Press Viewing // The Glamour of Bellville Sassoon

Today I was lucky enough to attend the press viewing of the Fashion and Textiles museum's newest exhibition, The Glamour of Bellville Sassoon. 

The exhibition opens on 20th September 2013 and will run until11th January 2014, the retrospective contains over 100 designs and 80 dresses commissioned by many stylish women of the world. If you've never heard of Bellville Sassoon then I suggest you research them instantly! Being one of Britian's most respected couture labels their reputation definitely reflects the amazing work and creations designed by the label. 

The first room I entered was what is referred to as the 'Royal Room' highlighting some of the fabulous clients Bellville Sassoon have designer for. Royals include names such as Princess Margaret, Princess Anne and most famously Princess Diana to whom the label was one of her favourites! The room contains dresses and designs which highlight the great ideas and also suggestions by the royals in regards to designs. For example designs have hand written comments such as 'bright pink one' and also letters thanking David Sassoon for his work.

Following onto the next room you really discover how brilliant a collection of dresses the Fashion and Textiles Museum have gathered for this exhibition. The whole room and upstairs filled with elegance and glamour highlighting exactly why Bellville Sassoon were number one for glamour. I think even the exhibitions name is a perfect description for what is delivered, glamour and lots of it. 

Looking around the exhibition shows yet more reasons as to why Bellville Sassoon earned such a strong reputation as they have, looking at the various details in dressing and designs the dresses speak on their own. If I had to describe a Bellville Sassoon dress in three words I'd probably choose - timeless, elegant and flattering. These dresses would still remain as beautiful as the time period as they were created and yet still flatter a woman making her look like a princess. 

After heading up the stairs I discovered what I'd think was my favourite area of the whole exhibition, with so many different details and embellishments I was amazed at how much detail had gone into various dresses. One thing I respect about the whole collection and brand is how cohesive they are and true to nature, they always managed to create something magical. 

These had to be my two favourite dresses of all of the dresses I saw I just think the embellishments on both are of such beauty and especially of a standard I don't think you'd see today. I think not only are they so classic but still remain a sight of such beauty today. 

Another great part of the whole retrospective was the fact the designs were also on display which really showed just how Bellville Sassoon really captured glamour! I managed to get a pictures of a few of my favourites. I love the difference between David Sassoon's illustrations and Lorcan Mullany's, I think it's interesting to see how the brands illustrations went from a couture feel to a more ready-to-wear idea while still maintaining the glamour aesthetic. 

I managed to see David Sassoon and ask him a few questions about his work and Bellville Sassoon:

What were the main issues you kept in mind while designing?

I'd describe myself as a kind designer, I like to flatter women and make them feel good. I tended to follow the mood of fashion too, trying to keep it very fresh especially asking younger assistants their views. 

What do you feel about glamours relevance today, do you think it still stands? 

I think theres been a big change in fashion, clothes are a lot more sexy now. In the past mainly the 50's and 60's there was a lot of set rules and conventions you had to follow for example Diana was one of the first royals to not always wear a hat. Theres been a big easing of the rules of fashion. 

How did Bellville Sassoon develop as a brand? 

I think there was a big change as we moved from just couture to selling worldwide places such as France, Italy and the Far East. Making clothes which we were able to sell all over the world.

What are some important characteristics of your work?

I'd definitely say fit and colour really affected my work, I think different moods really helped in decision making. For a certain mood you'd pick patterns and colours you'd never go blind into picking fabrics.

Are you happy about how the exhibition has turned out? 

Yes! The fashion and Textiles museum have been lovely to work and their team too. I feel like the exhibition really reflects the mood of the clothing and I really like the way its been put together.

There you have it! Belville Sassoon a massive name and a great retrospective to visit! If you have the chance I strongly suggest you go! I think the exhibition really does have a really great feel to it, the dresses and designs on show are classics forever wonderful and graceful. Truly masterpieces that any woman would be lucky to wear or have. A collection of designs and dresses to be truly respected and admired.