You're responsible for an unusual but amazing collection of clothes at the V & A in London where Christian Dior's work is on display at the Golden Era of Couture exhibition. How significant was Dior's work at that point in time?

At the V & A we have one of the most important collections of clothes in the world and in the history of art and design, and it's a great honour for me to be in charge of such o collection. The exhibition celebrates the period between 1947 and '57 because these were the days of Christian Dior.

Dior's influence was far reaching, but what was it about his work that was so important?

The exhibition highlights work from his first collection, the 'New look' collection. It shows how Dior changed fashion by changing everything that was fashionable at the time – the boxy shapes and military style – and softened everything making them more feminine.

What would you say makes Dior's work special compared to other designers?

First of all, he noticed that women, and indeed everyone, was looking for some sort of luxury after the Second World War and he also introduced femininity back into clothes. He was wise enough to notice that zeitgeist, but he was also clever when it came to business. He discovered that people would pay great money to buy a little bit of the brand name so he started to sell perfume to people who maybe couldn't afford to buy the clothes.

Only a fraction of the collection is on display in the exhibition but you're responsible for thousands of dresses aren't you?

All together we have around 80,000 pieces in the collection. This is the best wardrobe in the world!

Who designed this amazing dress?

This amazing dress is by Coco Chanel from the 1930s and it's kept in our 20th Century section. You can see how much detailed work has gone into creating this dress; it's covered in sequins with red satin panels. What's surprising is how comfortable it is to wear because there aren't any bones in the bodice and the skirt hangs beautifully, there's no big petticoat made of crinoline or horsehair underneath. It clings to the body beautifully. There's also a cape to match the dress.

Each sequin is sewed on by hand isn't it?

Of course. What's important to remember when it comes to couture is that no machine has been close to it – everything is done by hand, that's what makes it so amazing.

There are a few tailored suits in the collection, apart from Chanel who else was renowned for such work?

Christian Dior and Chanel called Balenciaga "the master of us all" because he would work with tricky materials. He would work on a woman's body like a sculptor working with his material. He created the 60s silhouette – especially when you think about women like Jackie Kennedy, the suit was part of her look. Only Balenciaga could have created such a perfect look. He worked and worked making sure that every seam was completely perfect, straight and exactly right. He was well known for ripping sleeves off suits if they weren't perfectly made. He was completely obsessed and a perfectionist when it came to his work.

Who designed this fabulous dress?

This is a dress from Dior's last collection in 1957. It's a classic example of Dior's favourite silhouettes – dresses with enormous skirts, like flowers in bloom. You can see all the layers used to make the petticoat to create this big effect.

Is it true that Audrey Hepburn has worn this dress?

Yes it is. Audrey Hepburn donated this dress to us in the 1970s, after she'd worn it in the 1960s. The dress is designed by Chivenchy who she met in the 50s during her first film, Sabrina. After that she only wore Chivenchy's designs. Chivenchy considered Audrey Hepburn to be the 'perfect woman' and when you think of Audrey Hepburn, you do if fact look at something by Chivenchy.

Is it difficult for you to go shopping having handled such amazing clothes all day?

My standards are very high when I go shopping now because nothing can compete with the clothes I look after. But also, it means that I can't buy vintage clothes because as I handle them all day, I can't wear them, I just feel the need to care for them! So, now I can only wear hand-me-downs from my mum and my sister!