The Victoria and Albert Museum Hosts Its Lavish Summer Garden Party
The Victoria & Albert Museum Hosts its Lavish Summer Garden Party
It was a new beginning for London’s much-loved V&A Summer Party, with guests arriving through the impressive arches of Blavatnik Hall, designed by architect Amanda Levete. The new entrance made for a scenic start to the soiree, as the great and the good from our treasured city were greeted by handsomely dressed Harrods doormen who escorted us toward the magnificent John Madejski Garden within the museum.
Hosted by Nicholas Coleridge and Dr. Tristram Hunt, in partnership with Harrods, it was a party for “the many, not the few,” as a charming Coleridge told me when I stole him away for a brief chat. With 1,150 people in attendance, he thanked his committee, commenting on the success of the V&A at this time. Trustee Ben Elliot confirmed this, pointing out that the recent Frida Kahlo exhibition at the museum had already sold out. I was later to hear that Levete’s Sackler Courtyard was strongly tipped to win the Stirling Prize. A good time for the Victoria and Albert Museum indeed.
As ever, the evening brought together an eclectic bunch. I was delighted to see so many British designers: Mary Katrantzou arrived alongside a silver-sequined Sabine Getty in her design. There was Christopher Kane, Alice Temperley, Emilia Wickstead, and Charlotte Dellal. The princesses were out again, as was rock royalty Bianca Jagger looking very chic in a white trouser suit. Brooklyn Beckham, Gwendoline Christie, and Edward Enninful mingled around the pond, while Erin O’Connor and Laura Bailey added to the British glamour.
Luckily dinner wasn’t needed, as Harrods spoiled us with tuna sashimi, smoked salmon on rye, and caviar and new potatoes. We drank bespoke cocktails—Tea Garden Punches and Cucumber Coolers—while ice cream carts filled the garden if a raspberry ripple took your fancy.
It felt good to be British at this year’s V&A Summer Party. When I left to run for a train, it looked like guests were in no hurry to leave. People were just having a very good time, which is a credit to those behind the organization of the evening. I am looking forward to next year’s already.
