The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is always a high point in Mayfair’s social calendar, heralding the grand opening of a summer of city gallery hopping – flitting from space to space with champagne flute in hand, drinking in the best in contemporary art from all over the world. And when better to reacquaint yourself with London’s galleries than on Mayfair Art Weekend (29th June – 1st July)?
In partnership with the RA (Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD), galleries across Mayfair and St. James will be opening their doors and hosting a programme of exhibitions, events, talks and tours. So what to wear as you’re skipping from Annely Juda (23 Dering St, W1S 1AW) to Victoria Miro (14 St. George Street, W1S 1FE)?
This year Grayson Perry has coordinated the Summer Exhibition, bringing his trademark wry sense of humour and bold eye for colour to the curation of works on show. As a fashion plate, Perry is known for his outfits as alter ego Claire – all colourful, childlike and aggressively feminine. Even if your veer towards the more sober end of the style spectrum, you can certainly take a tip from Perry’s attitude to dressing: a healthy sense of mischief and a predilection for smock silhouettes will lighten the mood if you find yourself doing too much chin-stroking in front of abstract art. This Pompadur denim dress by British-Filipina designer Joana Almagro hints at artistic inclinations. Pick it up from Wolf & Badger ( formerly 32 Dover St, W1S 4NE- now Notting Hill).
The RA are calling this year’s Summer Exhibition the ‘biggest, brightest and most colourful’ one yet, so there’s no excuse not to incorporate sunnier shades into your day-to-day dressing. Over at Gina (119 Mount Street, W1K 3NL), fluoro colours are a focal point and ideal for the sizzling temperatures we’re forecast for July. These Lorna shoes in white and lime are a ‘pop-art statement’ and will look fabulous on tanned feet.
Anish Kapoor’s sculpture Symphony for a Beloved Daughteris dominating the courtyard at Burlington House. The British artist has used deep red and reflective, mirrored surfaces time and time again throughout his storied career, and incidentally both red and high shine silver have been strong on catwalks over the last few seasons. Make a nod to Kapoor’s hallmarks in this red Ralph Lauren bandana print linen shirt (1 New Bond St, W1S 3LU) or skip down Old Bond Street to Stella McCartney for her modern classic Eclypse Sneakers, this season in space-age silver (23 Old Bond St W1S 4PZ).
by Bella Gladman
