There’s a lot to keep dedicated followers of fashion entertained in the capital this summer, from designer teas at The Berkeley to haute couture at the V&A. Balenciaga package at The Connaught, LondonBalenciaga: Shaping Fashion at the V&A examines the work and legacy of one of the finest couturiers of the 20th century, with more than 100 pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga, his protégées and contemporary fashion designers working in the same traditition. Stay at The Connaught, which has a special Balenciaga package that includes tickets to the exhibition plus the official exhibition book as well as a private visit to the Balenciaga shop. From £795, based on two sharing a Deluxe King Room, valid until 18 February 2018 (must be booked two days in advance). Scent bottles featured in Perfume: A sensory journey through contemporary scent, Somerset HouseFragrance is inseparable from fashion, with fashion houses making more money from their scents than they do from their designs. Find out more about it at Perfume: A sensory journey through contemporary scent at Somerset House, featuring 10 perfumes that have changed our perception of fragrance over the last two decades plus an overview of 20th-century perfumery and a programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations. Admission £11; until 17 September. Diana: Her Fashion Story, Kensington PalanceThere’s still plenty of time to catch Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace. The exhibition traces the Princess’s personal style, as she went from shy nursery teacher to glamorous fashion icon. There are 25 dresses on show, arranged in six themed displays, including the tweed suit she wore in Scotland on her honeymoon. Admission, £17 (booking recommended); until 28 February 2018. Anna Sui at The Fashion and Textile Museum, LondonThe Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey is holding the UK’s first ever retrospective exhibition by American designer Anna Sui. It features more than 100 looks from the designer’s archive, so expect everything from surfers and schoolgirls to hippies and punks. Admission, £9.90, until 1 October. Pret-a-portea at The Berkeley, LondonThe Berkeley in Knightsbridge is famous for its Prêt-à-Portea afternoon teas, with cakes, biscuits and desserts all crafted to reflect the latest catwalk trends. This year’s Spring/Summer collection includes a British chocolate and vanilla Battenberg cake inspired by Stella McCartney’s checkered summer pumps and Emilio Pucci’s caramelised pineapple compote with coconut jelly, strawberry bavarois topped with a psychedelic chocolate wave. £52 per person, £62 including a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne or £70 per person including a glass of couture champagne. 

BY MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN