Ballgowns British Glamour since 1950

Whether you are loving or hating all the Jubilee and Olympic hoo-ha, there is no doubting that is has given us a cultural calender to die for. The latest must see at the Victoria and Albert Museum is Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, charting the traditions of eveningwear from the darlings of the debutantes to red carpet celebrity style.
Staged in the museums newly refurbished fashion galleries, the exhibition showcases more than 60 examples of 'beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers'. The roll call promises treats from the likes of Zandra Rhodes, Jonathan Saunders and Hussein Chalayan as well as some hot off the catwalk creations from Alexander McQueen, Erdem and Giles Deacon. And as if that wasn't enough there is also a selection of Royal gowns, (cause who does a good frock better than a royal, right?), including a Norman Hartnell gown that was the Queen Mother's. A perfect way to get the Jubilee party started...


Cindy Beadman, Yuki, Ossie Clark, Roksanda Illincic

 Elizabeth Emanuel, Mary Katrantzou, Victor Edelstein, Erdem


Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, from 19 May 2012 - 6 January 2013. 
Individual images from Vogue.com

London Fashion Week Colour Trends - Purple Reign

The beginning of London Fashion Week saw smatterings of Purple here and there. But once Christopher Kane took the colour and worked it into yet another of his amazing collections, you knew it was going to stick.


Purple shades @ LFW

And then, as if to cement things, Prada rocked the colour in Milan. Muiccia took the shades Lilac, Violet and Royal Purple, embedding them in strong geometric patterns and encrusted embellishment. And as we all know...what Miuccia says, goes!




Then to Paris, where Mr. Lagerfeld literally took inspiration from Amethysts by creating a setting of giant stalagmite crystals...


Following suit in both Milan and Paris.

LFW round up...Oh Erdem!

Thanks to London Fashion Week, the post holiday blues have been squished! The only thing is, after lusting after so many collections, i'm ready to skip winter all together (normally my favourite wardrobe season) and float straight back into Summer...would love to do it in one of these Erdem dresses. Hmmm...dream on i hear my credit card say. Although i think i may fare better in my quest of a replica pair of his lace gloves. The hunt is on!

LFW A/W '11 Erdem

It has been difficult to choose my favourite shows of LFW, as always the talent has been immeasurable. There have been many highlights and I can say that I have been well and truly seduced by delicious colour palettes and the most exquisite prints. Leading nicely to Erdem. Every piece in this show is breathtakingly beautiful, so much so that I am just going to let the clothes speak for themselves. Enjoy...

     








All images via the wonderful Style.com

Trend Alert - Diaghilev, the Ballets Russes and its influence on fashion

The V&A’s major autumn exhibition, Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes 1909 - 1929, celebrates the life and work of the legendary creative director Serge Diaghilev and his revolutionary dance company, the Ballet Russes, highlighting its enduring influence to this day. The exhibition showcases over 300 items including elaborate costumes, props, film clips and art work, as well as collaborations with major artists, designers and composers, such as Picasso, Matisse and Chanel. Billed as an inspiring, sensory feast, this is a definite must see!


An example of the sumptuous costumes featured in the exhibit.
 Images via the V&A website.

The Erdem SS'11 show drew on the Ballet Russes for inspiration (Erdem Moralioglu became inspired whilst spending time with the curator of the V&A's Summer show). This was clear to see in the silhouette of his dresses, Nicholas Kirkwood's delicate shoes and the accompanying music from the ballet Petrouchka by Igor Stravinsky.



 David Koma S/S'11 at LFW, continuing the ongoing influence of ballet in fashion. Images via Style.com

Another major ballet influence soon to hit our screens will be the release of The Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman, in January 2011. It looks fantastic...can't wait!