The Glamour Of Italian Fashion

If you read my previous post on 'Wedding Dresses 1774-2014', you'll know that I was sent out to research exhibitions at the V&A for my fashion internship. I was lucky enough to be sent to the amazing 'The Glamour Of Italian Fashion. I had such an amazing day, walking round the beautiful museum and viewing some of the most stunning fashion in the industry.

The exhibition observes the development of Italian fashion from World War II through to the present day. It displays a long line up of designers from Sorelle Fontana and Giovanni Battista Giorgini to Giorgio Armani and Moschino. When walking around you really begin to appreciate the great quality of italian fashion, although this is seen as a typical cliche, it is one thing that particularly stands out.

The exhibit was set out into 5 rooms, each in chronological order of time period. The first from 1774, this displayed women’s wartime day suits. The government used this fashion to help them through the hard time and construct a sense of nationhood. 

The second showing the garments made after the war, the 'Return to luxury', specifically showing beautiful and colourful ball gowns.

 The third focused on the 1950s and 60s. It showed the influence from Hollywood, lots of glitz and glam, and displayed actors and actresses outfits from the period, such as Audrey Hepburn’s gown from ‘Love in the Afternoon’. 

The fourth room was the 'now', exhibiting modern designers and some of their current seasonal garments. 

And finally, the fifth room, 'The Future'. This room projected video interviews with known names of Italian fashion, discussing what they believe makes Italian fashion unique and what is in store for the future.

The  exhibition makes you appreciate the influence of Italian fashion worldwide and the beauty and quality of their garments.

K. 

TMI tag

1: What are you wearing?
S - Miss Selfridge jeans and a Warehouse T-Shirt, nothing too exciting for a lazy Sunday
K - What I wore to work today. My ripped River Island jeans, a white blouse and my mango sunset Roshe Runs

2: Ever been in love?
S - Yes.
K - Yeah

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
S - Yes definitely a few of those under my belt.
K- When I was 13 I got broken up with via email! That was pretty embarrassing

4: How tall are you?
S -5'8
K- 5'7

5: How much do you weigh?
K- Lets be honest, even if we answered this we would lie!
S- Have to agree with K on this one!

6: Any tattoos?
S- Yes I have 4 at at the moment; a wolf on my ribs, Norwegian writing on my hip and and owl and a christmas tree on my ankles. 
K- Not yet, maybe one day

7: Any piercings?
S- I think at last count I had 10.
K- yeah, currently on 5

8: OTP?
S- I dont really know what this means but if its people you think should be together (I think thats what it is) then I would have to go with.... Me and Joe Dempsie!!
K- So my dream couple was Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, but thats kinda happened now sooooo Ryan Gosling and Natalie Portman.

9: Favorite show?
S- Im a game of thrones gal, but I will always love Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
K- This is so hard! I also love Game of Thrones, Sex And The City and Modern Family.
  10: Favorite bands?
S- I adore Bastille with all of my heart!
K- Currently listening to a lot of Chvrches and MS MR

11: Something you miss? 
S- Living on my own, i've had to move back home recently and i'm missing my independence.
K- My Friends from Uni

12: Favorite song?
S- Weird one but I have always loved Apres Moi by Eartha Kitt.
K- Currently Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud, but this often changes on a daily basis.

13: How old are you?
S- 19
K- 19

14: Zodiac sign?
S- Sagittarius 
K- Gemini

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
S- I look for (probably because I need it more than I like it) someone who will be assertive and won't let me walk all over them.
K- Someone who shares my sense of humour and also has similar interests.

16: Favorite Quote?
S- Make the decision to be who you want to be - My Grandmother (and probably someone else first)
K- I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will - Charlotte Bronte

17: Favorite actor?
S- Stephen Fry or Jim Sturgess 
K- Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson

18: Favorite color?
S- I love Red but I also love muted neon greens 
K- Either a duck egg blue or bright orange

19: Loud music or soft?
S- Mostly loud.
K- Entirely depends on my mood

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
S- I tend to drive when i'm sad... although mostly to Brighton if I can. 
K- I don't really have a specific place where I go.

21: How long does it take you to shower?
S- On average 20 mins if i'm rushing.
K- Usually around 15 minutes

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
S- I wake up about an hour and a half before work to get ready without being too stressed.
K- 45 minutes if it's just work, up to an hour if I'm off out for the day.

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
S- Yes, but looking back on it, it was kind of pathetic fighting.
K- No , but is it weird that I kinda want to be?

24: Turn on?
S- A guy who is ambitious and wears suits..... and has tattoos.
K- A guy that isn't afraid to dance, i'm definitely one for having a boogie on a night out

25: Turn off?
S- I agree with K here but also someone too soppy, i'm not into that at all.
K- A guy that eats too little, I don't want him ordering the salad whilst I'm having a steak

26: The reason I started blogging?
S- I love reading blogs and I started thinking 'that would be a great blog post' about twice a day so I thought I probably should!
K- Been wanting to for ages and thought why not do it with my best friend.

27: Fears?
S- I'm terrified of cows. I also hate them. 
K- I'm pretty scared of Snakes 

28: Last thing that made you cry?
S- Blackfish the documentary - watch it!
K- Sheer tiredness

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
S- To my friend Kimi just now on the phone.
K- To My boyfriend 

30: Meaning behind your Blog Name?
S- I feel like this is quite self-explanatory. Its our initials.  
K- ^

31: Last book you read?
S- Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (amazing by the way).
K- Wuthering Heights

32: The book you’re currently reading?
S- Magician by Raymond E. Feist (you may have noticed i'm partial to a bit of fantasy).
K- Woman In Black, I loved the stage show and was told the book was even better.

33: Last show you watched?
S- Hannibal 
K- American Horror Story

34: Last person you talked to?
S- My grandparents.
K- My Dad 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
S- It was actually a really old friend who I haven't spoken to in a while.
K- My sister 

36: Favorite food?
S- Probably sweet potato. Or any carb.
K- hmmmm Tzatsiki 

37: Place you want to visit?
S- New York, but I think I'm going soon!
K- Thailand

38: Last place you were?
S- Work in Wimbledon.
K- My Kitchen

39: Do you have a crush?
S- No, nothing exciting like that going on.
K- My boyfriend if that counts.

40: Last time you kissed someone?
S- I'm not really sure what kind of kiss this question is referring to but non-romantically it was probably my little cousin who came over for a visit.
K- Saying goodbye to my dad with a kiss on the cheek

41: Last time you were insulted?
S- Im thinking this is a good thing but I actually cant remember!
K- I'm not entirely sure , although I joke with my friends all the time.

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?
S- I love rhubarb and custards, but not the boiled kind.
K- Drumsticks

43: What instruments do you play??
S- I sing! But no instruments unless you count my rusty recorder skills.
K- I used to play the drums... not very well I must add

44: Favorite piece of jewellery?
S- My ring which I got for my 16th birthday and has not come off since, I don't think it actually does come off anymore. 
K- My Pandora earrings which I got for my birthday

45: Last sport you played?
S- Wow, probably years ago when I was still doing PE, I have a gym at my house so not really a sport kind of gal.
K- I threw a Rugby ball around on Sunday, does that count?

46: Last song you sang?
S- Daydreamer by Adele 
K- Somewhere Over The Rainbow 

47: Favorite chat up line?
S- Something genuine.
K- I'm not the best one with chat up lines

48: Have you ever used it?
S- Hmm well this doesn't really apply to my boring answer.
K- Agreed

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
S- My friend lives with me so all the time really.
K- Last night I went with S to an exhibition then to the pub

50: Who should answer these questions next?
S- Anyone and Everyone! But a special shout out to Emilie at Someone in the Corner.

'Wedding Dresses 1774 - 2014' at the V&A

When being sent to the Victoria and Albert Museum for research for my internship, I took the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Not only was it lovely to go to the V&A on such a warm summer's day, admire the museum and its surroundings, but I also got to go view an exhibition which i'd been wanting to visit for quite a while now: 'Wedding Dresses 1774-2014'. 

Upon entering the two floor exhibition you are presented with an explanation of what it intends to do. This was one thing that remained in my head whilst walking round the showing, that it was not merely a display of wedding dresses, but that it aims to capture the magical experience of each individual bride's wedding day. It showcased a variety of dresses expanding over culture and time to demonstrate that each bride is different, not only displaying dresses of celebrities but also those of every-day women. The entire experience enkindles the essence of which each bride's personality is echoed through their wedding dress. 

Here are a few of my favourites....

One of my favourites had to be this gown. Ian Stuart's 'Flower Bomb', due to its creativity and craftsmanship.

Another is Vivienne Westwood's dress, designed specifically for Deeta Von Teese. Although it's not your typical coloured wedding dress, it visually displays her personality.

This Dress was neither designed nor worn by anyone famous but is a classic example of asian culture, and how it is still present in festivities in today's society. This gown was worn by Anjali Bulley, an employee at the V&A.

Finally, my absolute favourite. Kate Moss's dress which was designed by John Galliano. This dress is stunning, no photo could do it justice. It took 701 hours to embroider the dress and 253 for the veil. 270,000 gold sequins were hand sewn onto the gown along with 120,000 paillons and 2800 pearl beads. It shimmered with each touch of the light. 

I would recommend this exhibition to anyone interested in fashion, looking for wedding inspiration or even those intrigued by the historical aspect.

K.

Skincare In The Sun

Ahhh Rome - Pizza, Pasta, Gelato, Ruins, Romance and most importantly SUN. There's no chance of me experiencing this on off weather that is a contestant bother here in England. Therefore, i am packing for hot weather, sun and sightseeing. 

As i'm off on Sunday I thought it would be nice to share a sneak peak into my holiday essentials.  

As well as packing all my clothes, shoes and bags I took a few quick tips off S for what creams and oils are best for keeping my skin protected and moisturised. Here are my top three skin essentials... 

1. Soap and Glory Heel Genius: This cream is amazing for using after a long days walking as well as after a day at the beach, protecting your heels from cracking and dry skin.

2. Neal's Yard Frankensense Hydrating Cream: I use this on my legs, as this is the one place on my body where I suffer from dry skin. It helps reduce the dry and keep my legs silky smooth. 

3. Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration Sun Screen: This sun cream not only protects your skin from burning but also contains hydrating ribbons to prevent your skin from drying out, unlike other sun cream which often leave your skin dry and damaged. 

4. Hawaiin Tropic After Sun: This is a perfect moisturiser after your skin has been out in the sun. The sweet smell of coconut accompanied with a smooth and soft skin coverage rehydrates and nourishes.

Keep a look out on our Instagram page for frequent updates on what I'm getting up to on my trip - SANDKSBLOG 

K.