Return of the Rudeboy Fashion Exhibition

I mentioned in my Somerset House post that as well as the film poster exhibition (and the delicious cakes) I also went to a fashion exhibition called Return of the Rudeboy. Now, I have to admit before I went to this exhibition I had no idea what Rudeboy style was like.

So what is rudeboy?

Rudeboy is a subculture, like mods and rockers, which originated in Jamaica during the late 1950s. Rudeboys have a very distinctive style; mohair suits, thin ties and pork pie hats. As you can see from the photos below they look very smart but in a cool and original way.

I couldn't believe this exhibition was free! It was small but a great insight into Rudeboy style with a wonderful collection of clothes and photography displayed in a really interesting way. I love the way they used old suitcases as photo frames! This exhibition has now finished but I have seen that in November two new fashion exhibitions will start.

After looking at these photos what do you think about Rudeboy style?

Travel Tuesday: Tower Bridge and 60's Exhibition

I have been to London many times but never visited Tower Bridge. Once I found out that there was a 60's photography exhibition I decided this would be the time to go. After stopping off for breakfast at Borough Market we walked by the river towards the bridge.

There was a small queue but it moved quickly and the wait was much shorter than most tourist attractions in London, but maybe that's becasue it was a cloudy day. Once inside there is a video about the history of Tower Bridge. In 1884 the design for the bridge was chosen after over 50 designs were submited. It took 8 years to build, but once it was finished it was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever completed.

In the East Walkway there is an exhibition called Great Bridges of the World which was really fascinating. There really are some amazing bridges around the world! The exhibition in the West Walkway was The Sixties, with iconic images such as The Beatles, Carnaby Street and Twiggy.

Linking up with Travel Tuesday and the Let's be Friends Blog Hop

Have you ever been to Tower Bridge?

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk at London Barbican is the first major exhibition devoted to the French couturier. I have been to many fashion exhibitions but this was by far one of the most interestingly staged ones I have seen. There was a conveyor belt with mannequins on to give the impression of a catwalk and even talking and singing mannequins! 

There were over 165 garments including many iconic pieces such as his breton tops, punk collections and of course the infamous conical corsets Madonna wore during her Blonde Ambition World Tour. Unlike exhibitions at the V&A, photography was allowed. Although it was quite dark and flash wasn't allowed so sorry for the poor quality of some of the photos.  

This exhibition finishes on August 25th, so if you live in London and have the chance to go in the next few days I would definitely recommend it! Adults are £14.50, but if you have a national railcard then you can get a 2 for 1 offer here. 

This was my favourite outfit because the back is stunning. At first I thought it was a dress but it's actually a jersey top and black high waisted trousers.

 The moving catwalk!

Linking up with Treat Yo'self Thursday

 

Would you wear any of these outfits?!

Catwalk to Cover Exhibition

Last Thursday I talked about the amazing Hamlet to Hollwood exhibition in York which I went to a few years ago.  As I was looking through all my photos on the computer I came upon this other excellent exhibition I went to which showed the journey of fashion from the catwalk to the cover of fashion magazines.

It was originally at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London but then went on tour to various other museums, one of which was the Barnsley Civic. I really enjoyed this exhibition as there was lots of variety; photography, shoes, a wonderful video and clothes by designers such as Prada and Vivienne Westwood.

Linking up with Nicole for Treat Yo'Self Thursday and Alisha for Lovely Thursdays.

Have you been to any interesting exhibitions lately?