Live music review: Mesh (Whitby, England)

Music review: Mesh
Whitby Gothic Weekend
2 November 2012
Spa Pavilion,West Cliff, The Spa, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN
Spa Pavilion – map
Rating: **** (out of 5)
Review by: Alexa Williamson

If you know your dark-ish synthpop music, then you will know this wonderful group, which got it together in 1991 and has released unique and famous underground electronic tunes ever since…

With the main duo being Mark Hockings (vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming, lyrics) and Richard Silverthorn (keyboards, programming), they have become well known for numerous songs including “You Didn’t Want Me“, “Trust You” and “People like Me (With this Gun)“. Happily, they were invited and agreed to do a fairly rare appearance at the Whitby Gothic Weekend just after Halloween – and as the headliners on the Friday night they put on a fantastic show, which encouraged lots of dancing and generated lots of energy.

I call them electronic angels because they have beautiful voices and a great attitude, which floats over their electronic sound. Having heard their music many times (at dance clubs, having bought their CDs and also via online sources),  I only hesitated for a second (due to finances) about whether to go and see them in person.  (If you don’t know them, and I say this only for a larger general audience, not the niche scenes who know them well – they are kind of like Depeche Mode.)

Mesh put on a very professional and great sounding show. The music was tight and the vocals and personality of Hockings and Silverthorn, while on stage, was also strong. Their CDs are fantastic with a good and memorable sound but the vocals are even better live! They played, I think, for just under 90 minutes and got many up and dancing.

Playing at a charming historic venue next to the sea on a cold but clear November evening, they not only delivered beautiful music, they also created a vibe – a live atmosphere. Their performance and music were so dynamic that they, happily and positively, changed the mood of the night in to something more electric and fascinating. Performing all of the favourite singles listed above and other danceable tracks (including “Fragile“, “The Damage You Do” and “Not Prepared“), they made the night unforgettable and one of those things that it was worth the effort and the money to go and experience.

Further information:
Mesh (official site)
Whitby Gothic Weekend (official site)

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Classical music review: Baroque Festival By Candlelight (St Martin in the Fields, London, WC2)

Classical music review: Baroque Festival By Candlelight
Performance date: Friday 27 October 2012
Performers: The Trafalgar Sinfonia
St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
St Martin in the Fields – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

Programme:
Antonio Vivaldi – Concerto for Two Violins op 3 No 2
JS Bach – Air ‘on the G String’
Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart – Salzburg Symphony No 1
Henry Purcell – Chacony
Vivaldi – ‘Winter’ from The Four Seasons
George Frederic Handel – Concerto Grosso op 6 No 8
Vivaldi – ‘Spring’ from The Four Seasons
Handel – ‘Air’ from Concerto Grosso op 6 No 10
Bach – Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor

Higlighted performers: Karenza Peacock – violin, Ivor Setterfield – conductor

Nutshell review: Overall, let’s just say that if you go to a performance of classical music at St Martin in the Fields (SMITF) you are likely not to be disappointed. Tonight’s performance was absolutely magical and here’s why….
[NB: I am breaking it down into bullets as this is one of those time periods when I have quite a few beautiful things to write about and hope to be informative but also need to be concise.]

• The playing quality was 1000% professional – ie with no mistakes, but also inspired, creative and passionate.
• The chamber orchestra was a good size and perfectly suited for the size of the venue.
• Excellent selection of pieces by some of the most famous European composers of all time.
• As always, a romantic and peaceful venue. How can you beat a gorgeous old 18th century building, with classic  carved features and thick dark wooden pews, by candlelight and with beautiful music filling the entire venue?
• Thank you so much to the Trafalgar Sinfonia for lifting us out of our daily life and into a peaceful haven where we achieve this mainly by the sense of hearing. Incredibly special!

My favourite pieces from the night: Overall, the stars of the night were both Vivaldi and Bach! 
Vivaldi: Concerto for Two Violins op 3 No1, Winter from Four Season, Spring from Four Seasons
Bach: Air ‘on the G String’, Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor

• Their pieces were beautiful and exciting.
• The pieces by both composers were those that were fast-paced, inspiring and make you want to go out and be creative.
• The sounds and pace of the movements were breathtaking.

Further information:
The Trafalgar Sinfonia (official site)
Baroque Festival by Candlelight, 27 October 2012, programme (SMITF official site)
St Martin in the Fields music reviews (The London Reviewer)
St Martin in the Fields (official site)

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Classical music review: Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik (St Martin in the Fields, London, WC2)

Classical music review: Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Performance date: Thursday 26 October 2012
Performers: The London Octave
St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
St Martin in the Fields – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

Programme:
Johann Pachelbel – Canon in D Programme
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik (ie Serenade for Strings in GK 525)
Antonio Vivaldi – Concerto in F Major for three violins strings and continuo
Vivaldi – Autumn from The Four Seasons
– Interval –
George Friederic Handel – Arrival of Queen of Sheba
Mozart – Salzburg Symphony No 3 (Divertimento for strings in F K 138)
Mozart – Ave Verum Corpus K 168
Johann Sebastian Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No 3

Higlighted performers: Lorraine McAslan – violin, Dietrich Bethge – conductor

Nutshell review: This concert was an absolute joy and everyone in St Martin in the Fields (SMITF) was in heaven. The London Octave is a good-sized group who began playing classical and baroque music after they were founded by cellist Dietrich Bethge in 1988. Interestingly, they often play without a conductor and have also played on Radio 3 and at the South Bank Centre. Tonight’s programme was beautiful and, happily, it was also performed in a lovely candlelit environment with excellent acoustics for classical music.

[Aside: Actually, the best indoor places in London that I have found, so far, for classical music are SMITF (due to the acoustics, decor and ongoing programme), Royal Albert Hall during the proms and all the classical music played with operas and ballets at The Royal Opera House. NB: I have not explored classical concerts outdoors yet, in parks, etc]

The entire night was musical bliss, all pieces were consistently strong and they all flowed well into one another – so the choice of pieces and sequence were amazing and expertly done. For me the highlights were Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Vivaldi’s Autumn from The Four Seasons, Handel’s Arrival of Queen of Sheba and JS Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No 3. The entire performance was magic, but also the beautiful violin playing Lorraine McAslan and expert, creative and breathtaking direction by Dietrich Bethgby put the experience on a celestial level because when you listened to the music were in a perfect moment in a beautiful environment but also brought to a higher place as the sounds were so beautiful and alternatively peaceful or emotional. The London Octave’s performance was my first introduction to classical performances at SMITF and I was lucky enough to have a perfect experience.

Further information:
The London Octave (official site)
Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, 26 October 2012, programme (SMITF official site)
St Martin in the Fields concert reviews (The London Reviewer)
St Martin in the Fields (official site)

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Hotel/accommodation/pub preview: The Wombwell Arms (Wass, North Yorkshire)

Hotel/accommodation/pub preview: The Wombwell Arms
Wass, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BE
The Wombwell Arms/Wass – map
By: Alexa Williamson

The Wombwell Arms and Wass are a totally unexpected surprise en route to visit Byland Abbey. Technically, the abbey probably is in Wass, but depending on how you arrive there, you may come across the tiny village of Wass and this pub before you reach the Abbey, which is in a stunning area of hills and countryside.

According to their official site, the inn was originally built in 1620 as a granary, “probably using stone from nearby Byland Abbey” and later “became an ale house in about 1645”.

The Wombwell Arms attracted me as it is a characterful and a single building on a quiet rode. I visited, at dusk, after visiting the Abbey and loved the look of it from the outside – and also the little bits of the pub I could see on the inside. Fortunately, unlike a lot of British pubs it was not twee on the inside or “overly stuffy” with too many rugs or cushions. The pub is a great old space and has, as they proudly and rightly state on their website, that is has “stone flagged floors, beamed ceilings and a log fire”.

Whether you are eating or staying here, or stopping by for a drink, you are in for a wonderful and historic visit as not only are the proprietors and locals who live in the village nice, the latter have thankfully restored the entire building in a traditional manner. It feels airier than a lot of British pubs  – some of which are in nearby Helmsley and look great from the outside, but then you go inside and they are horribly stuff and have terrible 1970s carpets and upholstery.

In regards to accommodation, three bedrooms at the inn are modest, but have nice architectural features and are all en-suite. The Wombell Arms makes an excellent base for anything you would want to do in the area. It is a quiet retreat and you can easily go walking, cycle riding or visit Byland Abbey. I did not find any horsebackriding on my route to Wass or to visit the abbey, but that is also probably around.

The Wombwell Arms also caters for people with food allergies or special dietary requirements and the prices of their meals are also reasonable and the food looks fresh.

Definitely worth a visit as The Wombwell Arms and Wass are quiet, peaceful and still a wonderfully hidden secret.

Further information:
The Wombwell Arms (official site)
Byland Abbey (English Heritage – official site)

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Winter 2012 outings feature: Ice Skating in London!

Winter 2012 outings feature: Ice Skating in London!
Compiled by: Alexa Williamson
Date of publishing: 13 November 2012

If you fancy donning a pair of skates and being outside, there are quite a few nice places to skate this winter in historic or beautiful surroundings.

Here are a few of them:

Somerset House – from 16 November 2012 – 6 January 2013
The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Somerset House – map
Beautiful ice dancing to be done in their courtyard – and includes DJs and even late night ice-skating.

Jubilee Gardens – from 16 November – 23 December 2012
South Bank, SE1 7PB
Jubilee Gardens ice skating – map
Skating on the banks of the Thames just under the London Eye.

Natural History Museum – 2 November 2012 – 6 January 2013
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Natural History Museum – map
Lovely rink in front a pretty centuries-old building. Very organised and there is also a colourful carousel. Worth a twirl if you are in SW London – and also, of course, great if you want to go see some dinosaurs too.

Hyde Park Ice Skating – 23 November – 6 January
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Hyde Park Ice Skating – map
Aapparently the biggest outdoor rink in the UK – so if you like the park, you’re in luck!

Tower of London ice skating – 17 November 2012 – 6 January 2013
HM Tower of London, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB
Tower of London skating – map
Beautiful skating at the Tower of London. You skate in the moat and can see the battlement in the background.

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History snippet: Quotes from Thomas Carlyle

History snippet: Quotes from Thomas Carlyle
Highlighted by: Alexa Williamson

As some may know, Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) is a famous Scottish satirical writer, essayist, historian and teacher who was born in Scotland, lived in Edinburgh and then moved to London and lived at 24 Cheyne Row, SW3, in Chelsea, with his wife Jane, for quite awhile. His house is truly Victorian with interesting wooden walls and floors and much old furniture with big floral patterns and other pieces. He and his wife were middle class and had a modest life. Even though Carlyle would say shocking things to people like Charles Dickens, they were still great friends of his.

When you visit his house, you also come across several of his amusing quotes… they are very funny, witty and sarcastic. I am posting them as they show why, even though he might have trounced his friends, they still liked him. He was clever and interesting.

“I see something of fashionable people here and truly to my plebeain conecption there is not a more futile class of persons on the face of the
earth.”

“Torpid, gluttonous, sooty, swollen and squalid, England is grown a phenomenon which fills me with disgust and apprehension. What a base, pot-bellied, blockhead this, our heroic nation, has become; sunk in its own dirty fat and offal and of a stupidity defying the very gods.”

“Teach a parrot the terms “Supply and Demand” and you’ve got an economist.”
Further information:
Thomas Carlyle (Wikipedia)
Thomas Carlyle’s House (National Trust official site)

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Art/photography/fashion review: Tim Walker: Story Teller (Somerset House, London, WC2)

Art/photography/fashion review: Tim Walker: Story Teller
18 October 2012 – 27 January 2013
Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Somerset House – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

Imagine if Lewis Carroll‘s Alice in Wonderland was real and for a couple of hours, you were Alice and could enter Wonderland and be surrounded by magical scenery and sights – from old English manors to pictures of beautiful people in extraordinary costumes and huge doll house type toys like oversized swans and bumblebees and airplanes. And, there is also lots of dreamy and inspirational writing along with all the visual things you are taking in…

Well, that is what it is like when you visit Somerset House, right now, for the exhibition Tim Walker: Story Teller. It is like you are stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland (if that were possible) or maybe even a period piece from the Royal Opera House or a Tim Burton film (such as Beetlejuice, The Corpse Bride or Edward Scissorhands – and ironically, when you visit Tim Walker’s website, you will see that he has photographed Tim Burton and his wife, Helen Bonham Carter).

So who is Tim Walker and what’s he and this wonderful exhibition about? Walker is a photographer from London who has been taking stunning and imaginative photographs, mainly for fashion and portraiture, for over two decades, having graduated from in 1994 – and has been both a freelance photographer as well as a regular photographer for Vogue and other well-known publications. Walker now has a book out of his work, which is also entitled Tim Walker: Story Teller that incorporates the work on display here.

This exhibition is stunning and a lot of fun as Walker and Somerset House have tried to bring you into his world.

This is a world of (but not limited to):

• old stately homes and parks like Eglingham Hall and Howick Hall in Northumberland, Glemham Hall in Suffolk and Shotover Park, Oxfordshire and Stoke Park Pavilions, Northamptonshire

• beautiful models such as Stella Tennant and Lily Cole dressed in period costumes with lots of tulle and tafetta

• work by exciting and beautiful designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy

• portraiture of various people we have known well in the 20th and 21st centuries including Michael Palin, Anthony Hopkins, John Cleese, Ian McKellen, Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton

Walker and Somerset House do this through the works on display as well as through the words to go with it and the props and scenery that were used in the shoots – from (as mentioned above) huge pieces of airplanes or oversized creatures like swans and bumblebees to gigantic dolls.

Words from the exhibition:
“The Wilder Shores: To its earliest audience, the most magical aspect of photography was its ability to open windows onto the world:
distant landscapes, undiscovered people, savage fauna and exotic flora till then had been as remote as the stars.
A far-flung location enhances for Walker an already pre-conceived narrative: everything is contrived, nothing is real.
You try to make your own real moments. And then you go home and make sense of it all.”

Set in the lovely period building of Somerset House, with the works displayed on simple white walls and in a venue with nice wooden floors and good lighting, Tim Walker: Story Teller is a great journey into another, visual, world. While the photos seem very much like they are from another time period, the decor of Somerset House is very grounding and even though you have views of the countryside and things outside of London, you know you are still in London. And, at the same time, you also learn about the work, personality and life of an intelligent and exciting photographer as you step outside of your every day life and see things that can only be captured when one has time to develop the imagination into a physical form. A lovely – and sometimes macabre – real-life fantasy and journey, which due to its noir edge, is perfectly suited for the autumn and winter.

Further information:
Tim Walker: Story Teller (Somerset House official site)
Tim Walker (official site)
Somerset House (official site)

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Fashion/art and design review: Japanese Street Style: Lolita fashion (Victoria and Albert Museum, London)

Fashion/art and design review: Japanese Street Style: Lolita fashion
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Victoria & Albert Museum – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

Nutshell review: Britain’s gothic fashion movement has been around since the early 1980s, having evolved out of the punk music scene and since then has also floated across to Japan! For those who love alternative fashion, this tiny installation is well known and has been given a lot of good word of mouth. Small and informative, it is a great few exhibition windows worth checking out as the information is easily digestible and memorable, the different trends in this Japanese fashion movement are explained and there are some great clothing and costume examples on display.

As the V & A puts it, “Lolita fashion emerged during the 1990s as a radical form of street style born out of the Japanese taste for Hello Kitty cuteness. Whether dressed in pink, powder blue, red, white or black, Lolitas are immediately recognisable by their doll-like make-up, frilly skirts, fanciful headgear, ribbons and lace.

Although the term ‘Lolita’ has sexual connotations in Western culture due to the book of the same name by Vladimir Nabokov, in Japanese culture it refers to ‘cuteness’, ‘elegance’ and ‘modesty’ and has little to do with allure. It is more akin to a kind of aggressive femininity, is meant to be confrontational, and is often a reaction to the overtly sexualised representation of women in Japanese culture.

A striking feature of Lolita fashion is the extent to which it is influenced by British culture: Alice in Wonderland, Glam Rock, the New Romantics, Gothic, Punk and Vivienne Westwood. Although the attitude and aggression of Punk and Gothic have no place in the world of the Lolita, the movement represents a similarly powerful rebellion against the conventions of contemporary society.”

Although there is more to be learned than what is mentioned here, this is a good introduction to this Japanese fashion sense and the different types of Lolita on show including gothic, sweet, punk and traditional Japanese. Admittedly, my favourite is the traditional Japanese lolita – and its kimonos on display.

Besides showing a popular, contemporary fashion trend, this is also a good exhibit if you are looking for fashion inspiration as you can actually purchase a lot of this type of fashion either in London’s Camden Markets, or online, quite inexpensively (and no, I am not referring to traditional goth gear which is almost exactly the same in some bits. I am referring to, literally, the Japanese version of gothic clothing).

Impressive – as the V & A has recognised and embraced a growing and alternative culture trend instead passing it over because it is not an established “label”.

Further information:
Japanese Street Style: Lolita fashion (Victoria and Albert – official site)
Victoria and Albert Museum (official site)

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Classical music review: Baroque Extravaganza by Candlelight (St Martin in the Fields, London, WC2)

Classical music review: Baroque Extravaganza by Candlelight
Performance date: Thursday 8 November 2012
Performers: The Feinstein Ensemble
St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
St Martin in the Fields – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: **** (out of 5)

Programme:
JS Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No 5 in D
Antonio Vivaldi – Concerto for Two Violins in A minor
GP Telemann – Concerto for Flute and Recorder in E minor
Antonio Vivaldi – Summer from The Four Seasons
JS Bach – Concerto for Two Violins in D minor
Antonio Vivaldi – Sopranino Concerto in C Major

Higlighted performers: Martin Feinstein – Flute/Recorder, Catherine Manson – Violin

Nutshell review: Now having been to three classical performances at St Martin in the Fields (SMITF), I can say that the quality and selection of the pieces performed here is consistently amazing, the prices are extremely reasonable and the venue is absolutely stunning. With the first church recorded on the site from as early as 1222 (ie Norman Times – but there could, possibly, have been an unrecorded one earlier), and the current building, designed by James Gibb, and dating from 1726, this is a beautiful place to hear and see concerts.

I love the way the classical music sounds here and also it is an extremely elegant and tranquil venue to see them. In fact, once you step inside you are transported back hundreds of years and forget about the Tube, Starbucks, Pret-a-Manger and all the buildings around you. Inside, SMITF has gorgeous high ceilings, beautiful chandelier lighting, lovely dark and heavy wooden pews and fantastic stone sculptures and carvings. It is truly a tranquil, large and wonderfully preserved historic place in London’s overally bright, electric and busy centre.

The Feinstein Ensemble, tonight, chose some beautiful pieces and performed them very well. The Ensemble was elegant and together but whether it was either the choice of music, the skills of the Ensemble or a little bit of both, but they did not transform the classical pieces they selected into a sheer and ecstatic audial ambrosia like the London Octave did (here at SMITF) for their performance on 26 October or Trafalgar Sinfonia did on 27 October, although the selections were very similar (eg including Vivaldi). Yet, saying this, I loved the performance, learned a lot and would indeed pay to see them again. Possibly the Ensemble did not come across with the same intensity as the other two as it is not as large.

Yet, saying all of this the strongest and most memorable pieces of the night  were Teleman’s Concerto in E minor for Recorder and Flute,  Vivaldi’s Summer (from the Four Seasons) and also his Sopranino Concerto in C major – with the harpsichord in this being well played, and interestingly hauntingly high-strung interspersed with small sprightly moments. The rest of the pieces played were also beautiful and well-absorbed so that the entire performance put you into a heavenly musical trance – as if floating in a wonderful cloud (the two previous performances on 26 and 27 October put you in the upper realms of heaven, on top of the clouds).

Despite my small observations and comparisons, many thanks are due to the Feinstein Ensemble for a fine and beautiful night.

Further information:
The Feinstein Ensemble (official site)
Baroque Extravaganza by Candlelight, 8 November 2012, programme (SMITF official site)
St Martin in the Fields music reviews (The London Reviewer)
St Martin in the Fields (official site)

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Fashion/art and design review: Hollywood Costume (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, SW7)

Fashion/art & design review: Hollywood Costume
20 October 2012 – 13 January 2013
Victoria & Albert Museum
20 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Victoria & Albert Museum – map
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

So, how does one start a review of one of the quirkiest, most exciting and beautiful shows this year? How about, simply, with “wow”! A lot of arresting exhibitions have come to London this year – from the dramatic works of Edvard Munch (Tate Modern) to the current, passionate statement of 19th century British art, Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde over at Tate Britain, to Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950 (also on at the V & A), to The Wild, The Beautiful and The Damned (which was at Hampton Court Palace until 30 September) and even the exciting Tim Walker: Story Teller fashion photography exhibition currently on at Somerset House.

However, after going and seeing the huge, the elegant, the bold, proud and exciting extravaganza that is Hollywood Costume, the Victoria & Albert Museum proves that they are probably the London leader when it comes to creating innovative exhibitions and displays. With over 100 memorable film costumes on display, wild spotlighting and unique music, being at the Hollywood Costume exhibition is like going to a film premier! And thanks to the well-written information, film segments and actors’ images also on display with the costumes, it is like the people who wore the costume are almost there with you too!

Hollywood Costume is a huge and glamourous exhibition that is more fun and exquisite (the detail on the costumes is amazing!) than you can imagine until you get there. If there were actually people in the costumes you would say “everyone who is anyone is here”. How the V & A was able to choose and get all of the wonderful history, character and colour into a reasonably sized space, and make each costume and display attention-holding and sparklingly wonderful, should truly win an award.

The exhibition does many things but three of the main things it does are to a) bring in to your present some of the most famous costumes that were ever worn on a film screen, b) give you information about each piece, its wearer, designer, history of creation (and post-creation history) and film that it was in, c) help you learn what it is like to design costumes, introduce themes about older film costuming techniques versus modern techniques and d) interweave opinions from actors on what it was like to work with various designers (as well as quotations from designers on what it is like work with various actors, filmmakers and the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind their costuming for a certain film or star).

There are so many stunning pieces on display in this exhibition that every room is a treat and you don’t want the exhibition to end. Everything on view is “famous”. You will find (and at the moment I am jumping in and out of famous films and time periods): Marilyn Monroe‘s tiny, simple and delicate ivory rayon crepe dress by Travilla (1955) for The Seven Year Itch; Judy Garland‘s 1939 simple blue and white checked cotton Dorothy dress from The Wizard of Oz, by Adrian (and her ruby slippers which are larger and simpler than I would expected); various dresses worn by Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind (including a gorgeous scarlet velvet evening gown by Walter Plunkett, 1939); Indiana Jones archetype outfit with leather jacket, hat and more; clothes worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger for The Terminator 3 (Rise of the Machines); Darth Vader’s black suit and mask from Star Wars; a modern Batman costume from The Dark Knight rises designed by Linda Hemming for Christian Bale; numerous Elizabethan and French court dresses; Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Keanu Reeve’s simple black outfit and long black jacket from The Matrix; Charlie Chaplin’s the little tramp outfit from the film The Circus; John Travolta’s famous white suit from Saturday Night Fever (by Patrizia Von Brandenstein, 1977); costumes from the 2012 production of Anna Karenina starring Keira Knightley; Helena Bonham Carter’s Lucy Honeychurch dress from the 1985 Merchant Ivory film Room with a View; Hedy Lamarr’s amazing 1949 peacock feather outfit from the film Samson and Delilah; Audrey Hepburn (Eliza Dolittle) and Rex Harrison (Henry Higgins)’s costumes by Cecil Beaton for the 1964 version of My Fair Lady; Barbara Streisand’s gorgeous purple chiffon flower and beaded dress, by Irene Sharaff, for the 1968 movie Funny Girl (in which Streisand played Fanny Brice); John Belushi and Dan Akcroyd’s simple but cool and effective black suits and hats from the 1980 film The Blues Brothers; Harry Potter school uniforms and much more.

The exhibition is indeed an A-list outing and worth the time, money and effort to go! Once you get there you are whisked in to an amazing world of colour and beauty and the exhibition can do all of the talking needed to explain itself more than these words!

This is a one-off  chance to see so many beautiful costumes, which are usually in private collections (or elsewhere) all around the globe – so if you love fashion, art, modern and unique exhibitions and being surrounded by glamour don’t miss it! And, maybe, it’s also a quick and easy way to “almost” be on a movie set – ah, the vibe, flutter and ingenuity of this exhibit are, indeed, matchless!

Further information:
Hollywood Costume (Victoria and Albert Museum official site)
Victoria and Albert Museum (Official site)

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