A selection of over 60 exclusive ballgowns worn by the likes of Sandra Bullock, Daphne Guinness and Elizabeth Hurley will be on display at the much anticipated "Ballgowns" exhibition in Victoria & Albert Museum.

Starting 19 May, 2012, the event will be the first exhibition in the newly renovated V&A Museum and will feature a selection of unique ballgowns, red carpet evening gowns and catwalk showstoppers. Curated by Oriole Cullen and Sonnet Stanfill, the exhibition will showcase British ballgowns dating back to the 1950s and will include designs featured for iconic figures in history like Diana, Princess of Wales.

"We looked for examples that would both exemplify their periods and look stunning on display," Cullen told Vogue UK. "We also aimed to select a number of gowns that had compelling stories associated with them. Many of the dresses have not been displayed before. In addition, we've been able to highlight a number of stories around the wearers and occasions associated with the gowns. The whimsical exhibition design creates a fantasy-like setting which will surprise and delight our visitors."

Displayed over two floors, Ballgowns will show specially made designs for social events such as private parties, royal state occasions, debutante balls, opening nights and red carpet events. Tour de force eveningwear from the V&A's vast collection by designers such as Norman Hartnell, Victor Stiebel, Zandra Rhodes, Catherine Walker, Jonathan Saunders and Hussein Chalayan will be on show, as well as dresses fresh from the catwalk shows of Alexander McQueen, Giles, Erdem, Roksanda Illincic, Mark Fast and Jenny Packham.

Apart from this, innovative designer Gareth Pugh has created a stunning metallic leather dress especially for the show.

"Pieces range from a spectacular beaded Norman Hartnell dress worn by the Queen Mother, to a red satin Bruce Oldfield dress worn by Bianca Jagger and a Ralph and Russo sequinned dress as worn by Beyoncé," Vogue UK quoted Stanfill as saying. "Many of the gowns have been worn by well-known figures and celebrities, but there are also some wonderful garments from the archives by lesser known designers, that are very impressive and cleverly designed."

Catch a glimpse of the iconic exhibits from the event:

VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
A creation from Nicholas Oakwell A/W 2011 V&A/Hnadout
VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
A creation from Giles S/S 2011 V&A/Hnadout
VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
A creation from Erdem Autumn/Winter 2008 V&A/Hnadout
VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
State evening ensemble 'Elvis Dress'(1989) by Catherine Walker V&A/Hnadout
VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
A creation by Victor Edelstein 1986 V&A/Hnadout
VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
A creation by designer Roksanda Ilincic V&A/Hnadout
VA Ballgowns to Showcase Exclusive Red Carpet and Catwalk Creations
A creation by Alexander McQueen S/S 2011 V&A/Hnadout