V & A

Yesterday I visited the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, London (the world largest museum of decorative arts and design). When walking up to the building the aesthetics took my breath away. The architectural style is Victorian, it was founded in the 1899. As you step inside the building it opens up to you, from the main hall, the vocal point to over-reaching staircases leading to different eras, cultures and artistic disciplines; such as ceramics, glass, textiles, ironwork, furniture, sculpture, printmaking, drawing the photography. 

The V & A was in complete contrast to that of the Museum of Modern Art, it felt regal, with it's marble floors, red brick walls, English oak wall panelling and hand-painted ceilings. However after recent development holds a modern twist. For instance this glass sculpture located in the lobby.

For viewing art, the V & A had a real flow to it. You are not walking into big empty rooms with only the sounds of peoples footsteps to accompany you. The art is displayed in winding hallways, holding your interest whilst walking through this visual labyrinth. 

Whilst there I attended the Fashion V Sport exhibition which explored the relationship between contemporary fashion and global sportswear brands, looking at how the two industries have both inspired and collaborated with each other in recent years. 

I have never been someone who takes a keen interest into, "who's this years designer" or what is the "main colour everyone should be wearing". To be honest, this exhibitions opened my eyes a little. I realised that fashion is not necessarily what will sell in every Topman and appeal to the mainstream.  It is more expressing yourself through the use of materials and colour. It is completely about what you believe looks unique and exciting, other peoples opinions are not particularly relevant. You design for you, no-one else.  

As well as the clothes on display there was a video playing which held my attention. It was about trainer customising. The guys involved  weren't working for large sportswear companies but working in their bedrooms and workshops at home. It isn't a job to them, it's their passion. They love what they do. Creating something unique which has an impact on someone is what all of us as designers want to achieve. That hunger was inspirational.