Over the last fortnight, London’s top galleries have been competing with one another to host the best party of the season. There was much buzz around the grand reopening of the National Portrait Gallery; the V&A pulled out all the stops with a special performance from the Sugababes; whilst the Royal Academy of Art and the National Gallery also hosted glitzy dos.
But, last night’s bash undoubtedly takes the trophy. It may have been grey overhead but the summer vibes were palpable at Tuesday evening’s Serpentine Summer Party. An infinitely more grand affair than last year’s, Hyde Park played host to the likes of Andrew Garfield, Bianca Jagger, Diane Kruger, Natasha Lyonne, Orlando Bloom, Anna Wintour, Venus Williams, Ruth Wilson, Minnie Driver and Nile Rogers — to name a few.
In keeping with annual tradition, London’s most treasured fashion designers were asked to pick their ‘crew’, each bringing with them stars dear to the brand. Priya Ahluwalia brought along Bridgerton’s Charithra Chandran, Top Boy’s Saffron Hocking, as well as Dominique Tipper and Sope Dirisu. David Koma was joined by Diane Kruger — who noted that her favourite thing about London is that ‘it doesn’t rain’ — whilst Erdem was joined by Ruth Wilson, and emerging designer Chet Lo was joined by ES Magazine columnist Susie Lau and singer Tsunaina.
Hosted by Michael R. Bloomberg, Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist, the event was a celebration of the latest Serpentine installation from architect Lina Ghotmeh. Ruth Wilson and Minnie Driver could be seen in deep conversation, as were Anna Wintour and Michael R. Bloomberg, and, despite the strict no-smoking policy, celebs sparked-up as they crowded round the DJ booth.
And though some guests were still feeling the effects of Glastonbury last weekend, the champagne was warmly welcomed and the dancing continued well past the 10pm curfew. Well done Serpentine, you have officially won the battle of the London gallery summer parties.
