In need of some inspiration and a quick trip across the pond? These fashion exhibitions are on our radar …
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Vogue: Inventing the Runway at Lightroom
This immersive exhibition, which charts the history of catwalk shows from intimate salon events to iconic pop-culture events, is narrated by Cate Blanchett and features over 60 design houses including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Vivienne Westwood. The Vogue archives have been opened until April 26, with Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content for British Vogue, explaining, “It’s fitting to host this Lightroom experience within skipping distance of Central Saint Martins, where so many of the UK’s fashion students begin their journeys to becoming designers we know and love.” In tandem with the exhibition is an ongoing events series called “Vogue Conversations” which feature thought-provoking conversations with designers; the first being Simone Rocha. Tickets from £25stg. www.lightroom.uk
Stay: The Gyle, Argyle Square
More Dash Than Cash is an ongoing editorial feature in Vogue and could describe this chic 33-room boutique hotel, “a surreal townhouse in a London Square”. Rooms have on-trend tartan accents, Scottish textiles, interesting treats and spacious bathrooms; some even have mini terraces. Breakfast is served in The Toast lounge, while The Midland Grand nearby is a French brasserie that’s on my wishlist for dinner at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. www.thegyle.co.uk
The Face Magazine: Cultural Shift at National Portrait Gallery
Opening on February 20 to May 18, “The Face Magazine: Cultural Shift” brings together over 200 works from the cult magazine’s history. Originally created by editor Nick Logan, who spotted a gap in the market for a magazine aimed at youth culture, The Face had a huge influence on British culture throughout the 1980s to 2000s. Such was its success that it propelled many unknown models to international success; famously, a young Kate Moss photographed by Corinne Day. The prints of over 80 photographers on display including work by Glen Luchford, David LaChapelle, Juergen Teller, Ellen von Unworth and Jean-Paul Goude, with iconic photographs of Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, Sade, Madonna, plus fashion editorials. The Face ceased publication in 2004 but has continued online championing fresh talent in music, graphic design, fashion and photography. www.npg.org.uk
Stay: Page8, St Martin’s Place
Just opposite the National Portrait Gallery, Page8 is perfectly poised for a weekend escape to London, whether for shopping or sampling some new restaurants. Irish chef Richard Corrigan’s new restaurant The Portrait Gallery on the fourth floor of the National Portrait Gallery serves an all day menu and great views. Definitely one to try while in the city. www.pagehotels.com
Leigh Bowery at the Tate Modern, London
The late fashion designer Leigh Bowery is having a moment. In February, Thames & Hudson will publish Leigh Bowery: The Life and Times of an Icon by Sue Tilley, a long-time friend of Bowery, and a former model for artist Lucien Freud. Tilley’s book is full of incredible anecdotes and coincides with the opening of Tate Modern’s retrospective of the artist, which explores his legacy as a fashion designer, club promoter and TV personality. On display will be Bowery’s creative outfits made in collaboration with his wife Nicola Rainbird and corsetier Mr Pearl. Integral to the exhibition is fashion photography by Fergus Green. The exhibition opens on February 27 to August 31. www.tate.org.uk
Stay: Amano, Covent Garden
I am sure Leigh Bowery would have approved of its Rooftop Bar and glamorous restaurant, Penelope’s, which have been the setting for some legendary parties, especially during London Pride Festival. The rooms serve up soothing clean lines, muted colours and views of this characterful neighbourhood. When I’m back in Covent Garden, I’ll be making a beeline to Charlotte Tilbury’s flagship store, which just opened. This make-up wonderland offers lots of Tilbury treats from masterclasses to events and special offerings, including the first Charlotte Tilbury Skin Spa and Pillow Talk Bar. www.amanogroup.com
Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style, The Design Museum, London
Guest curated by Amber Butchart, known for her history segments on BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee, this exhibition celebrates our collective love of water and explores the full spectrum of the design of swimming — from sports performance and fashion to architecture. Swimwear from the 1920s to the present day will be presented in some 200 pieces including Pamela Anderson’s famous Baywatch swimsuit, the first Olympic solo swimming gold medal won by a British woman and a selection of men’s Speedos from the ’80s! Other objects on view will be the banned “technical doping” LZR Racer swimsuit, one of the earliest surviving examples of a bikini and a detailed architectural model of the Zaha Hadid-designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre. www.designmuseum.org
Stay: Ruby Stella, Eyre Sreet Hill
This new hotel in Clerkenwell is a Dickens-inspired escape, ideal for a cultural weekend getaway. It’s a short walk from The Postal Museum and British Museum in the buzzy district of Clerkenwell and Shoreditch, renowned for their cutting-edge restaurants and night life. Charles Dickens lived in the neighbourhood and the quirky, playful and immersive hotel interiors reflect the charm and character found in his writing. In contrast to the communal areas, rooms offer a lean luxury experience at an affordable price point. www.ruby-hotels.com
Cartier, Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Opening in April, the V&A will stage the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, exploring how the house became an unparalleled force in its field. The exhibition will include 350 precious jewels and show-stopping objects, historic gemstones, and iconic watches and clocks from the V&A and Cartier Collection. Highlights include the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 featuring the rare 23.6 carat pink Williamson diamond; the Scroll Tiara commissioned in 1902 and worn to the coronation of Elizabeth II, and by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016; and Grace Kelly’s engagement ring (1956) from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection, which she wore in her final film High Society. www.vam.ac.uk.
SEE MORE: All You Need To Know About V&A’s Exhibition Naomi In Fashion
Stay: Number 16, Sumner Place, South Kengsington
A very short walk from the V&A Museum, Number 16 is a bright, pretty base for exploring South Kensington’s museums and shops. Part of the Kit Kemp’s Firmdale group, guests will love her signature design details such as striking art, colourful rooms with beautiful bedheads and tailor’s dummy (where Soholistic spa treatments can be arranged). The Orangery restaurant and petite garden are further reasons to linger over breakfast and enjoy the divine setting. If visiting in March, there’s an interesting Dining through the Decades event, hosted by food historian and author Eleanor Barnett and Number 16’s executive chef Joe Fox. Guests can travel back in time and enjoy 1970s’ “delicicacies” – expect favourites such as devilled eggs, prawn cocktail and nostalgic blancmange. www.firmdalehotels.com
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