What: Vogue Festival
Where: 1 Kensington Gore London, SW7 2AR; April 20th-21st
The first ever Vogue Festival offers a rare insight into the industry, as attendees can observe conversations between Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman and top designers Tom Ford and Christopher Bailey. There's a question time with a panel of London Fashion Week talents including Christopher Kane and Roksanda Ilincic, as well as an 'Ask the models' Q&A session - feasturing Lily Cole (pictured), Natalia Vodianova and Jourdan Dunn. Tickets cost £75 for a session - which comprises a morning or afternoon worth of events.
What: Launch of H&M's Exclusive Glamour Collection
Where: 100 H&M stores worldwide and pieces online; April 12
Make a date with H&M to snap up their collection of red carpet-inspired dresses. What's more, the can't-believe-it's-high-street collection is made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and hemp as well as recycled polyester to showcase how diverse so-called 'green fashion' can be these days. Just be careful if you're off to a wedding, because you don't want to upstage the bride.
Dresses of the showstopping variety start from £60.
What: Twiggy for Marks & Spencer debut launch
Where: Launching exclusively online on April 12
Sixties model Twiggy, who has been modelling for M&S since 2005, has turned designer for the high street retailer with a 43-piece collection. Jackets of all varieties, sequinned, velvet, tweed, tuxedo form the foundation of the collection, while dresses with gathered waists will appeal to any tummy-conscious woman. The 62-year-old has been hands on with the design process from start to finish, as she's a skilled seamstress who makes her own clothes.
What: Christian Louboutin retrospective
Where: London Bridge Design Museum. May 1 - July 9
London's Design Museum hosts an exhibition detailing the story of the shoe designer's rise to the top of the glamorous footwear game, from his launch in 1991 to the present day, when he dresses the feet of everyone from Victoria Beckham to Lady Gaga.
What: Pick up Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman's debut novel
When: Released April 12, published by Fig Tree, £12.99
'Can We Still Be Friends?' tells the story of three twenty-something friends - journalist Salome, husband-and-baby-yearning Annie, and strong-willed Kendra - 'three different girls, with very different paths ahead'.
The book is full of '80s fashion and anecdotes - including just how intimating it was to walk in to a Joseph store some 25 years ago - and is bound to be an insightful read from Shulman's 20+ years in the industry.
What: Hermès Leather Forever exhibition
Where: 6 Burlington Gardens, London, W1; May 8 - 27
The iconic French brand will celebrate its 175th anniversary by showing in a space at the Royal Academy of Art's sister venue. The brand will exhibit four unique bags representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales that will be auctioned in aid of charity, alongside pieces commissioned by the Duke of Windsor as gifts for Wallis Simpson. The label's skilled artisans, who painstakingly craft the famous Birkin and Kelly bags by hand, will also be present at the exhibition.
What: Delve into the world's largest shoe cupboard
Where: Northampton Museum and Art gallery, from April 12.
Leading fashion designers seek inspiration from the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery's extensive collection of shoes, and its of little surprise considering Northamptonshire's footwear heritage. The museum is home to the largest collection of historical shoes in the world, and re-opens its doors after extensive remodernisation on April 12.
What: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche: Fashion Revolution by Pierre Berge
When: Released April 1, published by Abrams, £17.99
Delve into the history of one of the most significant fashion lines of the past 50 years, iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche line with Pierre Berge's hardback story. Find out why he made it, who it was for, why its first store was such a huge success, with this beautiful and informative look into the brand's legacy.
What: ASOS Salon launch
When: April 23 at asos.com
ASOS's second Salon collection launches this spring, featuring a selection of feminine dresses with a timeless appeal. Ornate embroidery, pastel lace, floral embellishment and elaborate cut-work are adorn a selectio of vintage silhouettes redefined for 2011. Perfect for all the summer weddings that are just around the corner.
What: Ballgowns and crowns at Harrods
Where: Harrods Knightsbridge, May 15 - June 15
In celebration of the V&A's spectacular exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Harrods is unveiling a dedicated pop-up ballgown boutique in its Brompton Road windows, displaying evening gowns created by leading names such as Marchesa, Erdem, Carolina Herrera, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Jenny Packham and Elie Saab.Those wishing to make a purchase from the special collection will be qhisked up to The Penthouse - Harrods' most exclusive personal shopping space - on the Fifth Floor for a one-to-one consultation.
(Daily Telegraph U.K.)
