The Glamour of Italian Fashion V&A

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 will run at the V&A from the 5th April to the 27th July 2014.

The museum has spent three years sourcing pieces from its own archive, designers collections and private archives to put together this show. It’s the first exhibition of its kind and will chart the transformation of the Italian fashion industry. 

Labels such as Gucci, Versace, Emilio Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni.

Between the areas focusing on couture, the sporty, ready-to-wear labels that caught the attention of America, and the more-is-more style that we love about Italian labels. 

The exhibition will also look at the influence that Hollywood stars had on the rise of Italy in the style stakes. So there are pieces picked up by Audrey Hepburn in Ferragamo and three incredible pieces of jewellery made for Elizabeth Taylor by the exhibition’s sponsor, Bulgari.

The final room will screen video interviews with designers, editors and couture technicians.

I will definitely be taking a trip to the V&A to see the Glamour of Italian Fashion exhibition.

Busy Bee

I have been really busy since being back at university! These past 5 weeks I have been photographing and filming the Spring Summer 2014 collection for WeSC. Such an amazing opportunity!!

But for now its top secret so you will have to all keep an eye out next year.

Just been given my new brief at university - Photo Manipulation.

Busy with sketchbook work and research, but these last few weeks at uni are more chilled so I won't be neglecting my blog!

Photograph - Early morning paddle boarding with Jessica Ong.

Longchamp Flagship Store London

Longchamp flagship store in London opened its doors during London Fashion Week. Taking up residence on Regent Street, the luxury leather goods in the new store, occupy two floors 300sqm of bags. (Heaven)

The two floors within the impressive space will be separated by a floating mezzanine level – dedicated solely to displaying Longchamp’s famed La Pliage collection – and a large sculpture spanning the height of the building will form the store’s centrepiece. The ground floor will house women’s bags, accessories, shoes and ready-to-wear, while the first floor will showcase men’s collections and luggage.

Founded in 1948, Longchamp has branched out from bags to shoes, ready-to-wear and menswear, and has worked with the likes of Kate Moss and Coco Rocha on its campaigns.

I definitely need to take a trip to the new flagship store and purchase a bag to add to my collection.

Manolo Blahnik Makes LFW Debut

Manolo Blahnik is coming to London Fashion Week. The footwear designer will make his debut on the London schedule this coming season. 

Manolo Blahnik will host a presentation on Sunday September 15 from 10am until 4pm, the same day that the new S/S 2014 collections from Mulberry, Mary Katrantzou, Jonathan Saunders and Topshop Unique will also be unveiled. 

"Everybody now makes a point of coming to London - which is very different to Milan and Paris," he told us previously. "London is now so important to all these international buyers. London is the future."

The Spanish-born designer was also awarded the British Fashion Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2012.

Busy Bee

I have been a real busy bee these past few month since being home from university. I travelled to portugal for a week with my family which was really nice and chilled,the weather was amazing. 

I have also been working most days, which has taken up a lot of my time this summer so far. This past week I've being doing Visual Merchandising in the room sets ready for the Autumn Winter launch.

I interned up in London last Saturday which was AMAZING - keep your eyes out for a post about my day as an intern.

On my days off I've sneaked in a few shopping trips to London, Bristol and Cheltenham - recent purchases posts coming soon.

Chime For Change

I recently attended the concert Chime For Change at Twickenham Stadium. Beyonce Knowles headlined the star-packet event. Jennifer Lopez, Florence & The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora and Jessie J also performed at the concert.

Surprised guest and a show-stopping appearance from Jay-Z who performed along side his wife.

The event was held to raise money and create awareness of Gucci's Chime For Change campaign, a global female empowerment initiative founded by Beyonce Knowles, Salma Hayek-Pinault and Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini - Calling for better education, health and justice for women.

Between the performances there were powerful film clips showing women's stories which were each introduced by a set of high profile presents and ambassadors of Chime For Change such as Blake Lively, Frieda Pinto, Madonna, James Franco, Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Chastain.

Sarah Jessica Parker Set To Launch Shoe Collection

Sarah Jessica Parker is launching her own shoe collection.

Sarah Jessica Parker has chosen to collaborate on the range with George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik - the label that Carrie Bradshaw helped to put on the fashion map. 

The accessories line will also feature a few bags and trench coats.

SJP has been looking to heritage brands like Charles Jourdan and Maud Frizon for inspiration. Think simple and elegant.

The SJP collection will be available early next year through US retailers Nordstrom.