David Bailey’s Stardust Exhibition in Milan

Last night, the fashion set celebrated the photographer David Bailey’s “Stardust” exhibition, which arrived in Milan after a run at the National Portrait Gallery in London. “I love Italy and the Italians. I’m happy the show arrived in Milan,” said Bailey, who curated the exhibition himself and named it after one of his favorite songs by Hoagy Carmichael.

Tod’s is sponsoring the show, set inside the prestigious exhibition space the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea. “David Bailey is an icon,” said Tod’s chief executive Diego Della Valle, who explained that the brand’s mission in promoting cultural events like this is “to show beautiful things to those who love Italy.”

Bailey, accompanied by his wife Catherine Bailey, spent the night among friends and important fashion figures including Anna Dello Russo, Giovanna Battaglia, Olivier Zahm, Italian Vogue editor in chief Franca Sozzani, Hamish Bowles, and Suzy Menkes.

Over 300 photographs convey the scope of Bailey’s work, covering everything from glamorous portraits of movie icons to reportage from India and Papua New Guinea. Famous people are mixed in among anonymous faces from East London and characters encountered during Bailey’s globe-trotting adventures. For aspiring photographers, Bailey offers this piece of good advice: “Always wear comfortable shoes.”