Valentino: Master of Couture at Somerset House

A 60-metre catwalk will be installed in Somerset House in London this autumn as part of a retrospective spanning 50 years of the work of the fashion designer Valentino Garavani.

This major new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Valentino will showcase over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow in an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House.

Divided into three sections; visitors will start with a private view of Valentino's world through photographs from his personal archive, offering an intimate portrait of the life of the master. The exhibition then unfolds into a couture fashion show where roles are reversed with visitors walking the catwalk to view a staggering one hundred and thirty Valentino haute couture designs. Valentino: The Master of Couture promises to be a journey into the secretive world of Italian couture.

Visiting the exhibition of Maison Martin Margiela 2 years ago, I am sure that Somerset House will stage a spectacular exhibition once again, showcasing Valentino's beautiful designs and craftsmanship! Is there any better excuse for a quick trip to London this Christmas? 

For more details you can visit Somerset House's website! 

Somerset House: It's London Fashion Week!!!

It’s London Fashion Week time again and I am grabbing my camera, getting on the plane while saying bye-bye to sunny Greece and in a few hours i am gonna be  back at Somerset House. Somerset House is one of my favourite spots in London as it hosts contemporary art and design exhibitions, and an excellent restaurant by the Thames river. Although my other half is not going to be with me this time.

Lydia I am so gonna miss you!!!

Photos by LYDIA KOUKOU and Ioanna Tsivanidou

Fashion exhibitions at Somerset House, London

Mathew Williamson

When I step into one of Matthew’s dresses I feel like I am stepping into his world, which is colourful, ethereal and dreamlike. – Sienna Miller

Somerset House is currently hosting a display of Matthew Williamson's work, to coincide with the publication of his new book. The display animates aspects of the book and features photographs and key quotes from contributors, offering a unique insight into the life of one of the most original and exciting fashion designers working today. The admission is free.

The book, published by Rizzoli, celebrates Williamson’s colour-drenched creations embellished with exquisite embroidery and beading. Photographs of Williamson’s textile designs, celebrity fashion shoots, and mood boards, sketches and scrapbooks reveal his influences and inspirations. Key players such as Sir Paul Smith, Diane Von Furstenburg, Zandra Rhodes, Anna Wintour, Editor of US Vogue and Lucy Yeomans, editor of Harpers Bazaar provide comment on the success of the brand.


Details of the display:

Until 30 Jan 2011
Daily 10.00-18.00
Thurs until 21.00 from 11 Nov
Courtyard Rooms
Free admission

Dior Illustrated

Designer John Galliano may be the flamboyant face of Christian Dior, but of equal importance to the label's aesthetic is the rather lower-key illustratoR Rene Grau.

The exhibition is a celebration of the renowned illustrator René Gruau (1909-2004), who created some of the most iconic fashion images of the 20th century. This exciting exhibition will showcase groundbreaking artworks including original illustrations for Christian Dior Parfums, vintage perfume bottles, sketches and magazines, as well as a selection of Dior Haute Couture dresses.

René Gruau’s bold lines and fluid style were perfectly in tune with the spirit of Dior, capturing the energy, elegance and audacity of the brand. His illustrations also tell of a special understanding Gruau had of Christian Dior himself, born of a close friendship between the two men. Gruau influenced the graphic style of a whole generation of fashion illustrators and the exhibition will feature specially commissioned pieces from five UK based illustrators, whose works will draw inspiration from the rich collaboration between Gruau and the House of Dior.

Details of the exhibition : 

10 Nov 2010 – 9 Jan 2011

Daily 10.00-18.00, Thurs till 21.00

Embankment Galleries

£6, conc £5, under 12s free

After the amazing Maison Martin Margiela exhibition, this is a beautiful tribute for fashion fans.

Source:Somerset House