Hello, My Name Is Paul Smith at The Design Museum
15th of November 2013 – 22nd of June 2014
This exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through loveable Paul Smith’s life and what inspires his iconically British designs. His career is brought to life with makeshift versions of his first store in 1970 and his office which is known to house a variety of weird and wonderful souvenirs that Paul Smith has collected over the years. Paul Smith played a big role in curating this exhibition, selecting ensembles from his collections and lending personal memento’s. If his colourful collections and personality are anything to go by, this exhibition will be a delight!
Nearest tube – London Bridge
Tickets – £11.85 (concessions available). Free for members
To book – 020 7940 8783
For more info – www.designmuseum.org
The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 at The Victoria and Albert museum
5th of April 2014 – 27th of July 2014
The highly anticipated exhibition pays homage to one of the most prominent fashion capitals, displaying italian womenswear and menswear from 1945 to the present day. The glamorous and luxurious style that Italy is so famous for is reflected through 100 outfits and garments designed by Valentino, Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace, Gucci, Fendi, Giorgio Armani and Simonetta amongst others.
Nearest tube – South Kensington
Tickets – £12 (concessions available). V&A members go free
To book – 020 7420 9736
For more info – www.vam.ac.uk
Fashion Rules at Kensington Palace
Until the 4th of July 2015
Kensington Palace is displaying a rare collection of dresses and accessories worn by The Queen, Princess Diana and Princess Margaret. The exhibition demonstrates the changing trends of royal fashion and what dress codes are expected. 21 couture dresses, including a Dior number, are spread across 5 rooms. Entry is included in a visit to Kensington Palace so this would make a fabulously regal day out – especially if you have the afternoon tea in the orangery! 🙂
Nearest tube – High street Kensington
Tickets – £15 (concessions available) includes full access to palace & gardens
To book – 020 7492 1561
For more info – www.hrp.org.uk
Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! at Somerset House
20 November 2013 – 2 March 2014
Over 100 Hats and outfits belonging to the late Isabella Blow are on show at Somerset House. Through her days as a magazine editor and muse she is known for discovering and collaborating with some of fashion’s most iconic talents including Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, Hussein Chalayan and Julien Macdonald, Steven Meisel and David LaChapelle. The exhibition features bespoke pieces specially designed for her by Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen alongside the spring summer 2008 collection both the designers collaborated on in dedication to Blow’s legacy.
Nearest tube – Temple
Tickets – £12.50 (concessions available), £6.25 on Mondays
To book – 020 7845 4600
For more info – www.somersethouse.org.uk
Wedding Dresses 1775-2014 at The Victoria and Albert Museum
3rd of May 2014 – 15th of March 2015
In May the Victoria and Albert museum will celebrate the dress that overshadows all other dresses; the wedding dress. Over 80 stunning gowns spanning over two centuries will be on display, including dresses by Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Temperley Bridal, Jenny Packham, Lanvin, Christian Lacroix, Vera Wang, Jasper Conran, Osman, Gareth Pugh and Bruce Oldfield. There will also be iconic dresses worn by The Duchess of Argyll (pictured above), Dita Von Teese and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on her marriage to Prince Charles. And of course no bride would be complete without accessories. Beautiful shoes, veils, garters, jewellery and hats will also be on display alongside personal memoirs of the dresses journey such as photographs and sketches.
This unique and rare insight into one of the most personal and precious forms of apparel also explores the impact class, technology and expectations of that era had on the design. Throughout history the wedding dress has held a huge amount of value and importance both personally and socially. I have no doubt that this exhibition will be a heavenly pageant of romance, lavish fabrics and fascinating history.
Nearest tube – South Kensington
Tickets – £12 (concessions available). V&A members go free
To book – 020 7420 9736
For more info – www.vam.ac.uk
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From The Sidewalk to the Catwalk at The Barbican
9th of April 2013 – 17th of August 2014
This is the first major exhibition dedicated to the Italian designer and theatrically displays 140 ensembles spanning over Gaultier’s 40 year career as avant-garde royalty. The iconic conical bra worn by Madonna is one of the highlights, and a reason enough on its own to check out this exhibition.
Nearest tube – Barbican
Nearest tube – Barbican
Tickets – £14.50 (concessions available)
To book – 020 7638 4141
For more info – www.barbican.org.uk
Bailey’s Stardust at The National Portrait Gallery
6th of February 2014 – 1st of June 2014
The National Portrait Gallery is paying tribute to the man behind some of Britain’s most iconic photographs. David Bailey himself chose the 250 photographs that are displayed at the museum ranging from fashion editorials for Vogue to hollywood portraits. Famous faces include Kate Moss, The Rolling Stones, Jean Shrimpton, Freddie Mercury and Dali to name but a few.
Nearest tube – Charing Cross
Tickets – £14.50 (concessions available)
To book – 020 7306 0055
For more info – www.npg.org.uk
Horst: Photographer of Style at The Victoria and Albert museum
6th of September 2014 – 4th of January 2015
Horst’s glamorous work is exhibited at the V&A later this year. The exhibition will feature his finest work and also some rare, never before seen prints alongside personal sketches and letters. The photographer who’s 60 year career saw him photograph models dressed in Chanel, Schiaparelli and Vionnet. This beautiful collection of photographs is not one to miss!
Nearest tube – South Kensington
Tickets – To be announced
To book – 020 7420 9736
For more info – www.vam.ac.uk
They all look great, especially the The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier – great post!
Anika Miller | Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
london has THE most amazing museums. i would love to see them all but especially the wedding dress and italian fashion collections 🙂
What an amazing post! Thanks for the information!
http://starsandspaceandstuff.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you so much for sharing these dates! I didn't know about the Paul Smith exhibition – I'd love to go. Such a fantastic designer. xx
Jenna, thank you so so much for all of these details! I cannot wait to see the Fashion Rules and The Glamour of Italian Fashion exhibitions.
http://www.ohabbyjane.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you for sharing these!! More knowledge for me hehehe 🙂
Very Nice !
Kisses my beautiful <3
http://www.theladyjersey.com
If I could, I'd love to go the Fashion Rules at Kensington!
Tania xx
taniaxkoi.blogspot.com
Very nice!
Check out my new post about street style on MFW!
http://themozzarella.blogspot.it/2014/02/blog-post.html
Great post! I love your photography, what camera do you use?
Beth x
http://www.thebritishgirl.co.uk
Thank you 🙂 I switch between the Canon 5D mark ii and the Nikon D700 x
It looks like you have some absolutely amazing exhibits coming your way, you lucky duck!! I am so jealous that you get to have such awesome things around you all the time living in London. The Italian Fashion one, understandably, completely has my attention – I guess those dates would be a perfect time to finally make my way across the pond 😉
xo Elle
https://itsaromanthing.wordpress.com/