Culture & Fashion: London's V&A to open Marie Antoinette Style, the first UK exhibition dedicated to the most fashionable queen in history

Marie Antoinette (1755–1793), Queen of France, whose reputation as “the most fashionable queen in history” is rooted in the unique intersection of politics, culture, and aesthetics in late 18th-century Europe. Hers is a name that evokes a pastel-hued world of extravagance: silk gowns, towering hairstyles, satin shoes, sweet indulgences and courtly intrigue, overshadowed by the bloody Revolution that ended it all.

Book cover of Marie Antoinette Style published by the V&A to accompany the exhibition of the same name.
Image courtesy of V&A

Marie Antoinette's influence is lasting because she wasn’t just a passive consumer of fashion.  She actively shaped tastes, helped redefine femininity and celebrity, and became a global symbol of luxury, beauty, and scandal.

Now the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London’s South Kensington will host the UK’s first major exhibition Marie Antoinette Style, set to open on 20 September 2025.  Sponsored by luxury footwear house Manolo Blahnik, it will run until 22 March 2026, filling Galleries 38 and 39.

Film still from Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst. .
Photo courtesy of I WANT CANDY LLC. and Zoetrope Corp

The exhibition will examine the enduring influence of the French queen, celebrated in her lifetime as a fashion icon and often described as one of history’s first celebrities. Her dress, interiors and decorative tastes, developed during the final decades of the eighteenth century, have shaped over 250 years of fashion, design, film and the decorative arts.

Portrait de Marie-Antoinette à la rose, Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun © Château de Versailles,
Dist. Grand Palais RMN Christophe Fouin

Marie-Antoinette's Pearl jewels. 
Heidi Horten Collection. © Sotheby's, Bridgeman Images

More than 250 objects will be on display, including rare loans from the Château de Versailles, many of which have never before left France. The exhibition will combine historical and contemporary fashion with immersive displays and audio-visual installations, offering fresh perspectives on Marie Antoinette’s life, her legacy and the fascination she continues to inspire.

 Marie-Antoinette's chair set © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Highlights will include fragments of her court dress, silk slippers and jewellery from her private collection. Intimate personal effects—such as her dinner service from the Petit Trianon, accessories and items from her toilette case—will be exhibited outside Versailles for the first time.  The exhibition will bring her lavish, theatrical style to life through immersive staging and sensory experiences, including a recreated scent of the royal court and the queen’s own favourite perfume.

Fragments of a court gown belonging to Marie Antoinette © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Antoinetta, 2005 by Manolo Blahnik

Contemporary fashion will also play a central role, with couture pieces by Dior, Chanel, Erdem, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino and Moschino on display, alongside film costumes from Sofia Coppola’s Oscar-winning Marie Antoinette (2006), starring Kirsten Dunst. The exhibition will also showcase footwear designed by Manolo Blahnik for Coppola’s production.

Moschino runway show,  Fall Winter 2020, Milan Fashion Week, Italy - 20 Feb 2020.
Photo PIXELFORMULA,SIPA, Shutterstock

The V&A’s collection will be displayed alongside international loans, tracing Marie Antoinette’s cultural impact and the designers and creatives she continues to inspire.

Curator Sarah Grant described the queen as “the most fashionable, scrutinised and controversial queen in history,” adding:

“Marie Antoinette’s name summons both visions of excess and objects and interiors of great beauty. The Austrian archduchess turned Queen of France had an enormous impact on European taste and fashion in her own time, creating a distinctive style that now has universal appeal. This exhibition explores her design legacy and the story of a woman whose power to fascinate has never ebbed. The rare combination of glamour, spectacle and tragedy she presents remains as intoxicating today as it was in the eighteenth century.”

 Crystal flaskwith label ‘Eau de Cologne from the  'Nécessaire de voyage’,  belonging to Marie Antoinette.
© Grand Palais RMN (musée du Louvre) Michel Urtado

The Marie Antoinette Style exhibition will unfold chronologically, beginning with the queen’s arrival at Versailles in 1770 and ending with her execution in 1793. This opening section, Marie Antoinette: The Origins of a Style, will trace how she forged her distinctive aesthetic, from fashion and jewellery to furniture, porcelain and music. Highlights include rare personal effects such as her dinner service from the Petit Trianon, her monogrammed armchair and intimate items from her toilette case, many on loan from Versailles for the first time. Objects linked to the infamous diamond necklace affair will also be on show, alongside her final handwritten note before her death.

Slippers belonging to Marie Antoinette beaded pink silk.
Photo CC0 Paris Musées, Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris

The exhibition will then explore how Marie Antoinette’s image was revived in the 19th century. Marie Antoinette Memorialised: The Birth of a Style Cult will examine the romanticised view of the queen promoted by Empress Eugénie, which led to a wave of collecting and a craze for the so-called “French Revival” style across Europe and North America. Dresses by couturier Charles Frederick Worth and photographs by Eugène Atget will illustrate the enduring fascination of the era.

A third section, Marie Antoinette: Enchantment and Illusion, charts how her image entered the realms of fantasy and escapism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through Art Nouveau and Art Deco, designers and illustrators such as Jeanne Lanvin, the Boué Soeurs, Erté and Edmund Dulac cast her as a symbol of beauty, decadence and dreamlike allure.

Finally, Marie Antoinette Re-Styled will bring the story up to the present day, showcasing her influence on contemporary fashion, art and popular culture. Couture pieces by Dior, Chanel, Erdem, Valentino and Vivienne Westwood will feature alongside photographs by Tim Walker and Robert Polidori, costumes and accessories from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006), and works by artists and designers inspired by the queen’s lasting legacy.

Marie Antoinette is remembered as “the most fashionable queen” because she merged aesthetic innovation, personal expression, and political symbolism in a way no monarch had before. She lived at the moment when fashion was becoming a tool of identity and celebrity culture—and her influence still ripples through how we think about style, luxury, and fame today.

Fashion Exhibition: Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art to be staged at London's Victoria & Albert Museum in 2026

London's Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) has unveiled a major exhibition to take place in 2026 : Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, - the first exhibition ever to be staged in the UK devoted entirely to the visionary Italian couturière Elsa Schiaparelli and her eponymous fashion house.

Vogue 1940; Designer Elsa Schiaparelli wearing black silk dress with crocheted collar of her own design and a turban (Photo by Fredrich BakerCondé Nast via Getty Images).

Hosted in the museum’s prestigious Sainsbury Gallery, the retrospective spans more than 200 objects, encompassing garments, accessories, jewellery, perfume bottles, fine art, furniture, archival documents, photography and theatre costume design.

Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, noted that the museum houses Britain’s foremost collection of Schiaparelli garments and praised the designer’s collaborations and theatrical approach as making her an ideal subject for a spectacular exhibition.

Founded in 1927 in Paris, Elsa Schiaparelli is known for revolutionising couture with her fearless imagination, irreverent humour and artistic collaborations—prompting Vogue to dub her “the nexus of fashion, art and performance”.  

'Tears' Evening dress and head veil, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, February 1938 for Circus Collection, summer 1938. Fabric designed by Salvador Dali (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Exhibition highlights will include iconic couture pieces such as the Skeleton Dress and the Tears Dress, both created in collaboration with Salvador Dalí, the surreal shoe‑hat, inspired by Dalí and now a classic of fashion fantasy, as well as accompanying artworks by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Man Ray, underscoring Schiaparelli’s deep connections with the Surrealist movement.

Vogue 1936; Two models wearing dresses by Schiaparelli. Right: in a dark crepe with bands of gold braids down the front, over satin pajamas; Left, in a black satin with bands of rippled gold ribbons.   
(Photo by Cecil BeatonCondé Nast via Getty Images) 

Ankle-length coat of black silk jersey with facial profiles forming a rose-filled vase, Elsa Schiaparelli, Jean Cocteau and Lesage, London, 1937 (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Rare archive materials and pieces from Schiaparelli’s London branch, illuminating her impact on British couture and her personal involvement in UK clientele.  

Schiaparelli by Daniel Roseberry Long sheath gown, Matador Couture collection Haute couture fall-winter 2021–2022 Wool crepe. Gilded brass necklace adorned with rhinestones in the shape of lungs. Patrimoine Schiaparelli, Paris

The exhibition will also feature modern creations from Daniel Roseberry, creative director of Schiaparelli since 2019, whose sculptural gowns and bold aesthetic continue to reflect the founding designer's surrealist spirit.

Delphine Bellini, CEO of the House of Schiaparelli, emphasised that the exhibition celebrates Elsa’s “fearless imagination and radical vision” and highlights her enduring influence through a fusion of creativity and commerce. She commended the V&A for offering the perfect stage to showcase her legacy alongside Roseberry’s contemporary reinterpretations.

All images courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum.

Fashion Talent Showcase: Copenhagen Fashion Week and the Victoria and Albert Museum Announce Their Collaboration Across the V&A Fashion in Motion

The London Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)'s Fashion in Motion project continues to offer an international stage for emerging design talent. For its May 2025 edition, Fashion in Motion will spotlight five rising designers from Denmark, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and expressive spirit that Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has become known for.

Image:  Copenhagen Fashion Week

This initiative is a collaboration between the V&A and Copenhagen Fashion Week, which is recognized as Northern Europe’s leading fashion week as part of its broader effort to strengthen ties with the UK’s creative and cultural industries.

Scheduled for May 30, 2025, the showcase will feature five emerging designers who embody the innovation, creativity, and expressive spirit that CPHFW has helped pioneer on the international stage. Presented within the historic Raphael Court, three special catwalk presentations will be staged for the public, highlighting the collections of Alectra Rothschild / Masculina, Berner Kühl, Bonnetje, Stamm, and Stem.

Four of the designers—Rothschild / Masculina, Berner Kühl, Bonnetje, and Stamm—are part of the CPHFW NEWTALENT programme, an initiative dedicated to nurturing rising Nordic creatives. They will be joined by Stem, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize.

The five designers will each present six key looks that reflect their individual vision and dedication to craftsmanship and creative expression.

The collaboration marks a significant moment in Copenhagen Fashion Week’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its ties with the UK’s creative and cultural industries. Speaking about the project, Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of CPHFW, remarked,

"The Victoria and Albert Museum is a cultural cornerstone of the British creative scene. To present rising Danish talent through the V&A’s Fashion in Motion platform is a remarkable opportunity. By showcasing our NEWTALENT designers alongside the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize winner, we hope to offer a strong visual representation of Denmark’s burgeoning fashion scene—and to build even stronger bridges between our two industries."

Oriole Cullen, Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the V&A, echoed the sentiment, saying,

"Fashion in Motion gives us the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional creatives from around the world. We’re thrilled to partner with Copenhagen Fashion Week to showcase the exciting new voices shaping the future of Nordic fashion."

Since its inception in 1999, the Fashion in Motion series has offered free-to-attend catwalk shows within the V&A, providing the public with rare access to live runway experiences typically reserved for the industry elite. It has previously spotlighted fashion luminaries such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, and Guo Pei, among others.

The May 2025 showcase promises to continue this tradition, offering museum visitors a front-row seat to some of Denmark’s most exciting emerging talents—and reaffirming Copenhagen Fashion Week’s reputation as a global leader in progressive, forward-thinking fashion.

Iconic Event: London Victoria & Albert Museum's Dazzling Cartier Exhibition Showcases Royal Jewels, Celebrity Icons, and Unseen Treasures

Just opened at London's iconic V&A Museum is a breathtaking new exhibition, offering a once-in-a-generation look at the splendour of Cartier.  This is the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, exploring how the Maison became an unparalleled force in the jewellery and watch world. 

Among the standout pieces are Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Diamond brooch, set with a rare 23.6-carat pink diamond; the Scroll Tiara, worn at the Queen’s coronation and later by Rihanna on the cover of W Magazine; Grace Kelly’s engagement ring from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection; a sinuous snake necklace worn by Mexican film star María Félix; and the iconic Crash wristwatch, designed by Cartier London in 1967.

This retrospective exhibition titled simply Cartier is a must-see treasure trove for lovers of design, history, and timeless glamour. The exhibition runs until November 16.  

With over 350 objects on display, this exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of jewels, watches, historic gemstones, and archival drawings, including loans from His Majesty The King, the Royal Collection, major museums, and private collections worldwide.

Designed by British architect and artist Asif Khan MBE, the exhibition is conceived as a “dreamscape where art and science converge,” with Cartier’s creations suspended in light, sound, and time.   

Visitors will journey through Cartier’s evolution from the turn of the 20th century—when the founder’s grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques transformed a Parisian family business into a globally recognised house of design and craftsmanship—to its enduring status as a cultural icon adored by royalty, aristocrats, and stars of cinema, music, and fashion.

The exhibition unfolds across three main sections, tracing the rise of Cartier’s distinctive style, its pioneering innovations in design and watchmaking, and its lasting image as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.” A special focus is given to the history of Cartier London, culminating in a stunning finale of tiaras.

Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, said: “Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. This exhibition will explore how Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, together with their father Alfred, adopted a strategy of original design, exceptional craftmanship and international expansion that transformed the Parisian family jeweller into a household name. 

"With its world-class jewellery collection, the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the centre of culture and creativity for more than a century. We are excited to be able to share with visitors some of Cartier’s most famous creations as well as revealing previously unseen objects and archive material that further enriches our understanding of a jewellery house that continues to influence the way we adorn ourselves today.”

All images courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Craft and Culture: Dale Chihuly's vibrant glass sculptures for all to admire at Chelsea Barracks, London

Celebrated American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly has garnered acclaim throughout his 60-year career for his groundbreaking and expansive installations. Renowned for his ability to redefine the boundaries of glass as an artistic medium, Chihuly's creations often evoke organic forms with their intricate and vibrant designs.  

Within the meticulously landscaped gardens of Chelsea Barracks is Chihuly's the pièce de résistance, the "Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower," offset against the greenery and giant glass balls.

During London Craft Week 2024, May 13 - 19 2024, the general public with great interest in crafts has the opportunity to admire a selection of Chihuly's works in bright and cheerful colours sited within the lush outdoor grounds of the upmarket residential development, Chelsea Barracks, in the heart of Belgravia, London, just moments away from the River Thames. 

"Amethyrst Reeds, 2004! by Dale Chihuly is presented in deep hues of violet and vivid magenta atop logs of raw wood to incorporate an element of contrast between the tall, sleek stalks of glass and the rough grain of wood, set within the water feature of Mulberry Square.

These installations, characterized by their exploration of form, light, and space through the medium of glass, are created in deep amethyst, aqua blue and amber, or striking hues of electric yellow and orange, crafted from blown glass and supported by steel, providing striking contrast while harmonizing with their surroundings.

Curated by New Public, this latest project at Chelsea Barracks aligns with the development's ethos of seamlessly blending modern architecture with the site's rich historical heritage. 

Visitors entering Chelsea Barracks from Chelsea Bridge Road are welcomed by Chihuly's "Amethyst Reeds, 2024".

Among the highlights are three of Chihuly's works situated in Mulberry Square, including the  "Amethyst Reeds, 2024", which greets passersby along Chelsea Bridge Road.  According to descriptions accessible through a QR link, Reeds made their debut during the ground-breaking 1995-96 Chihuly Over Venice project.  Reminiscent of the icicle forms common in his chandeliers and towers, Reeds is described as the most extreme expression of this elongated form, at up to three metres tall each.

Chihuly's Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower standing majestically amongst the greenery of the Mulberry Square garden at Chelsea Barracks.

Further within the meticulously landscaped gardens lies the pièce de résistance, the "Electric Yellow and Deep Coral Tower," a captivating creation dating back to 2017.  This soaring creation of upstretched tendrils in radiant yellow and coral hues of hand-blown glass forms affixed to a steel armature evokes flames and though, static, suggests a riot of writhing movement. This tower was previously sited at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore in 2021, and Chihuly at Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, USA in 2018.

Another striking work is "Mulberry Square Fiori" (2024) or is it Mille Fiori, Italian for thousand flowers.  The arrangement of glass in various shapes add vibrancy to the lush green gardens, with the appearance of living forms.  According to descriptions, it captures the unrestrained vitality of a July garden in a tribute to Chihuly's beloved late mother, Viola, a master gardener and colour fanatic.

The "Aqua Blue and Amber (2011)" chandelier resting on a !"quad pod" suggests it is a heavy sculpture. 

Another of Chihuly's installations at Chelsea Barracks, the "Aqua Blue and Amber, 2011" chandelier supported by a !"quad pod" steel frame, commands attention in Whistler Square near the Pimlico Road entrance. Described as a cascade of glass combining long, trailing tendrils and bulbous, marine globes in cheery shades of blue, gold and citron, playful in both form and palette.  This had previously been sited in the US, in Desert Botanical Garden, in Phoenix, Arizona in 2021 and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in 2012.

This particular piece draws parallels to Chihuly's celebrated installation at the historic Victoria and Albert Museum in Knightsbridge, London, titled "Chihuly: Reflections on Nature." It was originally showcased in a 2001 exhibition that featured several of Chihuly's iconic glass sculptures and is now suspended high and mighty from the domed ceiling of the V&A museum's atrium at its Cromwell Road entrance, captivating visitors to this day.

"Chihuly: Reflections on Nature"
at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

As for the transformation of Chelsea Barracks in Belgravia from its origins as a late 19th-century military barracks for the British Army into a luxurious residential enclave has been a journey marked by both historical reverence and modern reinvention. Despite initial controversies and opposition from various quarters regarding its redevelopment, the site has emerged as a testament to the seamless integration of heritage preservation and contemporary design, offering residents and visitors alike a glimpse into London's rich past and vibrant future.

All images by Lucia Carpio.

Culture and Art: American artist Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures will be featured during London Craft Week May 13 - 19 2024

The itinerary for London Craft Week (LCW)'s much-anticipated 10th-anniversary edition is ready to be revealed and will be officially launched to the public on Monday 25th March 2024 for booking of events.  The public can also follow @londoncraftweek to receive the latest updates as we draw closer to the festival.

Slated to take place across London from May 13th to 19th, 2024, LCW is marking a decade of creative exploration with this year's carefully curated lineup reflecting on the profound evolution of the craft sector over the past ten years. 

The work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly
will be among the highlights of London Craft Week 2024.

It pays homage to the visionary artisans who have been instrumental in shaping this transformation, while also casting an eye toward the emerging trends and innovations that will shape the next chapter of craftsmanship.  Particularly worth noting are collaborations with an array of exceptionally talented artists and makers from around the globe, alongside London's esteemed cultural institutions and renowned brands.

Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2015, Guy Salter, Chairman of LCW, shares, "It feels like just yesterday that The King & Queen launched the first London Craft Week.  Now, in our milestone tenth year, we welcome over 225,000 visitors to experience 520 events featuring 700 artists and makers.

"Our mission remains unwavering: to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship from across the UK and beyond, leveraging the vibrancy, diversity, and serendipity of our beloved city. In our own small way, I believe we have contributed to London's cultural tapestry and reinforced the significance of the craft."

In May this year, one of the key happenings of LCW will be an opportunity to admire the work of renowned American artist Dale Chihuly who is known throughout his illustrious 60-year career for utilising glass as his primary medium to explore the interaction of form with light and space. 

Within the grounds of the luxurious residential complex in Chelsea Barracks, located in Belgravia, London, will be the inaugural edition of the public art initiative "Modern Masters." This free outdoor programme will feature a selection of works by Chihuly, strategically positioned throughout the complex.  This first exhibition of "Modern Masters" invites the public to immerse themselves in Chihuly's captivating glass sculptures amidst the architectural splendor and public grounds of Belgravia.

Greeting visitors in the Grand Entrance of the V&A museum in London, is a spectacular chandelier by American artist Dale Chihuly,  suspended from the domed roof.

Chihuly is no stranger to London as his amazing work can currently be admired at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V & A) in South Kensington, London.  Adorning the Grand Entrance of the iconic museum, suspended from the domed roof is a spectacular chandelier, specifically crafted by Chihuly and his team.

Named the Rotunda Chandelier, this masterpiece is part of Chihuly's renowned "Chandelier" series, inspired by Venetian chandeliers. With its approximately 2000 components, comprising blown glass and steel, and weighing an impressive 1724 kilograms, it stands as the largest in the series, crafted in Seattle, USA.

And in May this year, as in previous years, in partnership with LCW, the V&A South Kensington will have a museum-wide programme featuring an array of events. Visitors can witness demonstrations spanning various galleries, from weaving to silversmithing, couture, ceramics, and woodwork. 

LCW will also host an international craft symposium, offering panel discussions and keynote speeches by leading figures in the field. Topics will include the expanded craft lexicon of the past decade, digital innovations, the legacy of skills passed through apprenticeships, and the intersection of craftsmanship with luxury.

Photos by Lucia Carpio

Fashion and Culture: NAOMI: In Fashion - 22 June 2024 – 6 April 2025 at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London

Renowned as a global icon in the realm of fashion, Naomi Campbell gracing magazine covers and leading prestigious catwalk shows has become synonymous with her illustrious career. 

The NAOMI: In Fashion exhibition presents Naomi's expansive collection of haute couture and top-tier ready-to-wear outfits, complemented by contributions from designer archives and selections from the V&A's own collection. In the image above, Naomi models one of her favourite ensembles by Alexander McQueen, surrounded by other notable designs. From left to right, we see creations by Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize, showcased at Paris Fashion Week; an elegant Alexander McQueen gown, worn at the 2019 Fashion Icon Awards; a timeless piece by Azzedine Alaïa; a sophisticated grey pantsuit and matching coat from the BOSS 2023 campaign; and the iconic Vivienne Westwood platform shoes, immortalised by her infamous catwalk stumble.
Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for the Victoria & Albert Museum 

Now, poised to take center stage at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in a major exhibition dedicated solely to her, the aura of her stardom is set to ascend to new heights. This week, the V&A has unveiled further details about NAOMI: In Fashion, supported by BOSS and slated to commence this summer, offering an immersive journey through Campbell's unparalleled four-decade-long journey as a fashion model and cultural luminary. 

Sonnet Stanfill, Senior Curator, Fashion, V&A, said: “Naomi Campbell’s extraordinary career intersects with the best of high fashion. She is recognised worldwide as a supermodel, activist, philanthropist, and creative collaborator, making her one of the most prolific and influential figures in contemporary culture. We’re delighted to be working with Naomi Campbell on this project and to celebrate her career with our audiences.”

Naomi Campbell said: “I’m honoured to be asked by the V&A to share my life in clothes with the world.
Photo (c) Steven Meisel

A pioneer in her field, Campbell's iconic prowess on the catwalk and her transformative collaborations with top fashion houses, publications, and renowned photographers have solidified her status as a perennial presence in the global fashion landscape. Beyond her runway feats, Campbell's influence extends into cultural leadership, activism, and advocacy for emerging creatives, transcending conventional boundaries of the fashion model role.

The V&A Museum stated that the "groundbreaking exhibition" had been crafted with the model's creative guidance and supervision. Campbell, now a mother of two and continuing to thrive, was among the pioneering individuals dubbed as a "supermodel" - a term reserved for models who have attained international fame - alongside her contemporaries Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Claudia Schiffer.
As the sponsor of the exhibition, BOSS proudly showcases Naomi Campbell in its storefront window on
Regent Street in London.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Developed in close collaboration with Campbell herself, NAOMI: In Fashion promises to be a groundbreaking exhibition, amplifying her voice and perspective. Drawing from Campbell's personal haute couture and ready-to-wear wardrobe spanning pivotal moments in her career, as well as contributions from designer archives and items from the V&A's collections, the exhibition will offer a comprehensive portrayal of her impact.

Courtesy Mugler Archives. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Among the highlights are a striking Thierry Mugler corset inspired by a car from 1989, a memorable ensemble from Sarah Burton's final Alexander McQueen show, a radiant Valentino outfit worn at the 2019 Met Gala, and the towering Vivienne Westwood platform shoes famously worn by Campbell during her iconic 1993 catwalk mishap. 

Courtesy Azzedine Alaïa Foundation. Photo Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Featuring approximately 100 looks and accessories representing the pinnacle of global haute couture, the exhibition will showcase designs by top designers and brands such as Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Ize, Torishéju Dumi, Valentino, Virgil Abloh, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more.

This exhibition showcases Naomi's extensive wardrobe of haute couture and leading ready-to-wear ensembles, supplemented by loans from designer archives and items from the V&A collection.  It delves into the amazing 40-year career of British fashion model.  Regarded as a pioneer in her field, Campbell's renowned ability to dominate the catwalk, coupled with her unique collaborations with major fashion houses, publications, and top photographers, ensure her enduring presence in both the fashion industry and the British cultural milieu.

Beyond her modeling feats, she extends her influence through cultural leadership, activism, and advocacy for emerging talents, transcending the conventional confines of the fashion model role.

Naomi Campbell behind the scenes in the fashion and textile department of the V&A Museum.

In addition to showcasing exquisite garments and fashion accessories, the exhibition places a significant emphasis on fashion photography. A curated selection of captivating imagery by esteemed photographers including Campbell Addy, Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, and Steven Meisel will be featured, curated by the British editor and stylist Edward Enninful OBE who was the editor-in-chief of British Vogue and the European editorial director of Condé Nast. 

Furthermore, the exhibition will pay tribute to Campbell's mentors, among them notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, whose advocacy inspired her to utilize her platform for social change. Campbell's commitment to equity dates back to her involvement with the Black Girls Coalition in 1989 and her prominent role in fronting the groundbreaking 'black issue' of Vogue Italia in 2007. Alongside Bethann Hardison and Iman, she has been a steadfast advocate for The Diversity Coalition since 2013, advocating for increased diversity on the catwalk.

Additionally, the exhibition will shine a spotlight on Campbell's ongoing support of emerging creatives, demonstrated through initiatives such as Arise Fashion Week and her global venture, EMERGE, established in 2022.

Fashion & Culture: Chanel show in London ending soon; Paris Fashion Week runs February 26 to March 5

From February 26 to March 5, 2024, Paris is once again the epicenter of an exciting array of runway events and presentations for its Fashion Week, showcasing the latest women's ready-to-wear collections for the upcoming Autumn-Winter 2024-2025 season.

In spite of the rain, Paris remains an enchanting destination for both tourists
and the worldwide fashion community. Photo by Lucia  Carpio.

Despite the forecasted rain showers during these few days, the unpredictable weather won't dampen Paris' allure as it captivates the attention of the global fashion community. The city is set to attract celebrities, international buyers, journalists, and influencers, reinforcing its status as a beacon of style.

A shop in the Carousel de Louvre, Paris, selling Paris 2024 Summer Olympics momentos and keepsakes.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Beyond its prominent role in the fashion world, Paris is renowned as the city of love, gastronomy, and culture. It is also the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics.  This week, the City of Lights is poised to come alive with the dynamic energy of fashion shows presented by esteemed fashion houses, beloved designers, and emerging fashion stars. While attending these shows in person may pose a challenge, some brands are embracing virtual accessibility through their websites or social networks, ensuring that fashion enthusiasts worldwide can experience the event in real-time.

Speaking of Parisian fashion, Chanel, one of France's most revered design houses, will stage its fashion show on March 5th 2024 as one of the main events to close Paris Fashion Week. 

The sell-out exhibition "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto," at London's Victoria & Albert Museum
is closing on March 10th, 2024.
The V&A museum shop is stocked with souvenirs of the exhibition.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Chanel's illustrious founder, Gabrielle Chanel (1883 – 1971), affectionately known as Coco, is hailed as one of the most successful "couturière" of the 20th century. Currently showcased at London's prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is the sell-out exhibition "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto," running since September 2023, and now concluding on March 10th, 2024 (after an extension from the original closing date of February 24th). 

Chanel's brand and personal style became synonymous with sophistication and luxury, making her a prominent figure among the fashionable elite.  The legacy of the House of CHANEL is intricately tied to the evolution of Chanel's iconic design style, a lasting influence that continues to shape the way women dress today.
Replicating the Chanel apartment on 31 rue Cambon, Paris, is a spiral staircase lined with mirrors at
the "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto" exhibition in the London's Victoria & Albert Museum.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Although tickets have been sold out for months, gaining entrance is still possible by becoming a member of the V&A, ensuring immediate admission.  So hurry up if you still haven't seen this showcase on the life and works of Coco Chanel, who has taught the world how to dress tastefully, elegantly and with superb class.

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, photographed by Roger Schall for Vogue, May 1938.
Photograph: Condé Nast/ Shutterstock, courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum, London, UK

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, was a pioneering fashion designer whose innovative concepts revolutionized the fashion industry in the early 20th century. Her design philosophy was grounded in simplicity, comfort, and functionality, deviating from the elaborate and restrictive fashion trends of her time.

Chanel's tweed suits are iconic, featuring boxy jackets with contrasting trim and slim skirts, providing a chic and modern alternative to traditional women's attire. 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The key concepts of her designs are timeless elegance (she believed in creating pieces that could withstand changing trends and remain relevant over time), comfort and functionality (she challenged the prevailing corseted and constrictive styles by promoting garments that allowed freedom of movement), and innovative use of fabrics (especially jersey, which was unconventional in high fashion at the time; she transformed this humble material into luxurious and comfortable garments.)

Chanel's focus on comfort, functionality, and timeless elegance resonated with women of the upper echelons of society. Her designs offered a sense of freedom and modernity that appealed to those seeking a break from the elaborate and impractical fashions of the early 20th century.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Her strengths also lay in her keen business sense, establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur. She launched the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume and expanded her brand into various product lines, contributing to her lasting legacy.

The Chanel quilted handbag design with chain strap, and signature double-C logo.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

She pioneered the art of branding.  The interlocking C's of the Chanel logo became synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Chanel's branding was influential in creating a distinctive identity for her fashion house.  The Chanel 2.55 handbag, introduced in 1955, became a classic with its quilted design, chain strap, and signature double-C logo.

Chanel popularized the concept of the Little Black Dress, a versatile and timeless garment that became a wardrobe staple for women.

The V&A acquired this notably austere black worsted suit and hat from 1969 during a Christie's auction of Chanel's personal collection in 1978, a purchase made seven years following her passing. Gabrielle's challenging childhood unfolded in a convent, where the nuns taught her to sew. This early influence may elucidate why, as a designer, her colour palette consistently leaned towards the beige, black, and white reminiscent of the nuns' habits.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Her tweed suits were revolutionary.  These iconic suits featured boxy jackets with contrasting trim and slim skirts, providing a chic and modern alternative to traditional women's attire.  Look closely and you see the intricate details of hand-craftsmanship, the epitome of haute couture.

During the 1920s, Chanel's presence was widely recognized in Britain. She frequently graced the society pages of British newspapers and magazines, often seen in the company of notable figures such as the Duke of Westminster, Winston Churchill and his son Randolph.

While Chanel was a French designer, Chanel's close relationship with London and Great Britain is well documented. She opened a boutique in London in 1927, marking her first venture outside of France. The London store helped expand her brand's international presence.

Additionally, Chanel drew inspiration from British menswear, incorporating elements such as tweed fabrics and collarless jackets into her designs. Her connections with the British aristocracy, including the Duke of Westminster, also influenced her work.

Chanel had said, no outfit is complete without jewellery, and hers carry her signature for timeless elegance, innovation, and incorporation of distinctive design elements. 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

In summary, Gabrielle Chanel's fashion design concept emphasized timeless elegance, comfort, and functionality. Her strengths included business acumen and iconic branding, and her signature looks, such as the Little Black Dress and tweed suits, continue to influence fashion today. Despite being a French designer, her close relationship with London and association with Great Britain played a role in expanding her brand globally.  

Photos by Lucia Carpio at the "Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto," closing on March 10th, 2024 at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.