It's been a busy few weeks with events, openings and launches a go go, and what with us all hurtling towards Christmas at breakneck speed it's only going to get worse! To round off this week I'm bringing you something of a fashion news bulletin, as it were, of the big stories you simply must know about...
First up, new openings. Last weekend saw the grand unveiling of Temperley's long-awaited new flagship store on Mayfair's Bruton Street. Set in a beautiful Georgian town house, the new store houses all three Temperley collections; Temperley London, the ALICE by Temperley contemporary line and Temperley Bridal across two floors equalling 2,500square foot of retail space including a ‘By Appointment’ private shopping salon accessed via an elevator from a private entrance. The store is Alice Temperley’s own vision, directing the interiors herself to work in harmony with the Grade II listed building, as well as sourcing the antiques and furnitures as well as working with artists to create a revolving seasonal exhibition in-store to ultimately showcase a complete World of Temperley. The Colville Mews boutique in West London’s Notting Hill, open since 2002, will be redesigned and become a destination store for Occasion Dressing with a focus on eveningwear and the expanding Temperley Bridal range including ready-to-wear and bespoke bridal collections. 27 Bruton Street, London W1 www.temperleylondon.com
Fast becoming the high street's biggest success story, Zara this week unveiled a new flagship store, at the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street, bringing the total number of outlets on the street to four. Situated in the newly renovated Park House development, the three story masterpiece unveils a slick new look for the brand and will include men's, women's and children's collections as well as limited edition and exclusive pieces. Park House, 460-490 Oxford Street, London W1 www.zara.com
If it's not already in your diary, make a date to visit the new Valentino: master of Couture exhibition at Somerset House. Celebrating the life and work of the iconic designer, this major new showcase displays over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow in an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House. From a private view of Valentino's world through photographs from his personal archive, visitors are transported into a couture fashion show, before a section dedicated to the art of couture, as well as a specially commissioned group of films allows behind-the scenes access to the Valentino atelier, where the craft of couture is demonstrated in a series of fascinating samples. [b]Until 3rd March, Somerset House, The Strand, WC2. Tickets from £9.
