Top four: London Fashion Exhibits

As much as I wish, hope and pray for good weather, I know that British Bank Holidays are always a wash out. This week looks like a prime example, I’m sitting in bed looking out at grey skies and feeling a cool breeze through the open window. Thoughts of lazing around in the park or having an impromptu BBQ are suddenly out of the window and I’m left wondering what the options are for fun indoor options. Luckily I live a stone’s throw from London, so there are always some great exhibits on. Here are my top four fashion exhibits in London, which are either on or upcoming. Let me know if you’ve been and what you thought!

The Enchanted Palace at Kensington Palace.
On now until Feb 28 2011

Kensington Palace has been totally transformed into the Enchanted Palace in a quest to tell the secrets and stories of the seven princesses who once called the Palace home. Their lives have been bought to life by installations which share their secrets, including those of a princess who ran away from an arranged marriage for true love. Visitors must use their eyes and ears to work out clues to the princess’ identities and are helped along the way with their own enchanted map and palace guardians. There are also fashion installations from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, William Tempest, Stephen Jones and Aminaka Wilmont.

Grace Kelly at the V&A
On now until 26 September 2010.

The V&A is one of my favourite museums, they always put on amazing fashion exhibits. I’ve heard such great things about the Grace Kelly exhibit. Arguably one of he most popular actresses of the 1950s, the exhibit examines her amazing wardrobe and her lasting legacy as a fashion icon. The exhibit features dresses from her movies as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955. With a wardrobe which features haute couture gowns by Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, this exhibit is a must see.

Maison Martin Margiela ’20’ at Somerset House
3 June until 5 September 2010

Somerset House is hosting an exhibition to celebrate 20 years of one of the most enigmatic designers of recent years, Martin Margiela. Although 20 years makes Maison Martin Margiela a relative newcomer to the industry, the design house has had a radical impact due to it’s groundbreaking aesthetic and vision. The multi layered exhibition features garments, installations, photography and film to explore it’s history and innovation.

Browns: 40 years of fashion innovation at Regent Penthouses and Lofts

2010 marks the 40th birthday of a very special store in London. Browns has built up a reputation for supporting new talent from the beginning. It was the first store to import international collections by the likes of Ralph Lauren and Comme Des Garcons back in the 70s and 80s, as well as showcasing graduate collections by Galliano, McQueen and Chalayan. The exhibition highlights designers who have been supported by Browns as well as highlights of it’s fashion history. The exhibition features 40 portraits of designers, models, actors and artists photographed by Paolo Roversi in one of the specially selected 40th anniversary looks as well as archive pieces and 3D catwalk films.