So what is luxury exactly? Comfort, craftsmanship, elegance, time to relax? A V&A and Crafts Council exhibition aimed to answer this question. We went along to the press preview, heading past the huge queues for the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition, of which more later.
What is Luxury? V&A Exhibition
Entering the exhibition, the first thing you noticed was the darkness. All the rooms have black walls, which really made you focus on the objects on display.
Sponsored by Northacre, the luxury residential developers, there are over 100 items to feast your eyes on. The first room focused on craftsmanship and design, with some fascinating pieces such as this laser cut voltage dress by fashion designer Iris van Herpen.
We particularly admired the Fragile Future concrete chandelier by Studio Drift, featuring LED lights connected to light-emitting dandelions. The exhibition was split into themes such as “Non Essentials” and “Opulence”. Studio Job’s Swarovski crystal covered monkey certainly lived up to that theme.
It was displayed alongside a gold Portugese ecclesiastical crown from circa 1750, encrusted with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. There were quite a few futuristic pieces on display, including Hair Highway by Studio Swine. They had cleverly set human hair in resin to create this stunning console and stool.
Although these objects are reminiscent of luxurious materials such as tortoiseshell and horn, they are actually made from one of the few natural resources which increases along with the world’s population.
It’s a very thought-provoking exhibition that aims to take the visitors on a journey, prompting them to consider what luxury means for them.
UPDATE: the Savage Beauty exhibition was absolutely breathtaking! The clothes themselves are stunning, and the craftsmanship is incredible. As for the rooms themselves, the design is amazing. Even the music fits perfectly, especially the haunting refrain featured in the Kate Moss video.
Don’t forget to admire the stunning Dale Chihuly hand glass-blown chandelier on your way out.
We can’t wait to return to see the other fascinating exhibitions like the upcoming Shoes: Pleasure and Pain!
Visiting the V&A
The exhibition What is Luxury runs from 25 April to 27 September 2015 in the Porter Gallery at the V&A. Open daily from 10.00 to 17.45 and until 22.00 on Fridays. Make sure to visit the new Shoes: Pleasure and Pain exhibition whilst you are there.
V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
So tell us, what is your luxury?
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Woah! Check that chandelier out, it looks amazing. I need to book myself some time to check this and the McQueen exhibition out now.
I’m a huge fan of Dale Chihuly, the Halcyon Gallery feature his glasswork quite a lot too. About time I got round to seeing Savage Beauty!
I remember when they put in his work in Berkeley Square Gardens. Thats a alot of blowing!
Yes it had quite a modern slant that I wasn’t expecting
I agree that luxury should be all about quality and design. I can’t wait to visit the Alexander McQueen exhibition
Thanks Paola, it was lovely to be able to take photos as you can’t in most of the V&A exhibitions
This looks like a great exhibition I love the Dale Chihuly hand glass-blown chandelier breathtaking. Would be great to catch up coffee? Lunch soon Lucy x
They did come up with some good concepts about luxury, and it was a pleasure to mention your review – really enjoyed reading it!
It’s such a beautiful museum, you could spend all day wandering around it!
Thanks Melanie, do visit it if you get a chance!
That’s very kind Sarah, and it was a fascinating exhibition
They were quite inventive with the pieces that they had on display, some really futuristic items!
I adore the V&A museum! That hand blown glass chandelier leaves me speechless every single time!
Ooh I love your luxury, that’s a great one! Agreed, the mirror console is amazing
It’s one of my favourite London museums, I went back today to see Savage Beauty!
The crown is amazing isn’t it!
so what do you think luxury is?
For me it’s all about craftsmanship and passion
Love how the exhibit tried to define what luxury is – opulent and non-essential would definitely be one of the words to define luxury but its all subjective and these days its harder to define and just pin it down to one word as its all in the details. I don’t even have one word (or two!) to define what my luxury is! 😉
Interesting, as I think some luxuries could almost be essential – like taking time to do things properly. I agree it’s a tough one to define!
There were some beautiful pieces!
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