Going Out On The Town Couture Style- What to wear to London's hottest events this July.

By Coral Turner, Couture Designer

One of the many privileges of living in London is that it is a cultural hub for the arts with a wonderful offering of galleries, plays, music events and exhibits. The question becomes, which one to visit first?

Because the options are so diverse and so many, I decided to provide a short list of my favourite events for the month of July, along with my recommendations in terms of fashion picks for each occasion. Here we go . . .

La Rondine, at the Royal Opera House. Who doesn’t love a love-triangle drama? Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Rondine relates the story of the beautiful Magda, who falls in love with the younger, handsome and naive Ruggero at the same time she remains indebted to her older lover, Rambaldo.

Russian Doll

You will have to get tickets to see what happens to Magda, but my Russian Doll dress is a ravishing choice for the event. The Russian Doll, set on a pale blue background, features deep blue rose flowers that come to life with Russian dolls thrown into the mix, complemented by tiny flecks of gold jersey fabric for great stretch and structure. The dress has a high neck with scarf detail that can be tied as a pussy bow or left free as a scarf. Hand-finished edging and glass turquoise beads add the finishing touch to the scarf detail. A high thigh slit gives the Russian Doll high-fashion appeal. Add a fabulous pair of shoes and matching handbag, and you will surely be a stunner at the event. Further, no one else will be wearing it––the Russian Doll is a one-of-a-kind, exclusive couture dress from my online store!

La Rondine is playing until July 21.

Eastern Promise

A Season in the Congo, at the Young Vic. This play is about the Congo’s 1960 rebellion against Belgian rule. Award-winning director Joseph Wright (Anna Karenina, Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) directs this electrifying and critically acclaimed musical. According to The Guardian, “Joe Wright is the hottest property in Hollywood” and “[o]ne of the best British actors of his generation. . . . Chiwetel Ejiofor has the acting world at his mercy.” This is a must-see!

The high drama of this musical calls for a dress with a significant daring factor.  The Eastern Promise fits the bill. This jersey mini-dress is sleek, bold and sexy. For a more demure look, it combines swimmingly with a great pair of my cigarette pants as a tunic blouse. This mini-dress is an elegant mix of bold colours––lime green, sky blue and yellow––set on a white background with a distinctive detail fitted with mock snakeskin basque, metal eyelets and a suede ribbon tie front that cinches at your waistline. The shrug’s billowing kimono sleeves add dynamism to the dress, and the tapered, lined skirt provides additional support.

Again, the Eastern Promise is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind dress perfect for you and this fantastic play.

Floral Infusion

Mexico: A Revolution in Art, at the Royal Academy of Arts. Mexico underwent significant political changes from 1910 to 1920, which have been reflected in the country’s art. The Royal Academy is currently hosting an exhibit of this period’s art, including pieces from the famed Diego Rivera. A visit to the exhibit would make for a great afternoon outing that could only be followed by a fabulous dinner.

This type of occasion requires a dress that is both glamorous and sophisticated—the Floral Infusion certainly fits this description. The Floral Infusion, designed of floral greens that create the illusion of camouflage, features a drop shoulder and stand collar. It sensually skims the body in all the right places; the skirt falls just above the knee to reveal a peek of legs, which are quickly hidden again by a waterfall hem detail.

Combined with a great pair of strappy, neutral heels, the Floral Infusion is a sure bet. Mexico: A Revolution in Art is on until September 29.

Happiness

Club to Cat Walk: London Fashion in the 1980’s at the Victoria and Albert Museum. I’m sure a fashion exhibition on the list comes as a surprise! This great exhibition pays homage to the 1980s in all aspects from big shoulder pads to leotards. The Guardian describes it as “a period of creativity, eccentricity and outlandish looks.” Club to Cat Walk is a fun exhibit and––for some us––a trip down memory lane.

So what’s the best pick to wear to such an exhibit? Happiness!

This dress, featuring an abstract jersey print of flowers set on a white background, just exudes the feeling that inspires its name. Beautiful to the touch, it has a hand-finished fitted V-neck that makes statement jewelry come alive. The white background emanates sheerness, but the basque and sexy tapered skirt is lined, for an uber chic look. The illusion doesn’t stop there––more drama is created with Kimono-style shrug sleeves.

This one-of-a-kind dress is sure to please any ’80s-inspired fashionista and is ideal for an evening visit to the exhibit followed by a late-night dinner at a favourite restaurant.

Well, there you have it—my short list of fun events and great couture designs to complement an afternoon or evening out.

Handwoven silk scarves

And don't forget to add one of my handwoven silk scarves to compliment any of your style pics.

As always, I would be thrilled to meet with you and design and create a one-of-a-kind couture garment for any occasion you may have on your calendar.