Sian Riley: September 2021

Alice: Curiouser & Curiouser at the Victoria and Albert Museum

It’s good to be going to exhibitions and seeing things up close again isn’t it?

I recently had the joy of visiting the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the V&A Museum. I’ve always loved the book by Lewis Carroll (aka Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) and have enjoyed seeing the various interpretations of the novel in different forms over the years, so this was very much a must see for me.

Alice Liddell as St. Agnes
(September 1872)
Julia Margaret Cameron

The Dream (1863)
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson

I was aware of some of the history of his inspiration for the book. The BBC Documentary ‘Secrets of the Museum’ (available to watch on BBC iPlayer) discussed the V&As wonderful archive of original photographs, some of which were taken by Dodgson or are of Alice Liddell who is believed to be the inspiration behind the story. These photographs have a dream-like quality to them and a playfulness that comes across within the novel itself.

Towards the beginning of the exhibition, the original illustration plates also feature greatly and show the development of the drawings and how they changed over the years when depicting the story.

The rooms wander through a large number of the novels interpretations, such as the cartoon and live action Disney Movie versions; costume development, artist examples, dance, fashion and even food! (Search for Heston Blumethal’s reimagined tea party for his Fat Duck Restaurant).

Some personal favourites were the Royal Opera House’s production of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ (a wonderful show – a definite must see!) which is shown through costume drawings and the pieces themselves; the multiple collared ‘Alice’ look by Viktor and Rolf (featured in Annie Leibovitz’s Vogue shoot in 2003), and the 3D Iris Van Herpen garment (‘Infinity’ dress and ‘Omniverse’ Sculpture, 2019).

There is also a VR experience to join in with as well, but there was a separate wait time for this.

My only negative observation was that at times, the contents felt a bit disjointed. Some rooms felt like they ‘bounced’ between ideas at certain times, but this wasn’t throughout the whole exhibition. In the main the ideas flowed and the cohesion could be followed easily.

There is still time to explore this wonderful exhibition as it is still on show until 31^st December 2021. To book your tickets, head over to the V&A Museums website.

BCU Induction Week: The Mini Make Showcase

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BCU Induction Week: Mini Make Challenge - Sneak Peek

Throwback to this mornings mini make challenge with the new level 4 BCU Fashion, Costume and Garment Technology students.

A sneak peek of the creative makes in the works...more to come very soon!!

BCU Induction Week: Speed Draping - Part 3

More fabulous creations from the new level 4 cohort for BCU Fashion, Costume and Garment Technology.

Lots of layering of colour, fabric, texture and detail. 📷 courtesy of Louise and BCU_costume

BCU Induction Week: Speed Draping - Part 2

More creative speed draping from our new BCU Fashion, Costume and Garment Technology students.

Fabric and texture galore. 📷 Liz and Cathy .

BCU Induction Week: Speed Draping - Part 1

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BCU Induction Week 2021: Day 1

Its the BCU induction week for the BCU Fashion, Costume and Garment Technology Courses.

Some fab Who am I mood boards emerging from this mornings get to know each other session from Arooj, Habeeba, Martina, Abigail and Charmaine.

Check back tomorrow for another sneak peek!

Maker Monday: Pattern Alterations

Its Maker Monday fab sewing friends!

On to alterations of a different nature...the pattern cutting ones!

Top tip...if the crotch curve is pulling, don't deepen the curve (eg: take any away), add to it instead to make it shallower instead. Works a treat! Stops the unsightly smile lines :)

The Little Dictionary of Fashion: J is for ...

J is for Jackets in The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior.

A box jacket is particularly convenient as it can be worn with skirts and jumpers - but not a pleated skirt. Dior thinks that the skirts are difficult to wear and doesn't advise it.

Advise from 1954