Big British Bang at Selfridges

Pop up shops, in-store events and fashion exhibitions combine to create an unprecedented display of retail theatre during the Big British Bang at Selfridges, which celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics in extravagant style.

Best of British
Mixing royalty and rebellion for an exuberant celebration of all things British, the Big British Bang at Selfridges presents a fresh and fashion-forward reinterpretation of the national character just in time for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. There's live entertainment from colourful and quintessentially British characters such as Morris dancers and Pearly Kings and Queens, as well as window displays by Vivienne Westwood and a Britannica exhibition curated by Judith Clark, which takes a fresh look at the style and fashions of the 1950s.

Big British Shop
A highlight of Big British Bang at Selfridges which is sure to go down a storm with label lovers is the Big British Shop, where you can buy an exclusive selection of specially designed products. Browse the pop up shop for Fred Perry polo shirts designed by artist Peter Blake, hand finished boxer shorts by Emma Willis, Nicholas Kirkwood's Pearly Queen inspired six inch heels and Union Jack lined Barbour jackets. A variety of British cupboard staples are also on sale at the shop, from jars of Marmite and Branston pickle to Tate and Lyle golden syrup.

Jubilee celebrations
For aspiring princesses, the Tiara Shop within the Wonder Room is an essential destination. The shop is open from 4th May to mid June during the summer of Big British Bang at Selfridges events, and gives you the chance to buy faithful and affordable replicas of tiaras worn by Lady Diana and Kate Middleton on their wedding days, as well as the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film Roman Holiday. Prices range from a £5.00 H&M creation to a one-off £52,000 diamond tiara designed by Tiffany's, and there are also unique and playful designs from the likes of Tatty Devine, so whatever your budget you can afford to wear something suitably regal to your street party over the Queen's Diamond Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

Regal fashion
As well as the Tiara shop, the Jubilee celebrations at Selfridges also include The Queen Shop, featuring some of Elizabeth II's favourite brands such as the Launer bag, the Fulton umbrella and Dents gloves. Dents are also curating a small exhibition of historic gloves, which include Charles I's coronation gloves and the gloves worn by Queen Elizabeth I at her coronation in 1559, which have never before been shown in public.

Big British Tea Party
Meanwhile, the Selfridges rooftop is being transformed into a temporary tea shop where you can treat yourself to the highest afternoon tea on Oxford Street. Open daily from 12pm - 6pm from 31st May - 2nd September, the tea shop is serving a selection of light lunches and afternoon tea menus from its lofty position.

Crazy golf
The rooftop of the iconic Oxford Street department store is also playing host to a unique crazy golf installation by Bompas and Parr, the experimental food experts and culinary architects who have previously been responsible for the Selfridges pop up boating lake. Around 200 four metre high cypress trees will form the boundaries of the gaming area, while an old fashioned band stand is hosting daily gigs from fringe British artists.

Programme of events
See below for details on the events taking place at Selfridges as part of the Big British Bang season.

Big British Shop
4th May until late August in the Concept Store and Wonder Room

Tiara Shop, The Queen Shop and Dents historic gloves exhibition
4h May until mid June in the Concept Store and Wonder Room

Big British Tea Party and Bompas and Parr's crazy golf
12pm - 6pm daily, 31st May - 2nd September on Selfridges roof

Britannica fashion exhibition
4th May - 10th June, The Ultralounge

The Big British Bang at Selfridges takes place from Friday 4th May until the end of August 2012.

Queens Diamond Jubilee London

London 2012 Olympics

Free Summer Festivals in London

Cultural Olympiad London Festival

World Shakespeare Festival London

Share

 Digg

 Del.icio.us

 Facebook

what's this?