London Days: Hyde Park Walks and the Schiaparelli Exhibition at the V&A
London always has so much to offer, no matter your interests. I’ve found plenty to keep me busy these last few days, from serene strolls in Hyde Park to surrealism and sequins at the Schiaparelli exhibition at the V&A. And visits with my London friends, of course! Today’s post will be photo-heavy, as I love taking you along when I travel.
Getting Outside: Walking Off Jet Lag in Hyde Park
I’ve definitely been getting my steps in since my arrival! One of my tried-and-true ways to minimize jet lag is to get outside and MOVE as much as possible. Hyde Park is a favorite spot to walk and recharge. It’s beautiful any time of year, but I really love early spring, when it feels like everything is waking up.
A Neighborhood Wander (and a Hidden Gem or Two)
I’ve also spent a few thousand steps getting re-acquainted with the neighborhood…
Michelin House is one of my favorite buildings in London. It was originally built in 1910-11, at the end of the Art Nouveau period and beginning of Art Deco. It’s now a multi-use building, with retail, dining, and office space.
Sweet Stop: Cedric Grolet’s Incredible Desserts
My London friend Tarra Rosenbaum introduced me to the exquisite desserts at Cedric Grolet. That “pear” is actually a thin candy shell filled with a caramel ganache and bits of poached pear. Out of this world!
Schiaparelli at the V&A: Surrealism, Sequins, and Audible Gasps
And I arranged a meet up to with Annie to see the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition at the V&A Museum.
I’ve SO been looking forward to seeing this exhibition. The V&A Museum never disappoints! (If you’re planning to visit London between now and November 8, it’s worth trying to book a spot now.)
Elsa Schiaparelli: A Brief Introduction
Her work was influenced by Paul Poiret and the Surrealist and Dada art movements of the 1920’s and 30’s. She started off with knitwear and sportswear and eventually began designing unique — and sometimes shocking for the time — couture.
The exhibition included both Schiaparelli’s original designs and designs from Daniel Roseberry, the current Creative Director at Maison Schiaparelli. (The original house closed in 1954, and was re-opened in 2014. He came on board in 2019.)
The exhibition is arranged in a series of small rooms, each not visible until you turn a blind corner and are suddenly confronted with astonishing beauty. I’ve never been at an exhibition where you hear so many audible gasps as people first get a glimpse of what’s around the corners.
Inspired by the Surrealists, Schiaparelli’s pieces were known for their witty details, like the acrobat buttons on these circus-inspired pieces. And look at that embroidery!
And I love the carrot, cabbage and rhubarb buttons on this velvet waistcoat.
Lobster & parsley motif by Salvador Dali.
Daniel Roseberry and the Modern Maison
I think the Daniel Roseberry’s designs stay true to the spirit of Schiaparelli…
…witty details included. (Take a look at the reflection on the right, with a stiletto heel detail peeking out of the back of the dress.)
Should You Go? (Yes.)
This is just a small sampling of the pieces on display. If you love fashion or just appreciate amazing craftsmanship (the embroidery! the beading! the details!) you won’t want to miss this exhibition!
What I Wore for a Museum Afternoon
So far, my travel wardrobe has been perfect for the weather. See what I packed HERE.
London, you never disappoint. Whether it’s a surrealist lobster on a couture gown or a “pear” that turns out to be pure caramel magic — this city always has a surprise up its sleeve. Have you seen the Schiaparelli show? I’d love to hear what you thought! And if you have a favorite London haunt — the more off-the-beaten-path the better — share it in the comments. I’m already planning my next visit. 😊 Next stop: Paris!
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Hi Susan. Where do you like to stay in London?
Laura
What a wonderful sneak peak into that exhibit! Thanks so much for taking your time to snap pics and share with us.
Audible gasps from me while looking at your post. Stunning photos! The detail was beyond. Thank you.
Wow – the Schiapparellli exhibit. Incredible, mind blown. What detail, imagination, and exceptional execution. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for sharing this gorgeous exhibit, Susan. Clothing was so beautiful, there was exquisite attention to detail, and incredible creativity in that time period. Schiaparelli was in a class of her own. I haven’t been in London for some years, but have visited the V and A. A treasure.
Karen
Thank you, Susan! I used to travel to London fairly frequently, and Hyde Park in the Spring is just so lovely — really a balm to the senses. I won’t see the show at the V&A, but thanks to you, we got an inside look at it. Not that I would ever have occasion to wear clothes like that, but wow! Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Are you going to the Fashion Textile Museum for the Collier Campbell show? I’ll be there in a few weeks: should be wonderful! And to the Queens exhibition? Love love London!
Thank you for mentioning the F & T museum- I have never been there and will check out this show when I’m there. Unfortunately, I will miss the Ozzie Clark show- would love to see that. I’m on the fence for the Queen’s show but will probably go- and also might visit her memorial garden which is being dedicated today.
Thank you Susan for sharing. I have always been a Francophile but more and more I appreciate Great Britain. Of course I want to visit France as always. Je suis toujours contente a Paris. I know your tour will be great!
Thanks for the virtual tour! The gardens and the fashion exhibit were both a delightful way to begin the work day with color and style, even on screen. That velvet vest with vegetable buttons was fantastic!
Love your photos – definitely make me want to travel more!
I love the V and A museum! The craftsmanship in the Schiaparelli display is astonishing! Thank you so much for sharing your photos with us–I could almost feel being in Hyde Park with you. Can’t wait to see your recap! Travel safe and take good care of yourself.
Wow! Thanks for sharing!
You may want to consider visiting the exhibition of our late Queen Elizabeth’s dresses, worn throughout her long reign, that has just opened in London.
Do you plan on attending the Theater? I would enjoy knowing which productions are the hot ticket these days and how pricey they are.
Current hot tickets include the wonderful Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Les Liaisons Dangereuses at The National Theatre, and long running but still fabulous Operation Mincemeat at The Fortune Theatre. If you like star power, Rosamund Pike reprises her role in Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre and in a few weeks, Jesus Christ Superstar promises to continue The Palladium’s run of summer hits.
For most of them you can get very good seats for £70-£100 but they start as low as £15 if you don’t suffer from vertigo.
Hi Susan,
Wonderful pictures thank you for sharing. That pear wow!!! I like going to the Sir John Soane’s museum (book a tour) and then I walk to The Black Penny coffee shop in Covent garden for breckfast/lunch. Last year when I was over in london visiting family I went on a backstage Royal Covent Opera tour which was so amazing. Afterwards treat yourself to a drink in the bar up top in the same building overlooking Covent garden. Have a fabulous time in Paris!
Love the photos!! Thank you for sharing! So inspiring, and the next best thing to being there. 😊
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. Fabulous!
Hi Susan!
My husband and I are here to visit family and we saw the Schiaparelli exhibit with my eldest cousin and her husband today! WOW! Each portion of the exhibit was better than the last: truly works of art. We had tapas and drinks at a little restaurant nearby. Spending another day in London before heading to York, then over to Normandy and Paris. Sorry I missed you as I do enjoy your blog. Got a sweater from Sezane that you recommended! Enjoy your trip!
I fell in love with Fortnum and Masons and Floris when I was working in London during the late 1970s. Plus, the Ritz hotel. I still love my favourite two shops, even though I don’t love London as I once did. Ironically though, I was never bowled over by Paris, but on my last visit (and it was my 6th), I fell in love with the city. Hoping your tour group goes really well – am sure it will with you helping to run the show
That “pear” you are with Tara…totally my kind of dessert.
Beautiful exhibition.
Greetje
Lovely post! I was recently in London and Paris and stayed at
a small hotel chain 6-8 blocks from Hyde Park, and mid priced:
Inhabit hotels. Lovely calming Scandi vibe, breakfast room with excellent
breakfasts (leans towards vegetarian), comfortable rooms. Some rooms small but well laid out, some larger. Quiet, with double paned windows. Paris was more of a splurge with 2 friends: Hotel L’ Lutece on the Isle Saint Louis. Excellent breakfast buffet, quiet well laid out rooms with double paned windows. Highly recommend both.
Walking and taking the bus in both cities, fantastic!
Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous pictures. The Michelin building is also one of my favourites in London. If you love Art Nouveau and Art Déco, you should also explore Brussels, in Belgium.
Wow! What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. Photos are gorgeous.
Thanks, Rebecca!