3 Events to inspire your style

Whilst my aim for the Style Post is to share style opinions and inspire you in terms of your individual style, I appreciate there are designers and exhibitions that do it far more impressively. Now, more than ever, London museums are creating stunning events showcasing spectacular photography, fashion and design. Here are 3 that I am hugely excited about and delighted to introduce to you. I hope they give you as much joy and passion for style as they do for me.

Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier - London’s Design Museum

Azzedine Alaïa began as a sculptor and boy can you tell from his stunning designs.This wonderful exhibition interlaces stories of his life and career as a couturier, alongside personally selected garments, ranging from the rare to the iconic (spanning the early 1980s to his most recent collection in 2017).It celebrates the timeless beauty of the female form and demonstrates just how empowering clothing can be.

I have always been a great fan of Azzedine’s work – and I am in good company.His client list included Greta Garbo, Grace Jones, Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga who said, ‘There was no one who did what he did. No one knew a woman’s body like him. He should be celebrated as one of the greatest fashion designers the world has ever known.’ I’m with the Gaga!

Up Close with Marilyn’: Portraits by Milton H. Greene’ – Proud Galleries

It’s fair to say most of us will have seen the iconic images of Marilyn Monroe (the most photographed personality of the 1950’s).However what makes this exhibition different is that many of the photographs are rare.They were taken by her close friend Milton Greene whom she met on a photoshoot for Look magazine in 1953. He was known for his fashion shoots for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.The large-scale photographic prints included in this collection encapsulate Marilyn’s glamour, style and unique charm.It’s important to remember that although Marilyn became a symbol for sex appeal she was also about empowerment and womanhood.She embraced the camera in a way no one had dared before. Lesson for us all!

Vogue Essentials – Carolyn Asome and Chloe Fox in Conversation : Fashion and Textile Museum

I’m a huge fan of “Vogue” books. In fact I’m currently attempting to display (25 and counting!) on our new bookshelves in the office. Despite running out of space I’m about to add these two: Vogue Essentials: Handbags and Vogue Essentials: Little Black Dress. However I’m waiting until 14th June when I get the opportunity to meet the Authors Carolyn Asome (contributing editor to Vogue) and Carolyn Asome (previous fashion editor at The Times) at The Fashion & Textile Museum. They will be ‘in conversation’ and discussions will include:

• How a chance encounter on a plane lead to the iconic Birkin bag.
• How the Little Black dress has evolved in the 90 years since its creation.
• How emerging markets are changing the way handbags are designed.

There’s wine, great conversation, an opportunity to view the current exhibition and to purchase signed copies of these beautiful books. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Thursday night. See you there!

Have a great week-end and feel free to share this post.