To celebrate her 25th anniversary of design, Jenny Packham has put on a fashion show as part of the V&A museum’s ‘Fashion in Motion’ series! The aim of the series is to allow the general public to get nearer to couture and be able to see, close up, the detail and hard work that is put into every garment be that precise tailoring, detailed beading, or intricate embroidery.
Studying at Southampton Solent and graduating from Central Saint Martins with honours, Packham created her fashion label in 1988. Now she has an impressive list of celebrity clients, including Kate Middleton, Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet due to her beautiful, contemporary evening dresses. Her label is internationally recognised and now includes ready-to-wear collections, lingerie and accessories.
In 2011 she took the title of ‘Best British Bridal Designer’ and held on to it through 2012. She has also supplied numerous films with her creations (Sex and the City, Devil Wears Prada and James Bond to name a few) which led to her being voted ‘Hollywood Style Designer of the Year’.
The show contained some of her favourite creations from her previous collections which stood out strikingly against the backdrop of the Raphael Gallery of the V&A. The models wore basic, natural make up with their hair pulled back into a low, ironed-straight pony tail to give a simple classic look.
This allowed every dress to really stand out and shine under the spotlights whilst the models took to step in a silent rhythm.
The show was set to a medley of classical music that sounded angelic and added to the electric atmosphere of excited onlookers as the couture artwork glided past.
Each dress was greeted with gasps of delight as chiffon trains billowed behind the model’s fragile frames and the embellished bodices glittered enticingly. The styles ranged from short, shift style shapes, to large flowing maxi creations all worn with heeled Louboutins to finish off each look perfectly.
Words: Rebecca Jayne Wood
