MADEMOISELLE PRIVE - SAATCHI GALLERY

'Hello, welcome' said two rather burly, well dressed security guards.

We weaved and snaked through the beautifully flowered courtyard and joined the queue. 

The cover from the rain was minimal and we were silently (yeah right!) suffering in the London drizzle...

UNTIL.

the employees of the Saatchi began handing out big black umbrellas - we knew we were in good hands.

My favourite thing about the entire exhibition was this little lady...

I found this illustration so endearing and so instantly iconic.

For me, it succinctly epitomises the elegance and simplicity which is central to Chanel's timeless aesthetic.

This staircase really was gorgeous; it oozed wealth and opulence and had such a transportive quality. It didn't feel as though this was a mock up of the infamous steps, it felt so real, and that was what stole your breath a little.

I really enjoyed this adorable illustrated depiction of Chanel's Hat shop, it was so charming: I loved that it was in keeping with the illustration of Coco and how it still managed to retain an air of sophistication as well as being playful.

Another thing I also particularly enjoyed about this room was how the illustrated Coco was brought to life; she was climbing out of the hatboxes and walking along on the screen in front of us - we were watching a Chanel cartoon! - something I don't think anyone would've expected!

Unfortunately, I couldn't get my app to work, and the frustration tarnished my experience.

I understand the want to engage your visitors in a more interactive format, but, to me, a visit to a gallery or exhibition is a rare opportunity to not be on your phone: an opportunity to disconnect with technology and immerse yourself in a more thoughtful, tranquil medium.

I didn't want to be relying on my phone to aid my experience.

That being said, it was a clever and interesting idea, and I was very much enthralled when clips would appear on your phone that you couldn't see before your eyes.

I enjoyed walking through the exhibition and piecing together my knowledge of Chanel with the facts in front of me: I enjoyed having these little epiphanic moments.

I had to take a second look at this before I realised what it was; a bucket of discarded leather-threaded chain synonymous with one of 'those' quilted bags. 

I liked the hapless disregard for its importance.

This was a really interesting room, really quite an abstract concept and I commend Chanel for that. It actually felt like, to be quite frank, I was standing on the set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with these clam-like domes filled with vibrant, bubbling liquids. It was very futuristic and stylised, something I wouldn't have predicted. 

I liked the fact that the paragraph of information was enormous and slathered across the wall. This room gave you a lot to look at: it was visually busy, far removed from Chanel's straightforward, minimalist aesthetic.

This room literally was a breath - or an inhalation - of fresh air, you were hit by the scent of greenery as soon as you entered the open space. It was a severe contrast to the previous room and a revitalising, and aptly serene ending to the experience.

DIVERSITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

DIVERSITY, WHAT ARE YOU?

An assortment, a mixture, a variety.

An array, a range, a multiplicity.

Diversity is rich with difference.

CELINE - JOAN DIDION

JANUARY 2015

These women are iconic; skilled women who have honed their craft, noted contributors to the way we think, and feel. They are respected women who are original and authentic, wise and insightful, and most refreshingly, they seem to have remained untarnished by the need to iron out each and every line on their face with some kind of gelatinous fluid.

Women who have been honest, unsparing with their emotional generosity, and, at times, vulnerable with their work. 

Women who made other women 'feel.'

Humanitarians.

SAINT LAURENT - JONI MITCHELL

 JANUARY 2015

They aren't primped and polished, they aren't made up to perfection and perched on some expensive vehicle or in an exotic land: they are in a comfortable environment, they are comfortable with themselves and they are simply 'being' in front of the camera. 

These campaigns are endearing because they are real, because they are a little rough around the edges. Its visually clarified that these women have LIVED and aren't hiding it. 

They are truthful and authentic. 

These are among the women that young women should aspire to be.

- basically, Madonna they are not. 

(and thank god for that.)

SANG WOO FOR DIESEL

Sang Woo is a Korean-British model who has modelled for the likes of DKNY, Burberry and Dolce and Gabbana; he is manufacturing a new mould, a new look, a new vision. 

He is alien.

He is diverse.

Diesel are a brand that 'deal' with multiculturalism and inclusion well. Their campaigns are diverse, endearingly tongue in cheek, twee and commendably cynical.

WHAT IS IT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL?

 A professional has  S E L F  B E L I E F 

A professional is self-assured, and it is through this assurance they are able to take on responsibilities with vigour and commitment.

A professional is O P E N  M I N D E D 

A professional forgets all they think they know, and takes on board the ideas of others. They respect opinions, and are perceptive enough to understand and empathise.

A professional is P O L I T E 

A professional is kind with their words, coherent and pleasant. No job is too big and no complaints are made, they are thoughtful and a delight to be around.

A professional L I S T E N S 

A professional values the views of others and takes them into consideration. They are attentive and compliant, they know when to contribute and when to refrain.

A professional is N E V E R  L A T E 

A professional understands that: to be early is to be on time, and to be on time is to be late. They assess the journey ahead of time so as to allow themselves time to spare. They arrive early to exhibit enthusiasm.

LOUIS VUITTON : SERIES 3

After being greeted by some of the most immaculately dressed and impeccably presented women and men I've ever seen, we proceeded to make our way into the exhibition.