Here's more info on the two exhibitions we saw in London (besides the fashion galleries at the V&A, which is a constant exhibition).
Valentino: Master of Couture at Somerset House
130 outfits from all through his career - mostly cocktail and evening dresses - arranged not chronologically but by themes. Very clever and you can see some of them very closely. Nothing behind glass! Absolutely drool-worthy! Plus in the last room they show how some of those special techniques like huge chiffon rosettes work. Perfect!
Hartnell to Amies: Couture by Royal Appointment at the Fashion and Textile Museum
No - no royal dresses (but some embroidery examples from evening dresses for state visits - they are mind-boggling!), but lots of gorgeous couture and some RTW by these two, plus sketches, hats by Frederick Fox and more. The best is the ground floor. And you see what real couture is - like the suit made from a Prince of Wales check wool, where all the checks are perfectly aligned along the seams. Amazing! I would have liked to have pretty much all of what was exhibited on that floor for myself...
Karin
Valentino: Master of Couture at Somerset House
130 outfits from all through his career - mostly cocktail and evening dresses - arranged not chronologically but by themes. Very clever and you can see some of them very closely. Nothing behind glass! Absolutely drool-worthy! Plus in the last room they show how some of those special techniques like huge chiffon rosettes work. Perfect!
Hartnell to Amies: Couture by Royal Appointment at the Fashion and Textile Museum
No - no royal dresses (but some embroidery examples from evening dresses for state visits - they are mind-boggling!), but lots of gorgeous couture and some RTW by these two, plus sketches, hats by Frederick Fox and more. The best is the ground floor. And you see what real couture is - like the suit made from a Prince of Wales check wool, where all the checks are perfectly aligned along the seams. Amazing! I would have liked to have pretty much all of what was exhibited on that floor for myself...
Karin
