Arts + travel

100 Interiors around the World

7th July 2012

Inspiration for living

7th July 2012 Taschen’s latest 25 Edition, 100 Interiors around the World, rounds up some inspiring contemporary interiors on all sides of the globe. Featuring a detailed selection of 100 colourful homes, showing a wide range of decor trends from traditional to avantgarde, the book is published in 2 volumes. For those of you who love a bit of home inspiration – whether for a new renovation project or a quick make-over in one room -, it’s a must-have coffee table edition for 2012.

100 Interiors Around the World. 2 Vols. Hardcover, £34.99. Published by Taschen. For more details visit www.taschen.com CN

MIDO 6-8 February 2027. Welcome to Eyewearland

LOFT Santa Monica Show October 16th and 17th

Arts + travel

The First Ladies at The Smithsonian

1st July 2012

First Ladies Contribute to American Fashion History

1st July 2012 America’s First Ladies – wives of Presidents – have an increasingly active role in the documentation of American fashion. The Smithsonian (National Museum of American History) was founded in 1846, and today is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Their collection of First Ladies gowns originated in 1912, when Helen Taft, who was then first lady, donated the first inaugural gown. Today, there are over 1000 objects in the First Ladies Collection, from inaugural gowns, to state dinner dresses, personal effects and White House ephemera. Dresses worn by Dolly Madison, Mary Todd Lincoln, Frances Cleveland, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, and many others are among those on display. First Lady Michelle Obama recently presented her inaugural ball gown to officially launch a new gallery: “A First Lady’s Debut.” It’s a stunning, ongoing exhibition, encompassing history, fashion and the diverse contributions of first ladies to American society. www.americanhistory.si JG

Arts + travel

The Daphne Guinness Collection at Christie’s

13th June 2012

Fashion Icon Auctions Rare Couture Pieces

13th June 2012 A fascination for and a collector of superb couture, Daphne Guinness has assembled an amazing array of designer clothes and accessories. Some of her iconic pieces were a feature at The Museum at FIT in New York City (reviewed on Eyestylist 1st October 2011). Now in honour of her dear friend Isabella Blow, Guinness is auctioning her wardrobe to benefit the Isabella Blow Foundation. Blow was a great champion of British designers, and both women were close to the late Alexander McQueen. More than one hundred items, including designs by Chanel, Balenciaga, Prada, Dior, Alaïa, and McQueen will be auctioned on 27th June at Christie’s South Kensington in London. The sale is a rare opportunity to capture a moment of style history, and benefit Blow’s Foundation, which supports new and emerging fashion talent. www.christies.com JG

Arts + travel

Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950

1st June 2012

Red Carpet and Catwalk Spectaculars at V&A

1st June 2012 The strong British tradition of creating sumptuous ballgowns is celebrated in the Victoria & Albert’s beautiful exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950. The collection is vast with luxurious designs from Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Catherine Walker, Zandra Rhodes, Victor Stiebel, Bruce Oldfield, Ossie Clark and Alexander McQueen among others. There is a selection of exquisite royal gowns designed for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Princess Diana. Dresses worn by actresses and celebrities are also on display. Above photo: Atsuko Kudo, worn by Georgia Frost with dresses by Hardy Amies and Worth of London. Credit: Carlos Jimenez, V&A images

Elvis_Dress_Catherine_Walker — State Evening Ensemble 'Elvis Dress' by Catherine Walker

The exhibition is the first to be presented in the newly renovated V&A Fashion Galleries, and covers more than 60 years of a tradition that continues to flourish. In the 1950’s coming out balls for young women formally introduced to society, was often the first occasion to wear a splendid gown. Nowadays, charity events and the red carpet is where many gowns are showcased with fashionable splendour. This impressive exhibition continues through 6 January 2013. www.vam.ac.uk JG

Catherine Walker photo: Victoria and Albert Musuem, London

Arts + travel

Pop! Design, Culture, Fashion..in London

22nd May 2012

The Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey Street, London, SE1

22nd May 2012 An exhibition that will explore the impact of music, art and personality on the development of the fashion of the 60s and 70s. From the poodle skirts and embellished leathers of the rockers through to the Punk era, this exhibition will take in the cool stylings of the Mods, the high baroque of Psychedelia and the kitsch glamour of 70s retro by designers such as Mr Freedom and Miss Mouse….

Highlights will include items from Elton John’s personal wardrobe (can’t wait to see these), purple flares worn by Donovan, the pop-art fashions of Mary Quant as well as Quant’s early modernist pieces from the original Bazaar. Furniture, original posters and graphics and promotional materials will help to set the scene while an “I’m Backing Britain” display will create a dramatic centrepiece.

The exhibition will provide new insight into 20 years of popular culture from one of the most comprehensive private collections of design and fashion.

Exhibition Dates: 6th July – 27th October 2012, The Fashion and Textile Museum, London. www.ftmlondon.org CN