Lulabelle: Legacy of a Legend exhibition.

Hello there!

On Monday I had the opportunity to visit the London design centre with Rosie to see an amazing exhibition about Marilyn Monroe, her life and most importantly- her dresses!

I have been a fan of the 'golden era' of Hollywood for a long time, I remember watching the Saturday matinee on TV when I was younger with my Mum just completely captivated by the glamour and fantasy of the screen. There was a short period of time where I wanted to be an actress but once I got older I found that I had more joy in creating the look rather than acting the part.

Marilyn Monroe holds a special place in my heart, watching her as a child I found her funny and beautiful, as I got older I noticed how funny and talented she actually was and as an adult I find her story heartbreaking and incredibly empathic.

The exhibition was an extraordinary collection of items. There were some of her beautiful costumes, shoes, bags and accessories. When we were looking we became transfixed by one of her lipsticks, we must have stared at it for a good 5 minutes. The shade was 'batchelors carnation' by Revlon. The idea that she used it on her lips, that she may have talked about it, recommended it and discussed it with Alan 'whitey' Snyder (her make-up artist) about what outfit it would be pared with, when it would be used and to what effect it would give was one of the surrealist moments of my life.

Before the Photographs, I just want to write about something I wasn't expecting from the exhibition. A large assembly of letters, cheque books, handwritten notes and paintings written and painted by her. A lot of them were extremely touching, pensive and truly sad. I feel for her.

When I was younger I'd hear people call her inspirational and I couldn't work out why. Now I know, she was smart, funny, beautiful, feeling and above all,

human.

I hope you enjoy these pictures but if you have the chance to go then I urge you to.

I also have a vlog of the day up on my channel on Youtube (@Lulabellemua), which you can find just here.

Here's the deets.

It runs until 20th June 2016 so not long left.

the DCCH opend 9.30-5.30 Monday- Friday

The centre is closed Saturday,Sunday and Bank Holidays

The Exhibition is free

The nearest station is Imperial warf, It took a bit of time to get to so make sure you work that into your time.

Here's the address:

Design Centre

Chelsea Harbour