the largest on the subject in half a century – there are some real treasures.

Back in the day, trends changed not on account of celebrities but because of religion and politics. This collection uncovers the importance of accessories; a simple badge pin can say so much.

Case in point: The Swan Jewel, which dates to 1400, is a beautiful badge that would have been worn as statement and practicality; intricate in its own right, it tied clothing at the rear. The chained swan was a device associated with a number of Lancastrians who married daughters of the Bohun family, which traced its lineage back the the Swan Knight. This exhibition presents a fascinating cross-section of fashion, history and politics. Other highlights include a horse dressing made for Edward III and one of the V&A's greatest treasures: the Syon Cope, which depicts the Virgin's Death, Funeral, Assumption and Coronation in gilded detail.

It's a rare opportunity to eyeball treasures that both span millennia and continents, providing an unforgettable history lesson.