"Crown to Couture"

The coronation ceremony of Charles III has not been the only historic and solemn occurrence that the United Kingdom and specifically London, has experienced in recent months. Kensington Palace has latterly opened its doors to receive the largest fashion exhibition to date baptised 'Crown to Couture', an exhibition to tell stories of haute couture from the royal court of the 18^th century to red-carpet events of our days.

More than 200 designs and objects are distributed throughout the palace rooms, mingling with its past. A grand installation; the work of production designer Joseph Bennet, who has an Emmy Award and is responsible for the most surprising catwalks for Alexander McQueen. Staged in the magnificent State Apartments of Kensington Palace, the 'Crown to Couture' exhibition draws parallels between the red carpet and the Georgian court. Unique creations that have been worn by Lizzo, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, among other celebrities, that coexist with the designs of earlier eras and the court of Charles II. While on one hand you can find the 1660 silver dress worn by Theophila Harris, you will also see on display the design that Peter Dundas created for Beyoncé at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

One of the most important rooms is the 'The Queen’s gallery” where contemporary designs inspired by 18th century fashions from Britain and France are on display; Edward Crutchley, Simone Rocha and Erdem to name a few, and a Monique Lhuillier for the English actress, screenwriter and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the 2019 Emmy Awards. As spectacular as the designs are, it's the jewellery that gets all the ovations, contemporary marvels such as the diamond ring by Thelma West that Rihanna wore at the 2021 Met Gala or the Fernando Jorge earrings that Emily Blunt wore at the Palm Spring Film Festival in 2019. Along with this selection of current jewels, there is a collection of crowns and tiaras, such as that of Queen Victoria, which were made by the jeweller Joseph Kitching in collaboration with the queen’s husband, Prince Albert. There are also pieces by Garrad, the royal house's favourite jewellery firm since 1735. Notable works are to be found include Queen Mary's consort's crown and Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring. From the crown to haute couture, this exhibition is open to the public until October 29.

A few days before summer comes to an end, I feel like a boy going to an exhibition to the city on a school trip. Old times. School season has started and despite the fact that I never had a school uniform (which I appreciate), I’m highly fond of a nice-sleek school or work uniform. And taking this as a reference I believe an old school-nerdy look can be very flattering and stylish on adults. The navy blazer I am wearing has beautiful satin details on the edges in red and green, giving a distinctive academic uniform vibe. This goes with a red, diagonal, stripy tie. A vintage one that pops out beautifully from the blue Oxford shirt. The beige, tailored shorts relax the look and throw us back in time a few decades, when boys were not allowed to wear long trousers even in winter. I mentioned this in a previous post, remember?

http://tamangoblog.blogspot.com/2023/05/forever-young.html

The bottle green and ivory loafers add a tint to the outfit which blends incredibly with the stripy socks and the little briefcase is a playful finish touch. This vintage accessory in red and blue and its cute illustrations makes us travel in time to our parent’s generation. It could not go any better with this look which shows style and a fun take on fashion.