London Wonder

The Vogue Festival; a celebration of the iconic title's dominant place within its industry, bringing together the fashion industry's leading and most influential designers, models and creatives alike.

Editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman states about the 2012 event that 'It is clear that giving our readers the chance to see and hear the people whose talent is reflected in the pages of the magazine surrounded by a fun, fashion environment, attracts an engaged and lively audience that are part of the unique appeal of this event.' - say it ain't so!

I was lucky enough to of bagged a ticket for one of the Vogue Festival 2013's most sought after events. Yesterday (Sunday 28th April 2013), Victoria Beckham herself was sat on a raised stage on a sofa just 6 rows in front of me. Imagine my glee.

Having arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hall at around 10:30am, I was ready. The sun was shining, and the Ray Bans were out. Hopped up on a Starby's Iced Caramel Macchiato for breakfast, and wearing my beloved 'sexy pants', I felt right at home.


Walking through the doors felt like walking into a different world - I felt like Carrie Bradshaw when she first stepped through the rotating doors of US Vogue in the Condé Nast building...


It was buzzing - glam, chic, beautiful people everywhere, organised chaos. It was Vogue.

I was pleasantly surprised by the small and intimate theatre room to which the scene was set. The excitement grew.


After a short introduction by Perry Oosting, the President of Vogue Festival Sponsor, Vertu (he mentioned celebrating the '3 V's; Victoria, Vogue and Vertu'),  we were met by Alexandra Shulman. After a very stern warning that 'unfortunately, anyone found to be taking photographs or recording will be removed from the auditorium.' (BUZZKILL), it was time.

In came Victoria. She was greeted my an ear-shattering applause and *shock horror* she was smiling - seriously guys, this mis-conception that she never smiles has got to stop.

Wearing one of her own designs from her AW13 collection, she started out saying 'a lot of people wanna hear me talk... I hope I say something good!'. After some polite chuckling, the interview began.

Shulman first spoke to Victoria about her inspirations for the collection which ranged from the California lifestyle having effect on her Victoria line, to her RTW line being inspired by son Romeo running into the house after school one day in a baseball tee, to her husband David and his signature beanie hats.

Speaking breezily and with ease, she joked and laughed and was extremely confident in what she was talking about, making it known that she knows her clothes inside out - from fabrics to stitching.

She spoke about the amount of work it took - a year long project with conversations lasting months about set, music, hair, make-up, styling, all for an 8 minute show! '[it's] a lot of pressure, but I love it!' she gushed.


The British Vogue EiC then asked if she would ever show a collection in London, to which Victoria replied bashfully 'Never say never'. It's clear that Victoria has built a dual living situation for her family, constantly moving between LA and London, but with her children being schooled in LA, for now I personally think that is her main base. Boo.

Not at all giving London the cold shoulder, she stated exclusively, that London would definitely be the place for her first stand alone store. On a possible venture into retail, she considered 'for me it feels like it's time to do something a little bit different.' - after the successful launch of her e-commerce site, bricks and mortar isn't far along the road, it would seem!

Stating that she welcomes constructive criticism, and was aware of the pre-conceptions her chosen path would follow her with, she was always determined. She jokes '...there was a lot of raised eyebrows... for those who could raise their eyebrows!' a hearty laugh from the audience this time.

Victoria Beckham came across wonderfully - she was funny, lovable and completely and utterly charming. It was the way she spoke with so much passion that made her so endearing and likeable.


It was a fantastic day, and I only wished I could of stayed for the other talks to soak up more fashion fabulousness! I did however, get to go and play - the Vogue cover board, the YSL & Dior make-up counters and the gift shop were all a hit!



The whole point of the event is for fashion nuts to get real up close and personal with the people that have inspired them through a series of talks, debates, makeovers and workshops. It's a great opportunity for young people to really learn about the industry from the people who are changing it. Ticket prices, at £40 were modest, and able to be kept at a low price due to its lead sponsor - thank you Vertu!

This 2 day event is in it's second year, and I can only see it going from strength to strength - although, this years line up which included VB, Mario Testino, Cara Delevigne and Donatella Versace will be pretty difficult to top, but if anyone can do it, Vogue can.

Walking away from the venue (around 3 hours after the talk, as I refused to leave this wonderful world), I felt inspired, empowered and determined.

I'm off to find the number for VB's PR office...

After a wonderful New York Fashion Week (where Victoria Beckham shone, Oscar de la Renta shocked, and Marc Jacobs delighted), it's finally time for the Londoners to show the world how it's done. I'M SO EXCITED. Love this LFW 'Shoe Tree' poster designed by Manolo Blahnik by the way. Classy...

HOLY SMOKES. I've been meaning to write this post for a while now. Not so much write, more ogle at! It's of course Kate Moss for Versace. All eyes are on Moss as she represents ancient Greek iconography, like a Goddess sent straight from the skies.


Modelling alongside Joan Smalls and Daria Werbowy, the 3 top models looked absolutely stunning, creating a definite head-turner of a campaign for the Italian brand. Good move, Versace.

I know it's been a couple of months since we first saw this clutch from the Celine SS13 collection, but it keeps calling me!! I'm obsessed with this cute little roll-up lunch bag style clutch.


It's such a decadent but comfortable bag - so wearable! I'd have to favour the red of all the colours available, but I'd happily open my arms to any :)

Anyone remember the Jil Sander Menswear AW12/13 collection? The Celine roll up clutch very much reminds me of their 'Vasari' £185 paper bag. Which do you prefer?

Paris Fashion Week. Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. One week that should be in every girls' diaries.

Haute Couture isn't an item of clothing. It's a piece. Something that is bespoke, one of a kind, creative, detailed, high quality, and most incredibly, hand-sewn. Hours upon hours are spent, and excruciatingly extreme attention to detail is paid by the most experienced and patient seamstresses in the world. Magic.

Every season, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel amazes and entices the imaginations of millions of onlookers with collections that are like no other.

This season, Papa Karl did not disappoint. Set in the Grand Palais in central Paris, against a backdrop of a romantic Midsummer Nights' Dream forest along with soothing bird songs, Chanel's Haute Couture SS13 collection was jaw-dropping.

The Face.

Chanel, of course with the most wonderful lace eyelashes. Dreamy...


The Show.

Feather, lace and tulle. Embroidered sequins, beads and chiffon. Look, just look at the detail!! Lagerfeld stated '“It takes 2,000 hours to make just one of those dresses,”. Amazing. There literally are no words!


The Finish.

To top off, Lagerfeld showed his support for the legalization of gay marriage in France by sending two models down a catwalk wearing couture bridal gowns, accompanied by his uber cute pageboy nephew!


Chanel wipes the floor clean with no competition coming close when it comes to couture, and he certainly proved that with this show that came to him 'in a dream'. The mind, imagination, creative thinking, and vision makes this show one that people will be talking about for a very long time.

Celebrating excellence in Television and Moviemaking, the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards have arrived! Tux's and ball gowns at the ready - here's my run down of the best and worst dressed at this years event.

But before I start, a special mention has to go out to our very own Adele. She wore a very humble Burberry gown, but our Girl won Best Original Song in the Film category for 'Skyfall' (music and lyrics by Adele and Paul Epworth). This was easily one of the best songs of 2012 - it's exciting, it's mysterious, it's Bond. Go on girl!

Right then... I predicted this years' Pantone 'Colour of the Year - 2013' (emerald) to dominate the red carpet, but it seemed that nude/blush was the couleur du jour!

First off, lets talk about the Best Dressed - 6 really stood out for me;


At first glance, I thought Anne Hathaway's Chanel Couture was just okay, but the more I looked at it, the better I felt about it. This isn't due to the fact that she's sporting the most overused trend of 2012 - the peplum, but I think it's because it has an air of grace, beauty, and true Hollywood glamour that only someone like Hathaway can pull off.

Next up, Kate Hudson and her McQueen head turner - it's like the woman doesn't ever get older, she just gets hotter! She's smokin' hot in this racey number. It hugs the figure in all the right places, and the oversized keyhole cutout is just the right amount of glam.

Amy Adams in the 3rd image shines in Marchesa. Everything about this gown is right; the colour, the cut, the fabric - simple, yet fabulous!

Last image on that top row is the glowing Nicole Kidman. Looking like queen of the Globes in Alexander McQueen, this dress looks like it was made for her! The little bronzed bee's detail at the neckline are a great touch!

First on the second row comes the stunning Amanda Seyfried. Looking young, fun, but still extremely sophisticated, this bespoke cut-out Givenchy Haute Couture gown is perfect.

Next up is Miss Lea Michele. Girlfriend is WORKING IT. Wow, she looks absolutely stunning wearing this to-die-for Elie Saab gown. It ticks all the boxes; classy - yes, glamourous - yes, sexy - yes, fun - yes! Yes, yes, yes!! Such a strong contender for overall best dressed.

So my next choice for best dressed might be a bit biased, as Megan Fox is my girl crush, but she looks smokin' in this Dolce & Gabbana lace strapless gown. The intricate lace, gathered bodice and fishtail skirt makes for a beautiful classic Dolce piece.

Last, but by no means least is the beautiful Heidi Klum. It's like she's floating in this gorgeous asymmetric thigh-slit gown. Absolutely stunning. Ps, I've searched EVERYWHERE to find out who this dress is by, and can't find it! Annoying me so much! Anyone know?

Since I did 6 Best Dressed, I thought it'd make sense to choose 6 Worst Dressed - it was a difficult choice... as there were so many!! Why do these people not see the line between quirky and ridiculous!? Let's chant together - the stylist isn't always right...

DISCLAIMER: The Chanel 2.55 isn't in this post as it is in a league of it's own, obviously! It's the Big Ben of hangbags, for goodness sake!


The age old question. The battle of the classic bags. The class versus the classier.

I've always known the Hermes Birkin and the Mulberry Bayswater to be two of the most wanted bags here in the UK - with a price tag of anything between £7,000 to £80,000 (yes, eighty THOUSAND Great British Pounds!), and up until 2 years ago* a waiting list of 3 years, it's no surprise that I've only ever seen one Birkin out and about (I did doubt it's level of realness, until the lady unlocked and climbed into her Porsche). This might also be due to the fact that High Street Ken isn't my usual hangout...

With a much more humble price tag of anything between £700 to £4,500 (ok, not so humble at the higher end), the Bayswater is much more popular. With a keen eye for a faux-berry, I'm pretty confident in saying that the majority out there are still the real deal.


Recently, other bags have been fighting for the coveted spot of most sought after bag - the Michael Kors 'Jet Set', the Prada 'Saffiano' (total label lust - grey), the Celine 'Boston' (in electric blue, holy smokes!), the Balenciaga 'Motorcycle', and the Mulberry 'Taylor' (got it!) to name but a few!

The battle continues - I'm still torn between the two. I love the subtle slouch and comfort of the Bayswater, but the structured sleek handling of the Birkin, leaves the owner with an air of power and femininity. What would you choose?

*http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2010/04/26/death-of-the-birkin-waiting-list.htm - interesting article on the death of the Birkin waiting list.