Exhibition Review: 'Fashion Rules' at Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is one of my favorite museum spaces in the city, up there with the V&A! The approach their curators take to presenting their exhibits is lovely, for old and young alike, because it draws out our inner child. For a site with such a rich history concerning the English monarch, it makes it interesting. For instance, their wonderful ‘Enchanted Palace’ exhibition some years ago I still remember for their intriguing and, yes, magical displays, combining history, fashion and art installation. Weaving together memorable stories of female monarchs, in each room in the palace they had different designers decorate, including Vivienne Westwood. They make fact seem fantastic, flashing descriptions of the displays on the walls with projects instead of the typical laminated description. You can almost imagine little fairies hiding around you, secretly watching the public as they wander the walls. And their lightning always has an air of mystery, and what better way to get one’s interest than adding intrigue?

I’ve already visited the Fashion Rules exhibition before, but on this wet cold November morning I wanted to experience that nostalgic wonder Kensington Palace holds. Going on until summer 2015, the exhibit is another of many to present dresses worn by royals, including Princess Di, highlighting the changes in the attire of the royals, the leap from regal to chic. 

Working from the 1950’s to the 80’s, it was interesting to learn again how the mind frame of the royals changed when their place in the public’s eye shifted their approach to fashion. Sure, they’ll always have stunning gowns, such as these featured by Norman Hartnell. But it was interesting to look at the wardrobe of Princess Margaret who, unlike her sister, had a little less pressure to look the part in the public’s eye and therefor was at liberty to be more fashion forward-even risqué, like this number!

Of course, there was a whole room for the late Princess of Wales, one of the most fashionable monarchs in history. It was interesting to learn how her wardrobe was influenced by the ‘bigger is better’, ‘power dressing’ prerogative of women in the 80’s, ergo forging a flashy, fabulous collection of gowns.

The exhibition is insightful, well curated, and not the first of the museum’s collections of royal gowns-and surely not to be the last. I say go, not just to see this exhibit, but the Museum itself for a wonderful day out for all the family!

Eliza Wray Brand

For the first time in years I visited the Spirit of Christmas Fair in London. First, to finally get a jump start on some gifts, and second because the stalls are wonderful inspiration for festive decorations.

One stall was truly memorable, the Eliza Wray stall. Formed by two country neighbors based in Surrey who share a love for interior design, the brand has been seen at several fairs and shopping evening events. However, at once I recognized a subtle rustic aesthetic, that seemed to have some Scandanavian influence! The adorable pastel palette is so refreshing and welcoming.

Although the majority of their products consist of home decor (picture frames, lamps etc.) but for the fair they mainly presented their toy range. And they were gorgeous. The idea were simple and charming, but the quality amazing. I bought several to decorate the table for Christmas, in refreshing shades of silvery-grey blue and beige, that have given me some ideas for little felt birds for place settings...

What I loved their play sets. One such item was the little box holding a simple wooden bed piled high with mattresses and a little knitted pea for a rabbit Princess. Another was an inviting circus, complete with a standing tent and a full colorful cast. But the cutest had to be the wooden match boxes with beds inside for their tiny occupants! 

That’s what I found so delightful about their products, how they drew back to simplicity and natural materials, and didn’t need expressive colors to blare out! It’s times like these I wish I had kids of my own to pass these beautiful play things onto. So for all mothers out there looking for gifts alternative to today’s high tech products and complex machinery, I totally recommend visiting Eliza Wray’s site at www.elizawray.co.uk and enjoy!

November Book Review: ‘Day of the Dead’ by Kerry Arquette, Andrea Zocchi and Jerry Vigil

Recently I’ve been really intrigued by the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertes, or Day of the Dead on November 1st. First, because it’s a brilliant continuation of Halloween! Second, the amazing colors and traditions offer so much scope for some wonderful craft projects. And finally, but it’s lovely and heart warming, the idea of a time to reconnect with those who’ve passed on. I’m even really looking forward to seeing the film The Book of Life!

This year I finally added to my Burton Halloween movie collection Corpse Bride. One my favorite parts in the film is when the Dead come up to the sombre Land of the Living. While the villagers are screaming in panic at their other worldly visitors, a single boy walks up to a zombie, embracing him after recognizing him as his late Grandfather. The terror at once is a replaced by sheer joy as the villagers are reunited with their departments friends and family members! And that really is what is so heart warming and appealing about this holiday-how it has power over death by taking away the fear of it.

Sorry to go off target there! The point is, anyone would like to celebrate this holiday. And this book provided some great insight in the festival and its traditions, from the calaveras (skeletons) and ofredas (an altar dedicated to a lost loved one.), giving the projects a little more significance. 

True, I was a little disappointed that most of the projects centre around making calaveras, which are a big part of the holiday. And I was disappointed not to find anything on papel pivadoes, or the paper streamers. But the projects range over many things, from a sugar skull recipe I’m revved to try, to building a basic ofredas.

Final Score: 5/5 (a perfect balance between a fun teaching of Hispanic culture to some great craft projects)