Cultural Experience: V&A Fashioned by Nature

Today before running some errands in the city, I decided to take myself off to my favourite museum, the V&A, and see what was on. They currently have 2 fashion related exhibitions - however one, about Frida Pablo was fully booked for today (and I suspect quite a few days in advance - I shall book it when I get back from Paris for a later date in the summer), so I instead got a ticket for the one in the fashion exhibition space. It was called Fashioned by Nature, and had two interesting angles.

The first angle was about the history of natural textiles sources. That was interesting, with information on things as basic as cotton to pineapple fibres woven into silk. There was refereence to Australia when speaking about mother of pearl (I didn't realise that about 90% of all the mother of pearl was from the Torres Strait) and loads of samples demonstrating the uses of the different materials.

The upstairs area was devoted to modern day designers who use ethical and sustainable fabrics, including clothes made from glass fibres and a handbag made from mushroom fibres! I was less interested in these designs (too modern for me), but the ethical angle was very relevant and interesting.

The second angle of the exhibition was the use of natural motifs in clothing. This included things as simple as floral embroidery, to embellished dresses covered in jewel beetle shells. They also talked about designs inspired by birds and animals, and had samples of mink, beaver fur, and birds on accessories!

It may have only been a small exhibition, but it was very interesting and I think relevant to the increasingly sustainable focus on fashion over the last few years.

But just you wait... Tomorrow there is even more excitement!!!

Cultural Experience: Balenciaga - Shaping Fashion at the V&A

Victoria and Albert Museum
Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion Exhibition

Last Friday, I met up with a friend for a cultural day out at the V&A. Last time I went, I only had time for the Undressed exhibition, but this time we had a little more time. We started with the newest exhibition in the fashion gallery - the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition!

I absolutely loved this exhibition. It chronicles Balenciaga's work and legacy, and has loads of examples of his work as well as work inspired by him of other designers work. It turns out that he has been working for 50 years in fashion and inspired loads of other big name designers!

There was a lot of architectural inspired designs, which had really clever designs and drafting. the things that caught my eye the most though, were the detailed designs (like this 2015 Oscar de La Renta dress with gorgeous embroidery) and lots of intricate detailing.

Another favourite of mine features dark green silk, overlaid with black netting, which then had braid, beads and feathers attached to by hand. So beautiful.

After spending so much time admiring the beautiful handiwork, we still made time to wander through the British sections of the museum. Lots of nice stuff from the reign of Henry VIII! By the time we had done that though, I was well and truly museumed out for the day. Such a great exhibition - would highly recommend. Now, more photos of my favourite things!

Cultural Experiences: V&A Undressed

Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear

Victoria and Albert Museum

A few weeks back, I had a spare few hours, so I decided to head to the Victoria and Albert Museum today to check out the exhibition Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear. While I have yet to sew any underwear, it was super interesting for anyone who sews. The foundation garments of any outfit dictate, and influence the current fashions of any era.

(cotton and whalebone corset, about 1890)

I loved to see, in particular, how corsets have changed and been affected by fashions. I own a corset (which I wear for costumes), and a few waist trainers which I wear on occasion.

(arctic padded petticoat filled with goose down)

One of the pieces which I thought was quite cool (and seasonally appropriate for London) was a padded petticoat filled with goose down for warmth! I would love one of those.

(Tuileries, Lanvin-Castillo S/S 1957)

I think my favourite piece though, was this gorgeous dress from Lanvin-Castillo's Spring/Summer 1957 collection. I constantly find myself drawn to dresses of this era, and I love the even earlier vibe of that almost bustle that it has going on. Super gorgeous.

I would have recommended this exhibition to anyone interested in lingerie and it's history, or even just historical fashion. Unfortunately, it is already closed, but I was pleased by the fact that I didn't need to book in advance. Would recommend.