Gems and poses

The World of Cristobal Balenciaga

Les Docks in Paris. Till October 7

The exhibition pays tribute to the master of fashion and marks the fortieth anniversary of his death. More than 70 costumes and items of clothing sit alongside 40 haute couture coats and dresses designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga between 1937 and 1968. This exhibition contains the designer’s own creations as well as items from his personal collection (dating back to the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries).

The collection on view was donated to the museum in 1979, seven years after Balenciaga’s death, and is displayed in its entirety for the first time. The venue of the exhibition is as interesting as the collection itself. Since the Galliera museum is closed for renovations, the exhibition is taking place at the Docks-Cité de la mode et du design (Docks-Cité for fashion and design), located alongside the Seine.

L’art de la haute joaillerie

Nave at Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris. September 20 to February 10

French jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels is hosting a breathtaking retrospective of its haute joaillerie through the years. Over 400 pieces dating back to 1906 will go on display–in chronological order–in the show put together by acclaimed curator Jouin-Manku.

The jewels will be accompanied by archival documents and drawings that highlight the technical acumen handed down through generations of the maison’s artisans.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week - Spring Summer 2013

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. October 6 to 10

The 20th edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013 begins at Hall No. 18 in the capital’s Pragati Maidan in early October. The names of the participating designers are yet to be announced, but one believes the doyenne of Indian fashion and craft, Ritu Kumar, will do the finale.

Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese fashion

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Till October 8

Nothing could be more starkly beautiful. The show focuses on the creative and cultural growth of Japanese fashion over the last 30 years. The creations of iconic designers like Kenzo Takada, Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto are featured here.

Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. September 8 & 9

Held just before the start of the wedding season, this fine jewellery show acts as a doorway for jewellers looking to connect with the north Indian market. It is expected to attract 2,500-plus buyers from India and abroad. The participants include companies dealing in gems, studded jewellery, diamonds and other jewellery-related products.

Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs

Museum of Arts Décoratifs, Paris. Till September 16

Over a century separates Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs, but they’re virtually identical in their pursuit for perfection and the excellence of their creativity. This exhibition tells the stories of the two men, and highlights their contributions to the world of fashion. An analysis rather than a retrospective, this parallel Vuitton-Jacobs comparison provides new insight into the fashion system during its pivotal periods, beginning with its industrialization and ending with its globalization.

AVIBFW 2012

Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. September 12 to 17

The third edition of the Amby Valley Indian Bridal Fashion Week will see the participation of star designers like Tarun Tahiliani, J J Valaya, Pallavi Jaikishan, Ashima & Leena, Meera Muzaffar Ali, Narendra Ahmed and Rocky S, and will showcase the best of bridal couture design and trends for the upcoming season.