Valentino dresses and LFW

London is very quickly becoming the place where my heart is. There’s something about it as a city that makes it just magical, and it’s undeniable that for anyone who’s interested in fashion it’s the place to be. I think it’s all in the atmosphere. The vibe you get in London is an immense, continuous flow of excitement which will instantly cause you to feel excited with it. At least, that’s how it makes me feel! Even on your normal Tuesday the city is charismatic beyond compare, but today is no usual Tuesday. Today is Tuesday the 19^th of February 2013, also known as the last day of London Fashion Week, and I was lucky enough to take a trip up to London and experience the buzz of LFW first hand.

In actual fact it was a (very) happy accident that I had the opportunity to be in my favourite city on such a huge day in fashion. As a birthday present from my Mum and Step Dad I was given a pair of tickets to go see an exhibition at Somerset House – “Valentino: Master of Couture” As though this wasn't enough it just so happened that my Mum booked the tickets for today, and if you know LFW well you might also know that Somerset house is the home of the Topshop Show Space and so in turn, also the home of many a fashion show this year. 11 fashion shows to be precise. This meant that by the time we arrived to look at the inevitably gorgeous dresses that awaited us, the whole courtyard was a pool of stylish movement. It was, pardon my sounding dramatic, quite a mind altering moment for me. The whole day solidified even more to me that working within the fashion industry is my ultimate aim.

Anyway, let’s get down to the real reason I went to London, shall we? The title of the exhibition says it all, Valentino really is the master of couture. His dresses have graced the bodies of some of the most influential women in the world for 50 years, and his reputation as haute couture emperor seems untouchable. Known for their trade mark red gowns, christened as “Valentino red”, the couture lines can only be seen as a symbol of high fashion. 

The exhibition showcased a total of 137 outfits for the Valentino woman, as well as Princess Marie-Chantal’s wedding gown and numerous achieved letters and pictures. Within the archives a hand written note from the legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour simply amazed me. The dresses were obviously what made the exhibition though, and caused me much like many other fashion lovers I’m sure to become somewhat overwhelmed and emotional. The white washed room contained some of the most intricately embellished and complex designs I've seen, creating the perfect contrast. All I can say is that if you're even slightly considering taking a trip to London to see it, Valentino: Master of Couture will not in any way disappoint.

Myself next to the Valentino rose

I wear - Black midi dress from Select, sheer bomber from H&M, gold chain from H&M, snakeskin Chelsea boots from Topshop. 

The exhibition's entrance complete with signs in, of course, Valentino red. 

Valentino himself in the exhibition hall (this image does not belong to Paige of Fashion) 

The best part is that I'm no less enthused than when leaving Somerset House 10 hours ago! That just shows how amazing the exhibition was; it was truly inspirational. Today has created another memory that shall last a lifetime. 

Thanks for reading, 

Bethany Paige X