Fashion in Motion: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
On Friday 21 June, the brand will take over the museum's Raphael Gallery to showcase current and archival pieces through four free-to-attend catwalk shows.
In honour of this special, spiritual date the pieces will be themed around floral motifs and pagan references, and the celebration of light, nature and growth that the summer solstice represents.
Designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi founded their label in 1996 as a small boutique in Notting Hill, from which it has grown to become one of the highlights of the London Fashion Week schedule.
Preen is regarded as a brand that celebrates creativity yes, but understands the way real women want to dress. When it comes to famous fans of the brand, Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Cambridge are in good company with Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé and Rihanna.
The Preen empire has now expanded to include childrenswear and homeware, while Studio by Preen, a collaboration with Debenhams, brings the Preen brand of off-kilter cool to the high street.
There's a deconstructed, art school sensibility to the collections (the pair, now married, first met on an art foundation course on their native Isle of Man) as well as the way they are brought to life for the catwalk: creative make-up - smudged red pouts, flower-bedecked faces, glitter-strewn complexions - is a long-term collaboration with the legendary Val Garland.
The references for each collection are a mash-up of retro music, literature and the mystical world, with Victoriana often providing the thread that binds.
Of the announcement, Justin and Thea said: 'As a west London based brand, having the V&A on our doorstep is such a blessing - the museum has always been an endless source of inspiration for our designs. First stop on a visit is always the Ceramics Galleries for the amazing collection of decorated porcelain.'
'Elements of Victorian culture and costume seep into our collections and the floral motifs of the arts and crafts movement often form the basis of our signature prints. We feel honoured to show our work in an institution that has been so formative to Preen’s brand DNA.'
The V&A's Fashion in Motion series provides an unparalleled opportunity for the general public to attend free catwalk shows by leading designers. Previous designers have included Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, Grace Wales Bonner and Molly Goddard.
There will be four Fashion in Motion catwalk shows held throughout the day on 21 June, admission is free but tickets are limited so advance booking is essential. Click here to secure your ticket now.
