Feeling cultural this winter? The artistically diverse city of London is a melting pot of style that offers something for all tastes. Whether you’re a fashion aficionado or you’re more a casual observer of the beautiful people, we bring you our top pick of the most fashion-savvy exhibitions that London has to offer.
Chanel Little Black Jacket exhibition
Fashion giants Chanel are considered the connoisseurs of effortlessly sophisticated style. The Little Black Jacket exhibition plays up to that role, photographing an exhilarating collection of the beautiful and famous, all dressed in the very same jacket: a little black Chanel one. From the likes of stylista Alexa Chung to actress Vanessa Paradis, each was free to style the jacket however they pleased in the ultimate exploration of the idiosyncrasy of fashion. Following showings in Tokyo, New York, Taipei and Hong Kong, the 113 photographs shot by Karl Lagerfeld himself are finally coming to London. Don’t miss it.
Saatchi gallery
12/10/12 – 28/10/12 thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com
POP! Design Culture Fashion exhibition
Whether you’re harbouring a penchant for the 1950s rock and roller or you consider yourself more of a ’70s punk, the POP! exhibition will undoubtedly tickle your fashion fancy. Exploring the connections between youth culture and fashion iconography, items of music, art and popular imagery are showcased alongside poodle skirts and leather jackets to delve into the changing history of Britain and the power that pop culture can hold over us all.
Fashion and Textile Museum
06/07/12 – 27/10/12 ftmlondon.org
Hollywood Costume exhibition
Remember the most draw-dropping outfits from your favourite films? Costume plays a vital part in creating a character, helping us to believe, sympathise or idolise them. This exhibition brings together over one hundred of the most memorable costumes from the last century of film-making in an exhilarating whirlwind of fashion history. See first-hand the clothes worn by iconic characters including Scarlett O’Hara, Jack Sparrow and Darth Vader and experience a little piece of cinematic magic for yourself.
Victoria and Albert Museum
20/10/12-/03/13 vam.ac.uk
Valentino: Master of Couture exhibition
Exploring a lifetime of work created by legendary Italian designer Valentino, this exhibition brings together a glamourous collection of his greatest haute couture. With a career spanning the last fifty years and hand-crafted designs having graced the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Sophia Loren, the exhibition features over 130 dresses from the couture catwalk to the decadent allure of the red carpet. Treat yourself to a little piece of luxury and see these beautifully crafted creations in all their glory.
Somerset house
29/11/12 – 03/03/13 somersethouse.org.uk
Biba and Beyond: Barbara Hulanicki exhibition
Get ready to transport to the swinging sixties as cult fashion brand Biba is thrown back to the forefront of contemporary culture. Rediscover the mix of Art Deco with romance and glamour that made Biba so iconic the first time around with this collection of fashion pieces, photography, music, film and illustrations. The exhibition takes place in the seaside town of Brighton, home to a cultural hedonism that Biba encapsulated so well. It’s only 50 minutes on the train from Victoria – hell, sometimes it can take that long to get to Zone 2, so no excuses. And why would you want to make them with this as your reward?
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
22/09/12-14/04/13 brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk