The exhibition contains couture gowns worn by icons through the ages, donated by designers and wearers alike, so, excitedly I went up to South Ken with my sketchbook and pencils...
...Only to be told off for trying to draw!!
I know most people don't really draw at exhibitions, but fashion students (especially at A level and up) are used to overcoming the embarrassment of sitting on the floor and attempting to draw, despite the odd comment from a growing audience (good or bad!) - it's a necessity for first hand research.
While being told off, I was "advised" to buy the book, which I stupidly did, only to be greeted with dark, dingy photos, no closeups of embellishment or a great deal of writing. In fact more than half the collection was missing!
Usually I am a huge supporter of the V&A, however, this visit has slightly put me off it. I thought they were based around education but I was disappointed with the treatment I got and the fact that they saw buying a book a better alternative to drawing from the real thing.
Either let me draw at the exhibition which I had to pay to get into, or provide a good book to draw from!!
I should definitely say though, that regardless of my mini rant, the exhibition itself is stunning - I hope I haven't put anyone off actually going, because it is worth seeing!
