The Fashion And Art Worlds Collided At Last Night's Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Party

We can't wait to see what this year's exhibit brings

The Royal Academy of Arts has been throwing extravagant events to celebrate the opening of its Summer Exhibition for almost 250 years. Heralded as the party that kicks off the summer events season, last night was certainly no exception.

Forerunners in the fields of fashion, art an entertainment gathered to celebrate the opening of the 2014 Summer Exhibition which ‘represents what is happening in the art world right now. New and recent art created by everyone from emerging artists to the biggest names in contemporary art and architecture,’ says the RA.

Fashion faves Alexa Chung, who dazzled in head-to-toe Chanel, Daisy Lowe, in Jenny Packham palazzo trousers, Liberty Ross, and Laura Bailey looked equally stunning and brought an air of elegance to the historic event. Some of the UK’s most influential artists including Tracy Emin and Grayson Perry, joined by actors like Emilia Fox, John Hurt, Joely Richardson and Jamie Winstone gathered for an intimate performance by The Kaiser Chiefs. Last night’s guests were the first to preview the extensive portfolio of works on display.

The Summer Exhibition is a seminal show for the RA. Since its first opening in 1769, all works have been submitted by the public and chosen by current leading artists. This year marked a turning point in how the Gallery conducted business:

‘For the first time, artists have submitted their works digitally for the initial round of judging. The hanging committee of Royal Academicians led by Hughie O’Donoghue, the coordinator of the Summer Exhibition 2014, have selected from the 12,000 entries received.’ 

The RA's Summer Exhibition, Discover The New is open 9 June - 17 August

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