The long-awaited August Bank Holiday weekend is here, and though I’ve no doubt you’re all super-excited to have an extra day in the weekend, if you haven’t yet worked out what you’re going to do with it there are a number of exhibitions taking places across the capital that are definitely worth a visit.
- Until 5th September: Maison Martin Margiela ’20′ The Exhibition, Somerset House, Strand WC2 Take advantage of the long weekend to see this major exhibition in its last week, and marvel at the influence of the fashion house headed up by the unquestionably talented avant-garde designer Martin Margiela. Featuring photographs, film and installation alongside garments, this is one not to miss. Book online: somersethouse.org.uk
- Until 22nd September: Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition, Ultralounge, Selfridges, Oxford Street W1 Five decades of footwear designs from Vivienne Westwood are brought together in this unique exhibition at Selfridges, including the Pirate Boots that caused an eBay frenzy when Kate Moss revived them in the Noughties, and the infamous Super Elevated Gillie that caused Naomi Campbell to take a tumble on the catwalk. Free. selfridges.com
- Until 26th September: Grace Kelly: Style Icon, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 A chance to see some of the dresses and other items, including Van Cleef and Arpels jewels, that made up the enviable wardrobe of silver screen star, and later Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. This exhibition is extremely popular, so book tickets in advance at vam.ac.uk
- Until 24th October: Horrockses Fashions: Off The Peg Style In The ’40s and ’50s, Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 For those fascinated by the roots of mass-produced fashion, this exhibition is a must. Horrockses produced high-quality, couture-influenced designs in large quantities yet still maintained an air of exclusivity – much like our ‘designer’ brands today. ftmlondon.org
- Until January 2011: Fashion Fantasies: fashion plates and fashion satire, 1775-1925, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 In the days before Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier fashion was illustrated rather than photographed, but, like ‘Worst Dressed’ lists now, was still subject to ridicule. This exhibition brings together illustrations and satires from 150 years of changing trends. Free. vam.ac.uk
- Until 2012: Enchanted Palace, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 An extraordinary exhibition combining the contemporary designs of such fashion stars as Vivienne Westwood and William Tempest with the magnificent surroundings of the State Apartments in a modern interpretation of the Palace’s history. Discover the stories of the seven princesses through art and performance. Book online: hrp.org.uk
