I can’t believe the time is upon us for another Bank Holiday weekend – where did the last month go? It appears this weekend will be predictably average temperature, wishy-washy, no real sun; so with picnics in the park and barbecues off the menu we must find alternative entertainment to keep ourselves busy.
Fashion Photography at Somerset House Those who visited last year’s Grace Kelly exhibition at the V&A may recall the iconic image of her shot for Cosmopolitan in 1955 (above) – the work of one Erwin Blumenfeld. One of the most celebrated fashion photographers of the 40s, a new exhibition of his finest work opened today at Somerset House. The show features around 100 images, focusing on the little-known history of his photography studio at 222 Central Park in New York, including some of his works in such prestigious US magazines as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
Until 1st September, Somerset House East Wing Galleries. Free admission. Open daily 10.00-18.00
Get Your Gatsby On… Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will be aware that Baz Luhrmann’s epic recreation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby hit cinemas last week. Famously delayed in reaching our screens, it’s sumptuously decadent in true Luhrmann style, and totally worth seeing for Mrs Prada’s costumes and Tiffany’s jewels alone. Afterwards why not indulge your inner flapper with a cocktail at Art Deco wonderland Bob Bob Ricard in Soho, undoubtedly the only place Daisy Buchanan would consider drinking.
The Great Gatsby, in cinemas nationwide. Bob Bob Ricard, 1 Upper James St, W1F 9DF. For reservations call 020 3145 1000.
Embrace Your Fashion Bookworm The last year or so has seen a glut of brilliant fashion biographies hit the shelves; I for one haven’t had time to read them all yet so high on my Bank Holiday Hitlist is making the most of the dire weather and curling up with a good book! Number one will be the Diana Vreeland biography Empress of Fashion (by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart) which came out in February (£19.95, Thames & Hudson). During her fifty-year career Vreeland became a genuine fashion icon who reinvented the way we think about style. Also highly recommended comes Grace Coddington’s autobiography Grace (£30, Chatto & Windus). Although published last year, I can’t recommend it highly enough. The formal model and right-hand of Anna Wintour has a fascinating story to tell from the wilds of north Wales to the Upper East Side – a gripping read for any fashion fan. Other good reads include [b]Mary Quant's autobiography (£25, Headline) and Lisa Chaney's Chanel: An Intimate Life (£9.99, Penguin).
Love Laurel x
