Dark sensuality, an opulent, mystery-cloaked setting, and visual cues from eras past influenced the photographs included in “Illusions of Grandeur,” an exhibition currently on display at London’s exclusive Blacks Private Member’s Club. Blacks also provided the backdrop for the photographs, which were conceived of as a narrative about aristocracy, secrets, and a challenging alternative to contemporary fashion photography.

The collaborative work of photographer Yiannis Katsaris and Creative Producer Kate Burton invites viewers to become a part of the story and experience the captivating beauty of Blacks’ historic space.

The exhibition runs from 2 November through 30 November from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and entry is strictly by appointment. Call 020 7287 3381 for more information.

Illusions of Grandeur
When: 2 November – 30 November 2010, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, strictly by appointment; call 020 7287 3381 for more information.
Where: Blacks Private Member’s Club, 67 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 4QH

Fashion illustrator (and Vintage Secret favorite) René Gruau is known for creating iconic images for Christian Dior during the mid-20th century. Gruau’s aesthetic lent itself to capturing the glamour and elegance that the House of Dior embodies to this very day—think fluid lines and quintessentially feminine imagery.

From 10 November 2010 through 9 January 2011, Somerset House will host a Gruau retrospective titled “Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty.” This is your chance to see Gruau’s creations up close, from his work with Dior Parfums to sketches for the house’s Haute Couture line.

During the program’s run, visitors can also attend one of many talks, Late Studios creative workshops, or a special documentary screening related to the exhibition. Visit the Somerset House website for full details about upcoming events. Vive le Gruau!

Dior Illustrated: René Gruau and the Line of Beauty

When: 10 November 2010 – 9 January 2011
Where: Somerset House, Embankment Galleries, Strand, City of London WC2R 1LA
Price: £6.00, £5.00 concessions, under 12s free

www.somersethouse.org.uk

Come and get showered with Studio 64’s very special brand of ‘fairy dust’ this Christmas at The Brickhouse as Studio 64 returns after a sell-out run in August.

Produced by and starring international burlesque sensation Agent Lynch, this show inspired by the legendary New York night club Studio 54 will play host to a heady-70s disco inspired rotating line up of cabaret guest stars including: Resident superstar aerialist Roxy Velvet, Burly-pole wonder Glory Pearl, Showgirl supreme Kitty Bang Bang, Hurly Burly star Laurie Hagen, Donald Choi Hula extraordinaire and resident Parisian boylesque superstar Brian Scott Bagely will return with his Christmas disco balls in full spin.

All this hosted by cabaret legend and disco chanteuse Kiki Kaboom. Expect, mirror ball snowflakes, white sparkling reindeer, and an explosive robotics finale. Disco definitely isn’t dead.

3 Course Dinner Including Entertainment £59.50

3 Course Lunch Including Entertainment and Glass of Bubbly £49.50

Show only £10

www.thebrickhouse.co.uk

www.agentlynch.co.uk

www.thebrickhouse.co.uk/london/events/discochristmas.asp