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

Wilton’s is being transformed into a Christmas themed Victorian Music
Hall including mulled wine and roasting chestnuts. Join us for these
performances that promise dramatic interludes from Dickens and Mayhew,
wandering minstrels and a Music Hall sing-a-long. Known as the City’s
‘hidden stage’, you will be able to enjoy the taste of a truly
Victorian Christmas in the unique setting of London’s oldest and
finest music hall.  An evening of music, drama, variety, mulled wine,
horse chestnuts, laughter and tears: wallow in the Yuletide spirit in
the unique style of the era that invented the modern Christmas. Live
jazz will be in the bar afterwards and delicious festive food
available from 6pm. Arts and crafts activities and competitions will
be throughout the bar for your added enjoyment.

Wilton’s Vintage Christmas

Mon 6th until Sat 18th Dec
Starts 7:30pm, Monday 6th preview night tickets £20, all other tickets
£25, Wednesday 15th family night starts at 7pm and buy one adult
ticket get a child ticket free. There will be no show on Sunday 12th,
Thursday 16th and Friday 17th
Box Office: 0207 702 2789 or see www.wiltons.org.uk

Those with a predilection for royal grandeur would do well to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum‘s current exhibition of Qing Dynasty garments, “Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City.” Chronologically spanning the dynasty’s rule (1644-1911) and various genres of dress—from festive to military wear—the elaborate robes reflect Chinese ceremony, military tradition, and more, each piece tailored to represent social mores and constructed of gorgeously-printed textiles.

The exhibition runs through 27 February 2011, and tickets may be booked in advance by clicking here. Visit for the chance to get in touch with your inner emperor/empress.

Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
When: 7 December 2010 – 27 February 2011
Price: £3.00-5.00
www.vam.ac.uk

For those of you who cannot face the West End at this time of year, here’s your chance to get some of the holiday shopping done in the relative peace and quiet of Clerkenwell.

Atelier Millinery will be ‘popping-up’ in St John’s Square at Craft Central’s showcase away from the hustle and bustle of Central London Christmas shoppers!

There will be a great selection of headwear for men and women – including trapper hats and bowlers and also gifts and books that are perfect for fashionistas. Atelier Millinery gift vouchers are always a good gift choice too. Come and have a look for unique and elegant Christmas gift ideas!

14th – 18th December 2010