The V&A is my second home...

Well, it's perhaps my third home after my local Topshop store. Seriously, the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington is somewhere I've visited for many years now, from when I was taken around by relatives as a (probably confused) child, to exciting adventures during my art foundation (seeing a Hardy Amies show). There's parts that stay the same and familiar, such as the Grecian Chloe dress that still fascinates me after many years, but also plenty of new exhibits that are gradually added to make the collection what it is today. I became aware of the Fashion Future Now Exhibition after reading Coco's Tea Party and it's a good thing I did, as I was unaware it had been running since May (though it's on until January 31st, so you all have plenty of time to visit). Not only does it display the work of 2008's Royal College of Art MA Fashion graduates, but it details the whole design process, splitting the work into the sections of Concept, Form, Technique and Detail. It was difficult to choose a favourite section, but I found the Concept section interesting, showing not only the garments, but the paper patterns and a brief outline of thought process and development.

My photos don't really do the collections justice, so make sure you visit!

From what I could gather, it seems like Siri Johansen likes to rethink knitwear, blurring the concept with the techniques used. The dot dash patterns on this jumper replicate knitted stitches in an abstract Fairisle pattern. The structure is also a new take on the men's jumper, with it's double layered sleeves a particular point of interest. There's also some fantastic knits in the rest of her collection, and a Google Search brings up some interesting results.

A new take on cables, also by Siri Johansen who machine knitted the torso and handknitted the sleeves, mixing old and new techniques

Another knitwear genius is Léa Carreño (her official site looks promising), who used an eclectic mix of inspiration to create her collection. The influence of the Modernism exhibition a few years ago seems apparent, but she also looked to Sonia Delauney and the Ballet Russes to create something truly unique. I loved the juxtaposition of fine and heavy gauged knit within a single garment; there's a film of the catwalk show on a loop so you can really see how much movement is added.

The perfect leather boot. The exhibition shows plenty of accessories that some of the designers collaborated with other students to produce. I stupidly didn't note down who created this boot, but really loved the plaited leather detail at the top.

I can find legspiration anywhere; really liked the button detail leggings by Jonathan Penn. It was teamed with a fur coat with an internal metal frame providing the structure and support. It can be better understood here.

Abbie Shaw collaborated with a fellow jewellery student to make giant zips for her collection,

fully taking control of her work.

Timothy Lee

Jenny Hortlund machine knits fine strips of jersey, assembles them on the stand, then hand stitches them together

Dresses by Elizabeth Borglin

I loved the way Gudrun Kloepsch manipulated a variety of different fabrics and textures to create a collage effect that just works, and doesn't look overdone.

Siri Johansen

Gudrun Kloepsch

I really liked the variety in the sketchbooks, as each one had a different style and gave an insight into the mindset of the designer. As they were inside a cabinet, it was only possible to get a glimpse of the talent inside but I'm sure it helps to understand the final conclusions a bit more. I'd definitely recommend coming here if you're a fashion student; I took endless notes about techniques and inspiration to get an idea of how best to approach a collection and it's got me excited about finding ideas for my final year.

I also had to explore the bookstore, which is my favourite part to visit before leaving. It is my aim when I eventually move out, to have a library full of fashion books (at the moment I have half a shelf) to peruse and inspire whenever I have a few spare moments. The bookstore is where I update myself on all the new books out and get a feel for them, before trying to find them cheaper on the internet (though it is tempting to pay the RRP there and then and to walk out with a shiny V&A bag). I definitely found a few books to add to the list, which I will be leaving at strategic points around the house come Christmas time. What are your thoughts on the V&A museum; have any of you visited when you've been in London? I'd thoroughly recommend going; not only is there fashion but the different rooms provide unexpected sources of inspiration such as Sculpture, Metalwork and Furniture. I'll have to make a return visit before this exhibition's over...

Bianca paid me back for something in cupcakes, which I'd love to happen again, despite the health implications.

I think a cupcake label needs to be added to this blog. After visiting the exhibition, I felt the familiar cravings I get after something fashion related, but knew that the usual haunts were too far away. Bianca had mentioned earlier that the Hummingbird Bakery had opened a branch nearby, but we'd thought nothing of it until we saw a lady with one of their carrier bags. Like a true interrogator, I demanded to know where she'd got it, to which she replied that the desired destination was around the corner. After some confusion, we found it and somewhat delayed our return journey to pick up some treats. It was well worth it; there wasn't much variety left as we got there at 6pm, but luckily my favourite Red Velvet speciality were there (also Madonna's guilty pleasure I hear). I was probably the most excitable person in the place, getting some strange looks after I took this picture, but I just had to share another cupcake emporium. Maybe I should get baking again, as this habit is getting a bit expensive...

P.S Sorry for any crazy formatting, I have been using a combination of two different Blogger editors!

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