With London Fashion Week fast approaching (17th-22nd September), Somerset House in the heart of London, is gearing up for a month of fabulous fashion.
London Fashion Week is renowned for showcasing some of the world’s best designers. The Catwalk Show Space in the Edward J. Safra Fountain Court houses the catwalk shows, while the rest of Somerset House hosts the designer exhibition.
London Fashion Week 2010, Somerset House
Two exhibitions that extend the fashion showcases into the end of the year, that are really worth visiting are the Matthew Williamson collection of his work and Dior Illustrated exhibition.
Matthew Williamson – 13 Oct 2010 – 30 Jan 2011
Showing at the Courtyard Rooms, Somerset House with free admission
Somerset House will host a display of Matthew Williamson’s work, to coincide with the publication of his new book. The multi-media display will animate aspects of the book and will feature photographs, sketches, key quotes from contributors, videos, and selected garments from Williamson’s archive. The exhibition will offer a unique insight into the life of one of the most original and exciting fashion designers working today.
Matthew Williamson Collection, Somerset House
When I step into one of Matthew’s dresses I feel like I am stepping into his world, which is colourful, ethereal and dreamlike. – Sienna Miller
Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty
From the 10 Nov 2010 – 9 Jan 2011 the exhibition is showing daily at the Embankment Galleries, Somerset house – book tickets here
A celebration of the renowned illustrator René Gruau (1909-2004), who created some of the most iconic fashion images of the 20th century. This exciting exhibition will showcase groundbreaking artworks including original illustrations for Christian Dior Parfums, vintage perfume bottles, sketches and magazines, as well as a selection of Dior Haute Couture dresses.
Dior Illustrated, at Somerset House
Curated by Christian Dior Parfums in consultation with Somerset House, this new exhibition upholds Somerset House’s continuous commitment to showcasing the world’s most celebrated creative talents across fashion, art and design.
René Gruau’s bold lines and fluid style were perfectly in tune with the spirit of Dior, capturing the energy, elegance and audacity of the brand. His illustrations also tell of a special understanding Gruau had of Christian Dior himself, born of a close friendship between the two men. Gruau influenced the graphic style of a whole generation of fashion illustrators and the exhibition will feature specially commissioned pieces from six UK based illustrators, whose works will draw inspiration from the rich collaboration between Gruau and the House of Dior.
