London Fashion Week is upon us and, as the fashion set prepare themselves for the happy chaos of rushing from show to show, they’re also getting into the party spirit as early as possible.
LFW’s party schedule kicked off at the Victoria & Albert museum in South Kensington last night. It quickly became the most star-studded spot in London as actors, models, musicians, and poets alike descended upon the gallery to mark the opening of its new exhibition in honour of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.
Hugh Grant made a rare public appearance with wife Anna Eberstein, alongside not one but two Jaggers — Bianca and Georgia May — and two Gallaghers — Lennon and Gene — sons of Liam, who added to the aura of British pop culture royalty.
There was actual royalty, too. Princess Beatrice made an appearance with husband Edoardo Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a property developer and member of Italian nobility. The princess, who beamed as she posed for photos arm-in-arm with her husband, wore a dark floral dress with corset detailing and puff sleeves, though she left her trademark headband at home.
There was, predictably, a sea of Chanel looks, worn by the likes of Keira Knightley, who sported a delicate black floral blouse and high-waisted trousers, and The Morning Show actress Bel Powley, wearing a plum monogrammed jacket dress, as well as Top Boy alum Jasmine Jobson, who brought a splash of extra colour to the party with her rainbow tweed suit, which featured ultra-wide flares and a wealth of jewellery.
The exhibit, which is the first of its kind to take place in the UK, showcases the work of the French couturieÌre, from her early work in millinery to her final collection in 1971. It brings together 200 individual looks, seen together for the first time, as well as accessories, perfume, and jewellery. Attendees who got an early peek at the exhibit will have been lucky enough to see original costumes designed by Chanel for the Ballets Russes production of Le Train Bleu in 1924, as well as outfits created for Hollywood icons Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich.
Friends of the fashion house were out in full force, with classic Chanel girls Clémence Poésy, Sophie Cookson, and Gabriella Brooks all enjoying Champagne and canapés within the walls of the historic museum. Guests also enjoyed a private dinner, with a musical digestif of stylings by singer Griff, as well as a DJ set by Jack Guinness.
It may have been the first of many, but if the seemingly endless display of A-listers was anything to by, the parties this Fashion Week are going to be particularly star-studded affairs.
