New Job at the V&A

I haven't written my blog since the summer, as I have been busy looking for a job. As it is so time consuming filling in application forms and attending interviews. Finally I managed to get myself a new Job at the V&A. Which is The Victoria and Albert museum, in South Kensington London. I am a assistant based at the Sackler centre, working on events and education courses.

The V&A is comprised of the museum at South Kensington, the V&A Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green, and the archives and stores at Blythe House, Kensington Olympia. V&A South Kensington is the world's greatest museum of art and design, with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity. Discover 3000 years' worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures including ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, metalwork, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.

The V&A is my favourite museum, as it specializes in fashion and textiles. I am really exicited to have gained this position, and to make the most of the opportunites. Also to network as much as possible, to make new contacts.

My first week has been wonderful. I have been in the training room, filling in paper work to become a new member of staff. On the first day lunch was laid on for all the new arrivals. I went around the new exhibition: Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes 1909 - 1929. Only briefly though, as it is quite busy at the moment, as it has only just opened. I also had a masterclass, a talk with one of the winners of the Apprentice, which was quite motivating. I received my staff card, with a nice photograph I'm quite pleased with. I have also had a inductory tour of the museum, around the sculture, ceramics and glass. I sat in on a team meeting, and shown round the offices. Finsihed off with shown my desk and computer, and meeting all my new colleagues. Even though I think mostly I will be based at events and courses.

I am looking forward to next week , and starting to work on courses, and meeting new people. I will start writing my blog again reguarly, mainly about my upcoming work at the V&A.

Enchanted Palace Exhibition

Yesterday I went to the Enchanted Palace exhibition at Kensington Palace. Located at the west end of Hyde Park, the palace has its own tropical gardens, with ornate arches. With laser cut details of shoes, prams and keys. The palace is currently under renovations but should be completed in 2012.

The palace inside has been beautifully renovated, the theme of the exhibition is the history of the seven princessses that lived here over the last hundreds of years. The rooms were styled to replicate the magic of being a princess. This experience was heightened with the displays, being completed with pieces from a array of British fashion designers. I particaularly liked the William Tempest piece, a paper orgami wedding dress inspired bu Queen Victoria's wedding, complete with long trail.

My favourite rooms were the rooms of lost childhood and the room of dancing princesses. The story of Princess Charlotte was sad as, she gave birth to a still born then died herself 5 hours after. The exhibition is curated by a company called Wild Works, whos work incorpates theatre and art together. I appreciate how they themed the whole experience, everything was thought about. From the lighting to the music, all was appropiate to the setting. I like the touches of props to the fireplaces, such as egg nests, globes, clocks and pearls.

Enchanted Palaces Exhibition

Kensington Palace
Hyde Park

Display open til June 2012
Nearest tube High Street Kensington/Queensway

Leotards

Today I acquired a leotard, after noticing quite a few on the rails in Topshop recently. Though renamed as bodies. It has come to my attention are a fashionable item once again, since the originals in the Eighties. The leotard I got my hands on today, was from a school uniform stand at my sister's sports day. The leotards were being given out for FREE, as they were cutting gymanastics out of p.e. I think that school was the only time, when I have worn a leotard.

From the catwalk, there has been quite a few leotards for last year and this spring summer and also filtering to autumn winter 2010/2011. The most notible are Celine, who teames with other pieces such as skirts to give a sleek look. Martin Margiela, designed a leotard for Florence (and the machine) for Glastonbury just been.

I shall be testing out wearing for 3/4 quarter length sleeve navy shiney nylon leotard with skinny jeans, and pink ballet pumps.

Spring Summer Trends Illustrations

I recently created a few new illustrations insipired by the current Spring/Summer trends of 2010.

- Viktor & Rolf - Masculine Pastel

- Derek Lam - Full On Color

- Chloe - Refreshingly Boyish

- Diane Von Furstenberg - Golden Leaves Crowns

- Fendi - Wispy Fabric

- Proenza Schouler - Scuba Elements

I used mixed media, to create the illlustrations: glitter, fine liners, colour felt tips, metalic liners and gel pens. The illustrations are all hand drawn with no photoshop rendering. I exagereated the make up and brightness of the colours in the outfits, to emphasis the feeling of the seasons.