From iconic photography to haute couture, we’re using these new exhibitions as an excuse to plan a weekend trip to London, Paris, New York and Milan …
New York: Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion Exhibition at The Met
It may have not have been immediately apparent from the red carpet fashions at The Met Gala, held earlier this week, but they were inspired by this new exhibition which explores the ideas of “rebirth” and “renewal” using nature as a metaphor for “temporary fashion”. (I think perhaps Zendaya’s Maison Margiela nailed the brief best). The exhibition showcases research, conservation analysis and various technologies “to revive and explore the sensory capacities of masterpieces in the museum’s collection”. Artificial intelligence, augmented reality and computer-generated imagery is used, as well as X-ray, video animation, light projection and soundscapes. A total of 250 garments and accessories from four centuries are on display. One of the key exhibits is an evening cloak by Charles Worth, 1889 – the inspiration for Anna Wintour’s statement black cape designed by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe. Other pieces include designs by Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Dior – these are the “sleeping beauties” of the title and are indeed gorgeous. The exhibition will run until September 10. www.metmuseum.org
Stay at: The Warren Street Hotel
The latest addition to the Firmdale Hotels stable, situated in the vibrant Tribeca neighbourhood, is a celebration of art and design. It’s a decidedly happy hotel with colour and creativity a feature of each of the hotel’s 69 bedrooms. Stay here for its skyscraper views of lower Manhattan and the Hudson River; www.firmdalehotels.com.
Paris: For the Paolo Roversi Exhibition at Palais Galliera
Curated by Sylvie Lécallier, The Paolo Roversi exhibition features 140 works of unseen images and polaroid prints from the archives of the Italian fashion photographer. His work has featured in magazines such as Vogue France, Vogue Italia, Egoïste, and Luncheon where his style is instantly recognisable: soft, sepia-toned black and white portraits, shot in natural light with a density and depth of colour achieved by using a Mag-Lite flashlight. Roversi has used every type of camera – from large-format cameras to polaroid and digital photography – to achieve his poetic, ethereal images. The exhibition is on until July 14. www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr
Stay at: La Belle Juliette
Named after an 18th-century socialite, Juliette Recamier, every part of this pretty hotel in Saint-Germain is inspired by Juliette’s personality. Colour and seductive elements pervade – from the ornate spiral staircase to a small spa in the basement. Revolving art exhibitions, a posh bar and access to a boutique lined street in the 6th arrondissement, make this a great base for a weekend in the city; www.hotel-belle-juliette-paris.com.
London: For Double Exposure: David Bailey & Mary McCartney at Claridge’s ArtSpace
Curated by Brandei Estes, this exhibition spans photographs from the 1960s to the present day showcasing David Bailey (pictured top) and Mary McCartney’s (pictured above) mutual interest in reinventing portraiture. This is the first time for Bailey to show with another photographer in London. Many of the portraits included in Double Exposure reveal Bailey’s signature informal, playful side: a portrait of Jean Shrimpton, her face painted by David Hockney; Miles Davis, sticking his tongue out at the camera; a joy-filled portrait of Jerry Hall, sitting on table, head thrown back with laughter, resting her high-heeled shoe in Helmut Newton’s hand. These photographs reveal not only of Bailey’s intimate connection with his subjects, but his ability to disarm and charm even the most idolised with the camera. These works are brought into a taut, incisive conversation with Mary McCartney, known for her enigmatic portraits. The exhibition, in the John Pawson-designed space, runs until July 19. www.claridges.co.uk
Stay at: Knightsbridge Hotel
This smart townhouse on a tree-lined street in Knightsbridge has it all in my opinion – location, style and serenity – the latter unusual in such a busy capital. I’ve stayed here several times because of its ease of access to museums, such as the V&A, and favourite haunts in Belgravia and Sloane Street. It’s a hop from Harrods and is handy to bus, train and tube stations. I’m not usually a breakfast person but the buffet here deserves a mention in the gorgeous drawing room and is one of the best I’ve had. As for rooms, Kit Kemp’s signature style never disappoints from the statement headboards to the quirky artwork – including framed Ladybird book covers – and RikRak amenities. Pet lovers will love the multiple “dogtraits” in the drawing room and lobby and decoratistas will depart with more ideas for their moodboards; www.firmdalehotels.com.
Milan: Dolce & Gabbana: From the Heart to the Hands, Palazzo Reale
Described as a love letter to Italian culture, this exhibition reveals the enduring inspiration behind Domenico Dolce’s and Stefano Gabbana’s designs which include art, architecture, artisanal craft, music, folklore and of course la dolce vita. Curated by Florence Müller, the exhibition also features decadent collections from archival Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria and Alta Gioielleria collections which make for a dazzling and dramatic detour on any visit to the city. The exhibition runs until July 31 and then will tour internationally. If you can’t get to see the exhibition in person there is an accompanying book by Rizzoli. www.palazzorealemilano.it
Stay at: Aethos Milan
This is in the trendy Navigli district, close to the city’s canals and its waterfront bars and restaurants (try Cacio et Peper, or Al Coniglio Bianco close by). The hotel gives the vibe of a cluttered antiques shop with Persian rugs and curios galore as well as a bar decorated by Ralph Lauren. If you happen to time your trip for the end of a month, a visit to the Navigli flea market is a must do – held on the last Sunday of each month along the banks for the canal. Otherwise, one of the few Roman ruins in Milan, the Colonne di San Lorenzo is a ten-minute walk away, close to the Duomo. Every time I visit Milan, I make a beeline for the rooftop terrace of La Rinascente department store – it has the best views of the Duomo and its famous piazza. www.aethos.com