Chanel, Diva and Dante

Friday: London Day 2 

A visit to the Victoria and Albert museum is obligatory when we’re in London, and today’s there are two exhibitions we want to see. 

First there is Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto - a V&A blockbuster which completely sold out months ago, but as members we have unrestricted access. As always, it’s stunningly done. Nothing will ever match the Alexander McQueen show, but the V&A always does these things brilliantly.  The impact of this fascinating woman on fashion is undeniable, and being able to look in detail at these dresses which are close to works of art is a sheer joy. 

I love the evening dresses, the elegance of their line and the glory of their fabrics and detail; I’m less keen on the iconic tweed suits - though of course their place in fashion history is clearly well deserved. 

There’s a break for coffee in the members’ room, then on to the second exhibition,  Diva which ‘celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.’ 

Were given headphones which play the voices and music linked to each of the  displays  as we move around the exhibition, adding to the atmosphere. Brilliantly staged and lit, we travel through time from Ellen Terry and Sarah Bernhardt to Cher, Madonna and Tina Turner, viewing iconic costumes and designs. 

A long bus journey across an icy London of blue skies and Christmas decorations takes us back to our hotel to rest for the afternoon before this evening’s event: a the Dante Project at the Royal Opera House. Another Wayne McGregor ballet, this time based on Dante’s Divine Comedy with music by Thomas Adès. The dancing is fabulous and the music wonderful - challenging at times as one would expect given the subject matter, but also deeply lyrical  

Of course, I take so many photographs in both exhibitions, enjoying individual dresses and majestic settings, but also the interaction of the visitors with what they see. So for my main, there’s a shot of some typically elegant visitors viewing an exhibit. Inevitably there are lots of temporary extras - including another that I nearly used as my main of a wistful young mum gazing at the dresses all around her. Then there are the dresses and some details - plus one collage from Diva.