Stylish day out - top 3 exhibitions of 2012

This year is definitely THE year to live (or visit) London. I have loved it always, but 2012 is set to be the best year yet. There is so much going on, you're spoilt for choice how to spend your days off and I'm talking just about the exhibitions. The fashion industry, shopping, choice of restaurants... that would make a whole new article.

For now I've picked the top 3 exhibitions I think are a must-see. All fashion related. One better than the other. Bring it on.

(Christian Louboutin)

Believe it or not, the house of Christian Louboutin has celebrated 20 years of existence! To mark this anniversary, they recently released a book (coffee table must-have) and are doing lots of great promotions this year. There is an exhibition coming to Design museum and it is something (not only) every shoe lover will appreciate. You will be able to see the whole designing process of famous red soled beauties from drawing to finish and much more. See you there. 19/05 - 06/06

(image: courtesy of V&A museum)

V&A museum has been spoiling us recently. So many great exhibitions to visit. I am super exciting about two displays particularly, one of them being the Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950. More than 60 designs will be on show, including pieces for social events such as private parties, royal balls, state occassions and many more.

You can expect work by Jonathan Saunders, Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, Giles Deacon and Erdem among others. Can May come any faster?

(Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's)

Last but definitely not least, is another exhibition at the V&A. They've only announced today, that this is happenning so I haven't got much information for you yet, but I will bring more as soon as I know. It will be called Hollywood costumes and will open this fall. It's an extensive collection of famous costumes of the big screen, including the famous dress of Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's, costumes of Jack Sparrow of the Pirates series and many more. Excited? I am!

Have a stylish day.

Your guide to stylish days out

I do love this time of the year. There is so much to do (apart from Christmas shopping), we're spoilt for choice. I've picked top five things to do in the coming weeks to make sure you live your stylish life to the full. Because visiting museums and galleries is not only inspiring, it's an interesting subject to talk about. And it's great way to meet new, like-minded, people and I believe all those are good enough reasons. If you think I forgot to mention something that should be definitely included on the list, feel free to let me know via email or comment and I'll mention it next time. And who knows? We may bump into each other at some of these stylish events!
In no particular order:
1. 20 years of Dazed and Confused magazine at Somerset House - until Jan 29th
Materials from photoshoots, editorial content, covers and artwork representing the countless of people who contributed to or appeared in the magazine in the last two decades. The best part? It's FREE.
Also whilst you're there why not brush up your skating skills. The famous ice rink sponsored by Tiffany's & Co. runs from 22/11/11 until 22/01/12. The surroundings are great way to get you feeling festive and a Christmas tree decorated in traditional Tiffany's colour is rather pretty.
2. Enchanted Palace at Kensington Palace - until Jan 3rd
This exhibition seems magical and I can't wait to check it out. It's a mix of fashion, theatre and art. What more to wish for? Expect giant puppets by Paul Costelloe, dress by Vivienne Westwood, archive outfits by Bruce Oldfield and Zandra Rhodes and much more.
3. Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the court of Milan at National Gallery - until 05/02/12
They've acquired paintings from all around the word for this not to be missed exhibitions. No more comments necessary - this is da Vinci I'm talking about!
4. Power of making at Victoria and Albert museum - until 02/01/12
Series of objects from our every day lives that explore the work behind them, art, technology, design..FREE.
Also make sure you pop into the newly opened photographs gallery. I heard lots of good feedback, but then you wouldn't expect otherwise from V&A.
5. Catwalk to cover: a front row seat at Fashion and Textile Museum - 18/11/11 - 25/02/11
Not everyone has the opportunity to attend a fashion show. It's a great experience and you can feel very close to the actual thing with this series of photographs, that will take you there. Divided into four sections Backstage, Front Row, Catwalk and Street style this exhibition is interesting even if you're a front row regular.

Couple of extra events that have nothing to do with fashion but I love them and you should try to pay a visit. The Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park (18/11 - 03/01) is amazing. I had quite a few nice days out there, keeping warm with delicious mulled wine and taking in the atmosphere.
For ice skating lovers one more ice rink that needs to be mentioned is open now at Natural History Museum until Jan 8th, in the beautiful area of South Kensington, it's definitely worth a visit.

And one more thing - great news: the Christian Louboutin shoe exhibition is going to be held in Design museum next year 28/03 - 01/07 but more about that nearer the time.

And when you're out there having fun, don't forget to stop and look around, see how beautiful London is (not only this time of year).
Have a stylish day.