V&A Wedding Dress Exhibition 1775-2014 Review

Hello Everyone,

I went with two friends in May to see this exhibition, I was so excited the moment I heard about it, I wanted to attend, dates were arranged immediately so with this review I will be honest!

Recently I've been let down a lot by museums, just because you throw money at it doesn't mean it makes it better, for example Kenisington Palace. I'm really hoping the Imperial War Museum London does not let me down either. So here we go, the museum statement for the exhibition is:-

"The exhibition will highlight the histories of the dresses, revealing fascinating details about the lives of the wearers and offering an intimate insight into their circumstances and fashion choices."

Myself I do not feel this is the case for this exhibition. The exhibition is on two floors, the bottom being based on how tradition of wedding dresses started. With the first dress you see being from 1775, the bottom floor discusses in detail, with plenty of detail on the weddings, I particularly liked the detail for the 1933 wedding dress worn by socialite Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll, as well as having her unique wedding dress, you get to see newspaper clippings as well as the news reel footage of her leaving the church. 

  There is also video footage of all the Royal Weddings that were captured, which is a nice sit down and watch what is interesting is you see clips of Lady Dianna Spencer's wedding to Prince Charles but no footage of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to Prince Charles, which to me is a huge faux pas, considering her wedding dress is on display in the upstairs section!

Right next to the film footage there is a small section of shoes and accessories on display, but you can easily miss them if your not looking.

Upstairs is more of a based on the Haute Couture wedding dresses. Which yes is nice and important, while being fascinating. There are also some celebrity wedding dresses and socialites on display, which makes you feel they clearly had far to much money, but taste is so individual, but what I felt through the upstairs sections is a real lack of connection!

While I do love looking at clothing and appreciating their design, I just feel like questioning the lack of personality in the upstairs, I love my wedding dress and I can tell you why I chose it, how it makes me feel, on top of the memory the first time my mum saw it. I would have liked to see more of that! 

It is a nice display lay out, some beautiful dresses, but what surprised me the most is that all these dresses are designer dresses, but not one designer has sponsored this exhibition, it's sponsored by Kuoni, Monsoon and Waterford. Where is Vera Wang? Ian Stuart? I also would have secretly liked to see a Gypsy wedding dress, simple because now a days they are everywhere!

The exhibition does come with a book, which you can buy for £30.00, but I did not buy it because I guess I didn't not really care for the exhibition.

My thoughts are it is a nice exhibition, but it's not something I would shout to all my friends to see. I guess you could say the V&A Hollywood exhibition has spotlit me!

Hope You Enjoyed The Read!

Bye

xxx



 

Top 15 Weddings in Film's

Hello There,

I've been in a rom-com mood recently and it got me thinking of my favorite films with weddings in them, which naturally resulted in a list! So here we go..........

15:- The Muppet's Take Manhattan (1984, Directed: Frank Oz)

What's not to love about any of the Muppet's film!?  Now from goggling I have learnt that this is not Miss Piggy's and Kermit's only wedding, there have been many more, but whether this was for the Broadway show finale or for real...who care's the song is really annoying and catchy.....it's sooooo 1980's.

Oh and before I forget " Somebody is getting marrriieeeeeeddddd today!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFw4L7-AFdw

Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

14:- The Twlight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011, Directed: Bill Condon)

I know the Twlight Saga written by Stephine Meyer was not for everyone, I am a fan and I think if your not bear with me for this.

Even if your not a fan you can not discredit the beauty of the wedding and the dress is beautiful designed by Carolina Herrera, it helped to bring back the classic look of the 30's.

And the song they (Edward and Bella) were married to is one of my favorite songs and a high contender for our (mine and Mike's) first dance.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00

Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Courtesy of  Summit Entertainment

13:- The Time Traveler's Wife (2009, Directed: Robert Schwentke)

This is one of the most beautiful films out there in the romantic film section, written by Audrey Niffenegger, it is such a sad film and if you haven't seen it, watch it.

The wedding between Clare and Henry is only a small few minute section of the film, but it is the key points such as love, marriage and babies that makes the feeling of lost so intense.

The wedding is a typical wedding, the groom travel's and his older self is who she is marries, with the current self arriving in time for the party. Complicated huh, but I think the moment that grabs me the most is when they are jumping on the bed and he travel's and Clare is left holding his wedding ring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5tpW_UlwFU

Courtesy of New Line Cinerma

12:- Pride and Predijuice (1995, Directed: Simon Langton)

I am fully aware that this is actually a BBC TV Series, but I personally find that all the film versions are pants and this is the best version.

I do not think I need to describe much about Jane Austen's novel. Other than Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett......you felt the emotion they could not display

Courtesy of BBC

11:- Sense and Sensibility (1995, Directed: Ang Lee)

This is one of the best adaptions I believe, and lets face it us Brit's love to adapt Jane's books at least once every 5 years, her and Dickins obviously on the same par.

But while people love Pride and Prejudice I've got to admit S&S is my favorite, its such a humble story and even made me consider Alan Rickman as a worthy love interest! And yet again well done Jane, end on a double wedding!

Brilliant Cast too and it helps I've seen these costumes in person. Bravo Emma Thompson and your genius casting!

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures Corportation

10:- Bridesmaids (2011, Directed: Paul Feig)

This film has truly become the ultimate Wedding Film!

I've got to admit I like the humor of this wedding and it makes think this is WHY i'm in charge, laser show for saying I Do and i'm sorry to disappoint no puppies as my bridal shower favors.

The wedding dress is the best moment, someone needs to trade mark the name Lady St. Petsois JuJu. It does sound like a drag queen name hahaha.

Just full of laughs!

To quote Lilian "To my bridesmaids....this is such a stone cold pack of weridos and i'm so proud."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOK7ijzywgs
 

Courtesy of Universal Pictures



9:- Gone with Wind (1939, Directed: Victor Fleming, George Cukor and Sam Wood) 

This classic movie from Margaret Mitchell, telling the tale of a woman from the south during the cival war and after........Scarlet O'Hara is one of my all time favorite characters, and my gosh she gets married 3 times and the amount of quotes about weddings, what to pick!

I'm saddened that there was never any scenes of her's and Rhet's weddings, but tomorrow is another day!

The only wedding you see is Scarlet foolishly marrying Melanie Hamlton's brother Charles, in a quick thought as war is declared.....was it an act of I will make Ashley jealous, either way her first wedding was plain, she wore her mother's wedding dress and to make it worst, married the day after Melanie's. 

The casting is brilliant and Olivia de Havilland does make a wonderful job in making Melanie so annoying you side sometimes with Scarlet! But all credit to Vivien Leigh, she proved getting Scarlet was not a joke, especially as every know actress auditioned for the role. Buy the Blu-ray and watch the extras!

But as much as I ADORE this film, my fiancee basically begged for the past 3 hours of his life back....you either love it or hate it, but one of the best quotes from the movie

Rhet: "Did you ever think of marrying just for fun?
Scarlet: "Marriage, fun? Fiddle-dee-dee. Fun for men you mean"

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

8:- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002, Directed: Joel Zwick)

This films fills my heart with happiness that my family are sane! They do deeply love each other but poor Toula, she had no say in that day! 

It is a wonderful comedy film, that shows how bad some families can be, but all with good intentions!

Toula: "Nice Greek girls are supposed to do three things in life: Marry Greek boys, make Greek babies and feed everyone.....until the day we die!"

Courtesy of Gold Circle Films 

7:- Muriel's Wedding (1994, Directed: PJ Hogan)

My, My..........this as introduced by my dad was the original version of Mamma Mia, just set in the 90's, in Australia, with a socially awkward girl, who loves ABBA, listens to ABBA every minute of the day, has no friends, job, boyfriend and gets married for money.

Interesting yes! But it beat Mamma Mia of the list because I saw this first.

Courtesy of CiBy 20007

 6:- Father of the Bride (1950/1991, Directed: Vincente Minnelli/Charle Shyer)

Both these films make it in the list because they show the wedding from the father's point of view and after watching it recently, I cried my eyes out thinking will my dad be thinking "...Does this woman, this Woman????" will he being seeing me stood at that alter and only seeing me when I was little?

But what makes the 90's version better is the added bonus of Franck Eggelhoffer. At least my dad will never hear the word 250 per head!

Courtesy of MGM

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

5:- 3 Men and a Little Lady (1990, Directed: Emile Ardolino)

The sequel to 3 Men and a baby, shows more of the story of 5 year old Mary and her mother getting married to horrid Edward. Luckily Peter Saves the day, while the amazing Jack pretends to be a vicar.

 The rumor mill is in over drive since IMBD put Three Men and a Bride in the In Development stage. I am soooo excited about this I just hope they cast someone good for the role of Mary!

And the finally score, Shooting Star!

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

4:- The Young Victoria (2009, Directed: Jean-Marc Vallee)

This wonderful, visual film, shows the rise to the throne of Queen Victoria and her marriage to Albert.

It is a wonderful cast, with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend displaying a touching insight to possible one of the greatest real love stories.

With Queen Victoria marrying on the 10th February 1840, she married her sole mate and mourned his death every day until her own.

The film did a perfect job in recreating her wedding dress, which is on display in Kensington Palace.

Courtesy of GK Films

3:- The Princess Bride (1987, Directed: Rob Reiner)

I guess you could call this film a bit of a cult classic, but it is a classic.

The cast is amazing, the story is amazing, the book is amazing by William Goldman, what's not to love....it was a favorite of mine and my brother, who was a Fred Savage look a like in his youth.

To top it off Peter Cook as The Impressive Clergyman saying marriage!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbqv3MwwVd8

2:- Marie Antoinette (2006, Directed: Sofia Coppola)

Now....this film was based on pretty big book that I love by Lady Antionia Fraser, Sofia Coppola, did create a visual spectacle film, with a genius cast but she did not half butcher the history. She edited and created history here! I think she got a bit carried away.......but if you pretend that this is not based on anything historical it's a great film! 

I am a huge Marie Antoinette fan and I just wish someone would do a film about her life justice!

For some historical facts, Sofia attempted to portray, Marie Antoinette did marry the Dauphin Louis on the 16th May 1770, but was only just getting used to being known as the French Marie Antoinette unlike her Austrian name Marie Antonia. It is said due to this, she went to sign her name in the Austrian way on the marriage license and that is why her hand writing is so poor and made a beautiful mess. Myself I think she was a nervous 13 year old girl who had the eyes of the world watching her.

Never the less I do enjoy this film, and every time I watch it I end up reading the book, which I now need to desperately replace as it's falling apart!

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures Corporation


1:- The Little Mermaid (1989, Directed: Ron Clements and Jon Musker)

Yeah you must have known it was coming, this was my first Disney film and I truly intending on making a career in becoming a mermaid I just do not like water on my face or the sea so that's ruled that out.

Other than it being the MOST AMAZING MOVIE EVER!

You can not fault one part of it.

The end scene for me just bring out the tissues!

The conversation

Sebastian: Like I always say, Your Majesty, "children have got to be free to lead their own lives."

Triton: *You* always say that, Sebastian?

Sebastian: [nervous] Tee-hee.

Triton: Well... I guess there's one problem left.

Sebastian: And what's that, Your Majesty?

Triton: How much I'm going to miss her.

Then he gives her legs.....then when she leans over the boat and say's " I love you daddy"....writing it, is making me well up!

Disney Girl still living strong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ktbt5S9pYo

Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

What do you think? Do you agree?

Hopefully next time I blog I will be a home owner, so I will discuss that, maybe....we'll see where the wind will take me. I hope you like

Bye 

xxxxx

A Romantic Weekend Away And A Visit To My Third Love

This weekend I was whisked away by my lovely Mike to celebrate our 3rd Anniversary of being engaged! Normally we do not celebrate on a grand scale, I think last year we treated ourselves to some Steak and a bottle of Bubbly, most likely something that was on offer lol, but Mike decided we deserved one last treat and we might not get the chance next year. We also wanted to take the chance to spend some us time, as we've finding its really important to take the time just being us, together not worrying about others! All be it we spent most of the weekend discussing weddings and house, but we did it in 4* luxury in a very relaxing Jacuzzi. 

We came to be excited that were not on the final stretch of saying the wedding is 14 months away and soon will be say 1 YEAR!

While on our little trip to Derbyshire Dales, we visited a few places, enjoyed a few drinks but the highlight was visiting my third love, next to Mike and History.

CHATSWORTH HOUSE (www.chatsworth.org)

Before any judgement I visit this property nearly every year, generally around my birthday. Visiting this place reminds me, why I LOVE history so much (my second love) there is just an atmosphere around this place, something so familiar but it is such a beautiful place that is always changing.

While contemplating my happiness while walking around the property, I had to think of the once unhappy bride of this property, who has her very own new wing and you are unable to miss her presence, the famous Lady Georgiana Spencer aka Georgiana Cavendish Duchess of Devenshire. 

G, as she was nicknamed married William Cavendish the 6th Duke of Devenshire on the 7th June 1774, on her 17th birthday, believing that she was marrying for a love match, and the duke wanted her as his bride for love not for the Heir and the Spare. But she was put in a situation that was common for the ladies of the court, and indeed her dearest friend also felt this pain. No not Lady Elizabeth (Bess) Forster but a lady in a different country who managed to make a wonderful friendship and help aid each other threw the pains of their marriage. This lady would be the last Queen of France and Navarre, Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna of Austria or commonly known Marie Antoinette, married King Louis XVI, then the Dauphin of France on the 16th May 1770, at the very young age of 15.

G, Painted by Gainsborough

Maria Antonia aged 13 by Martin van Meytens

Both marriages ended in companionship but it took these great ladies a long time to find a way to love their husbands, who they married as part of a game played by the adults of court. historyandotherthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/, writes a fascinating piece on "What Did Marie Antoinette And Georgiana Duchess of Devenshire Have In Common?

But I find when looking back in the past, yes these ladies were lucky to be privileged, but in their rank they never knew the joy of marriage for love or knowing their husbands inside and out before committing to them.

Its is wonderful be reminded I might admire houses such as Chatsworth, but never own, yet I am lucky to be with a man who adores me and will not be worried if I have a boy to continue his name but will love bringing life into the world with me.