At royal gowns worn by the last Queen of Italy, being shown at an exhibition in Turkey. Queen Marie José was a style icon of her time, and the display reflects the timeless taste of the Royal wardrobe from the 1930s. The Queen's grandson was among those to view the display, saying it was an emotional experience.

Dresses of Queen Marie Jose on display in Istanbul

This is but one of the gowns worn by Queen Marie José. She grew up in a world of art and luxury, and with her beauty and excellent taste, she became an icon of elegance in the Europe of the 1930's.

An exhibition in Istanbul is featuring a selection of the Queen's mantles and evening dresses, made in silk, satin and velvet, and embroidered with gold and silver threads. The exhibition, called "A Timeless Taste: A Royal Wardrobe", bears witness to the power of appearance in this period, when Europe experienced political turmoil.

The Queen's grandson, Prince Michael of Yugoslavia, attended the exhibition.

"For my family is a way of showing how we were wearing clothes and sharing with people here another life of another time. So I think it is important because cultures are different, but people are all the same at the end." said Prince Michael of Yugoslavia, Grandson of Queen Marie Jose.

Queen Marie José, who died in 2001,was the daughter of the King of Belgium, and in 1930 married the Italian Crown Prince Umberto.

Coming from the more liberal atmosphere of the Belgian Court, she had to adapt to a dazzling but strict atmosphere in Italy.

"For me (the exhibition) is basically two things. One is to share the event with my family, and to see my grandmother again. Because I remember her, she was a lovely lady, and it was a bit emotional to see all those photos of her and suddenly, for someone who is family, she becomes an exhibition act." said Prince Michael of Yugoslavia, Grandson of Queen Marie Jose.

Most of the ceremonial and nightdresses presented to the Queen were manufactured in Italian haute-couture workshops, and display the unique mastery from the old days.

Marie José became Queen consort of Italy on May 9, 1946, but the monarchy was abolished only one month later. Because of this, she is also known as "The Queen of May".

Visitors are impressed not only by the quality of the royal wardrobe, but also by the strong personality of the Queen. The exhibition is the third of its kind globally and will run through to mid October.

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