Learn more about important stylists, photographers and divas in this trio of must-see fashion exhibitions …
Main featured image: Cher, Elton John and Diana Ross at Rock Awards Santa Monica Civic Auditorium 1975; Photo Mark Sullivan Contour by Getty Images via V&A Museum.
Diva, Victoria & Albert Museum
Costumes and clothes worn by Maria Callas, Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe, Tina Turner, Cher and Elton John make up some of the exhibits at the Victoria & Albert Museum’s latest exhibition, “Diva”, which opened on Saturday, June 24. It comprises 250 objects and spans two “acts”, delving into the origins of the term diva and how the word has been embraced over time. Kate Bailey, curator of the exhibition explains, “Today the word diva holds a myriad of meanings. At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who with creativity, courage and ambition have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva.” The exhibition, supported by Net-a-Porter, runs until April 7, 2024. Tickets cost £20; www.vam.ac.uk.
GLOSSy tip: Stay at The Adria – a great base for exploring the museums and shops of South Kensington; www.theadria.com.
Yevonde: Life and Colour, National Portrait Gallery
Yevonde Middleton was a pioneer of colour photography in the 1930s, who became an innovator in new techniques, experimenting with solarisation and the Vivex colour process. Addressing the Royal Photographic Society in 1932, she declared, “If we are going to have colour photographs, for heaven’s sake let’s have a riot of colour, none of your wishy washy hand tinted effects.”
Known as Madame Yevonde or simply Yevonde, she photographed fashion icons and film stars from Vivien Leigh to Princess Alexandra, John Gielgud and socialite Margaret Sweeny, the Duchess of Argyll (who was portrayed by Claire Foy in the BBC series A Very British Scandal).
There are some 150 works displayed (among them 25 newly discovered photographs), the largest exhibition of her work, which was often published in fashion magazines such as Tatler, Woman, Eve’s Journal and Sketch. Yevonde’s most renowned works are a series of women dressed as goddesses in dreamlike settings, which have inspired stylists and fashion designers including John Galliano, during his tenure as creative director at Dior.
The exhibition, supported by the Chanel Culture Fund, is a must-see during the summer, when tickets are offered at a special price of £5; www.npg.org.uk.
GLOSSy tip: For easy access to the National Portrait Gallery and The National Gallery, stay at the Haymarket Hotel; www.firmdalehotels.com.
Crown To Couture, Kensington Palace
Featuring over 200 items from ball gowns to court suits and handbags to jewellery, this fashion exhibition draws fascinating parallels between the world of today’s red carpet and the Georgian Royal Court in the 18th century. Beyonce?’s outfit for the 2017 Grammy Awards, designed by Peter Dundas, and the custom Moschino chandelier-inspired outfit designed for Katy Perry and worn at the 2019 Met Gala are two items on display in the State Apartments at Kensington Palace. Others include Billy Porter’s “Sun God” outfit for the 2019 Met Gala, and Kendall Jenner’s shimmering Hepburn-inspired Givenchy dress worn to the 2021 event. These contemporary pieces are displayed side by side with exquisite examples of historic 18th-century dress – including underwear, make-up, accessories and jewellery.
Stylists were as important then as they are now. Visitors will be introduced to “the original stylist”, Frances Abington, one of the most famous actors in London in the mid-18th century. Renowned for introducing new fashions into society, such as the famous “Abington cap” and dressing important women of the day, two portraits of her by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Johann Zoffany showcase her style influence on Georgian society. The exhibition also highlights many contemporary stylists, such as Sam Ratelle, championing the stylist as the “unsung hero” of the red carpet today. The exhibition will run until October 29. Tickets cost £25.40; www.hrp.org.uk.
GLOSSy tip: After visiting the exhibition, pop into The Milestone (across the road from Kensington Palace) for a posh afternoon tea or cocktail in its pretty Conservatory Bar; www.milestonehotel.com.
