SHOWcabinet - what Daphne did next

As you know, I am never one to shy away from a fabulous party Dear Reader, hence why on Wednesday 21^st of February I attended a (not to be missed) launch by the award winning fashion website; SHOWstudio. Held in London’s prestigious Belgravia area in the iconic Pantechnicon Building; I mingled amongst the fashion elite, sipping lusciously refreshing cocktails and brushing bejeweled elbows with the fantastic Daphne Guinness, Gareth Pugh, Nick Knight and Philip Tracey plus many more – but hey who’s counting!

The launch, which celebrated the first installation of SHOWstudio’s latest gallery venture; 'SHOWcabinet'. The first in a series, it's a sort of moderne cabinet of curiosities, which was kick started by Daphne herself, giving us an insight into her own contemporary, romantic vision of the world. Items such as a black leather cage jacket designed by Gareth Pugh, bling-tastic crystal heel-less shoes by Norikata Tatehana, and an 18 carat gold and diamond armour glove made in collaboration with Shaune Leane - this item in particular is the central piece of the installation.

Also on show is a silver sequin Chanel dress and over jacket – of course this instantly caught my eye (there really is nothing else other than a touch of sparkle to make me weak at my fibreglass knees). In complete owe of this stunning number I took a closer look and was delighted to notice that the garment was displayed on a beautiful signature vintage type bust form from my old chums at proportion london (goodness they get everywhere)! Daphers is a darling and the launch was a pleasure to attend, however if unlike moi your name was not on the guest list do not fret my darlings as Daphne’s installation is open until the 20th March and most of the items on view are for sale.

Throughout the year there will be further installations during the SHOWcabinet series including displays from Una Burke and Iris Van Herpen, so do stay tuned for my forthcoming post's since I know i'm going to be on the invite list for all of them! Chin, chin darlings x

SHOWcabinet. Image supplied by SHOWstudio



Daphne Guinness. Image supplied by SHOWstudio.

Gareth Pugh, Nick Knight, Carson McColl. Image supplied by SHOWstudio

Shaun Leane. Image supplied by SHOWstudio

Bella Freud. Image supplied by SHOWstudio

Shoes designed by Norikata Tatehana

Leather cage jacket designed by Gareth Pugh



proportion london bust form showcasing silver sequin Chanel dress

For more information on the SHOWcabinet installation please visit the SHOWstudio blog 

http://showstudio.com/blog/post/daphne_guinness_showcabinet_launches 

For proportion london bust forms and mannequins please visit their website

http://proportionlondon.com/ 

Putting on the Ritz!

Miss Mannequin loves the outbreak of great exhibitions this year as Britain shows off her greatness in more ways than Olympiad feats and Royal Jubilations!

The current V&A exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 is a spectacular show showcasing more than 60 ballgowns from 1950 to the present day. Within the fabulously renovated V&A Fashion Galleries, beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening frocks and catwalk showstoppers vied for Miss Mannequin’s attention. 

With a strong British design tradition for creating and wearing sumptuous ballgowns, this show covers bygone days right through to the modern designs of Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, proving that the tradition continues to flourish. 

Over two floors the exhibits on show include some specially made designs for social events such as private parties, royal state occasions, debutante balls, opening nights and red carpet events. Tour de force eveningwear from the V&A’s vast collection by designers such as Norman Hartnell, Victor Stiebel, Zandra Rhodes, Catherine Walker, Jonathan Saunders and Hussein Chalayan will also be on show, as well as dresses fresh from the catwalk shows of Alexander McQueen, Giles, Erdem, Roksanda Illincic, Mark Fast and Jenny Packham. Innovative designer Gareth Pugh has created a stunning metallic leather dress especially for the exhibition. miss mannequin loves....

Royal gowns, with their luxurious fabrics and exquisite embellishments, always make headlines. A selection of royal ballgowns including a Norman Hartnell gown designed for Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Diana’s ‘Elvis Dress’ designed by Catherine Walker and gowns worn by today’s young royals are on show beside dresses worn by actresses and celebrities including Sandra Bullock, Daphne Guinness, Elizabeth Hurley and Bianca Jagger. Rock and Royal together all in one room!

From private event to public parade.... Miss Mannequin sashayed around the V&A adoring the splendid glittering backdrops for these couture gowns, which have stimulated sartorial consumption and aspiration in Britain. The red carpet is perhaps the modern day pinnacle of ballgown aspiration, where celebrities and stars show off not only their starlit potential but the latest look in over the top gorgeousness. Craved by every girl big or small; whether attending an award ceremony, premiere or indeed end of school prom party! The aspiration to these dresses surely replaces the love of Barbie and Sindy dolls in little girls (although Miss Mannequin never quite got over Barbie).

Some of the gowns on show are loaned and some are from the Museum’s permanent collection: designs include gowns by Hardy Amies, Ossie Clark, Bill Gibb, Belleville Sassoon, Murray Arbeid, Bruce Oldfield and Julien MacDonald. Also included are a girl’s best friend; accessories. Elegant evening bags, gloves and shoes are  shown against a background of film and contextual images evoking the sheer glamour of it all. 

Swanning through the exit, Miss Mannequin felt compelled to spend her hard earned pennies on the accompanying book: Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 features specially commissioned images of the diverse selection of gowns from the exhibition, photographed by David Hughes. Some of his dynamic images are also projected into the alcoves of the gallery’s vast domed ceiling, creating an arresting backdrop to the show. 

Kick your heels up and head for Knightsbridge, this fabulous exhibition is open until January 6^th, from 10am until 5.45, there are no excuses for those late night birds that read my page, since the show is open until 10pm on Friday evenings. If your appitite is whetted for more, click on this little video Britsh Glamour video

Miss mannequin was so inspired by these wonderful dresses ... i'm ready for my close up now Mr. DeMille!