I was very kindly offered the opportunity to attend the private view of the current exhibition at Somerset House, Masters of Style: Celebrating the Stories behind Italian Fashion. The show is sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The brand, which loves to celebrate Italian lifestyle, worked with curator Colin McDowell on the exhibition which marks the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy.
Designers spend six months working up to a fashion show that lasts just minutes, but the collection does not stop there. This exhibition explores what happens after the last model walks down the catwalk, when the designers have to consider how they want their collection to be taken forward into the new season, creating a very personal brand identity by working with photographers and models. The exhibition hosts a fascinating range of images from illustrations and glamourous black and white shots of decades past to more recent iconic images I am familiar with from my magazines, such as Madonna as a domestic goddess photographed by Steven Mesiel. It's all a visual feast.
The designers involved are all renowned for their style and high quality of workmanship. They are: Georgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Missoni and Prada. Each designer has personally chosen their favourite images, making it a very special exhibition.
A perfect example of a brand's evolving image through time is the following three Missoni images. Firstly from ss1968 we have a Brunetta Illustration, then a fabulous family portrait of four generations of Missonis and a Mario Testino shot of Gisele Bündchen for ss2002. All of the images capture the classic Missoni use of vibrant colour and pattern, staying true to the brand but also working with the times and reflecting a wonderful history.
Exhibition on until 14 August at Somerset House, London
Daily 10.00-18.00, until 20.00 on Thursdays
Embankment Galleries, South Wing
£6/£5 concessions (OAP/UK and international students / teachers with ID / unwaged with ID)
Under 12s free
The exhibition is well worth a visit for a fascinating glimpse into fashion history, curated perfectly into a highly enjoyable experience. The mix of photographs is superb and sure to inspire you, and the insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the fashion houses behind the images is terribly intriguing.
7 comments:
I was invited to this too but as it was just before we had already booked to go down to London I couldnt make it. We were meant to go and see it whilst in London but the PR really let me down which was a shame as it looks great. You look so beautiful I adore you dress x
Pearl, I work for Peroni, who created and curated this show (at Seventy Seven PR). If you could drop an email to james.gm [at] 77pr.co.uk, I'd really like to try and make amends/sort this out for you. Apologies on behalf of whoever let you down (whether on my team or someone else's).
Best,
James
Florrie ... glad that you enjoyed the show. Thanks for the review, it's appreciated. J.
I love the way they presented the pictures!!!
Wow! I am a concession! :) Sorry, me being stingy as per usual. I would go anyway for the Missonni prints alone...looks FAB.
I knew you would appreciate my toothpaste!
That looks wonderful. Which section of the exhibition were those marvellous shoe photos in?
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