James Lakeland`s Strawberries & Pimms Party (London)

James Lakeland`s annual Strawberries & Pimms party brought some much needed light entertainment to one of the gloomiest days of the month; the streets outside his elegant boutique, situated in London`s exclusive Marylebone area, were flooded with rainwater but inside, we revelled in style.

James is famous for offering vivid, exclusively developed prints and super- flattering silhouettes and both brand`s attributes were on show that evening.

I particularly liked this metallic jacket – a new material and shape to complement S/S16 collection – repeat after me: silver is the new black.

There was a large selection of accessories to coo over, including this dreamy hat…..

……and an array of amazing necklaces.

I grabbed this ethnic-style, edgy, woven statement collar while guzzling my third glass of Pimms, and I promise, my decision had nothing to do with the free-flowing alcohol. I`ve never liked chokers, and tribal-style jewellery had never been my `thing`. But as soon as I set my eye on it, I knew, it would be my go-to piece for the summer. It would add high energy and redefine my style.

As always, James was a gracious and generous host (I am wearing – of course – James Lakeland`s leather jacket); we reflected on his journey to create this collection and the fact all his merchandise was ‘Made in Italy` - a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.  I left with a big smile on my face, despite the continuous rain, and a lavish goody bag, that included a feather-like shawl, printed with muted colours of Spring flowers.

Burgundy – Dress the Part in 2016

From Dior to Burberry and from Topshop to Reiss, the colour of choice that featured on many catwalks for S/S16 was burgundy. Sitting between a vibrant red and it`s more humdrum cousin - brown –burgundy can breathe new life and provide an easy wardrobe top up for Spring as well as for Summer.

Go ahead, write your new style story by employing the hue head-to-toe like voguish Parisians or add a splash with a well- chosen accessory like this handbag from affordable-luxury brand – Coach.

I paired my burgundy cashmere with a grey and gold Marc Cain skirt and a red Moschino bag and surprise-surprise (!) it worked.

Of course the safest pairing will be with subdued colours such as sand or grey, but a right shade of brighter and more unexpected colours can also make the cut. I like this fab colour-combo from Prada.

 

So let`s raise a glass to burgundy, the shade that already made its way into a modern style lexicon.

Vogue Gold Night Out (London) 2015

Vogue Gold Night Out 2015, which was hosted by The Village, in London`s Westfield shopping centre,  offered an opportunity to join some of Vogue retail and beauty editors for style talks; discover numerous gift inspirations and exclusive offers; and grab a few glasses of free-flowing champagne.

The first 300 Vogue readers to arrive were greeted with a Vogue gold goody bag….too brash and therefore unattractive, in my opinion.

We enjoyed tutorials on how to sticker-up our bags at Anya Hindmarch boutique and were invited to fool-around in a Sticker Shop photo booth.

 

Jo Malone tempted Vogue readers with exclusive bespoke fragrances, and a promise of a festive glitter message on the iconic Jo Malone London box.

 

I made a dash to Versace and fell in love with these two bags; a combo of python skin, medusa logo and a heavy chain-strap was clearly irresistible.

And a shiny pink creation was made for a Barbie-part of my otherwise less-indulgent personality. Both Versace and Versace Versus offered a 30% discount off all A/W15 products.

There were make-up demonstrations on the night…..

…… and cool-looking DJ`s spiced-up the evening with groovy tunes.

 

L’orchidee, a near-by boutique patisserie enticed the event`s guests with discounts on exquisite desserts, cocktails and macarons.

 

I tried this chocolate-coloured diamond at De Beers, fuelled by a glass of Ruinart champagne. The ring contains over 100 diamonds and is priced at just over £10,000.

The night acted like a vitality pill – it energised us for a forthcoming Christmas shopping season, and helped style-savvy fashionistas come up with a few ideas for a Christmas wish-list, which may – or may-not – include these fabulous clutches from Mulberry.

 

Burberry`s Christmas Tree at Claridges Hotel (London)

I certainly did not expect to be met by a large cone of metallic umbrellas when I went to Claridges hotel in London`s Mayfair. Designed by Burberry’s Christopher Bailey, as the Claridge’s Christmas tree, the structure is as modern and as bold as one would expect from the iconic designer. It certainly doesn`t disappoint on the novelty front.

This innovative design uses technology to interact with the passing guests. Thousands of tiny lights which are layered over almost 100 umbrellas go on and off, as they are triggered by the passing crowd.

The crown of this extravagant six metre-high structure is made up of interlocking umbrellas with no traditional star or an angel in sight.

The colours – gold and silver – give it a luxurious, yet understated feel. And it throws beautiful reflections on the walls and ceiling.

It is so different from the elaborate, traditional Sicilian tree that Dolce & Gabbana gave to Claridges last year. Or the 2011`s tree produced by Alber Elbaz, formerly of Lanvin, who placed a jolly-looking puppets and presents under the shrubs.

James Lakeland`s Fashion Event in London

James Lakeland`s fashion event provided – undoubtedly - the most memorable highlights of this week.

We gathered at his chic New Cavendish store for free-flowing prosecco, canapés, hand massages, exchange of style ideas and gossip with an army of chic fashionistas.

And it became clear after talking with a few of James` fans that we all adore the designer`s flawless style. His winning formula mixes wearable staples, luxurious hides and eclectic accessories, to deliver an instant moneyed sophistication at amiable prices. I am wearing a James Lakeland dress and Vivienne Westwood for Melissa heels.

The label`s signature consists of restrained elegance peppered with a dash of eccentricity and a dollop of edginess to make the look current. I just had to have this adorable gilet / dress!

James showed us how to shop anew by offering a one-off `dream rail` at incredible prices – a real bonus for a seasoned shopaholic.

Rich tonal shades and innovative fabrics put a smile on our faces. I left with bags of new pieces that I can throw on knowing they will immediately work.

Kudos to the designer for keeping a distinctive sense of who he designs for intact over the years. This clearly entices his core customers to come for more, season after season.

Amanda Wakeley - British Design at its Best

Can you believe that Amanda Wakeley, a renowned British fashion designer has been in business for 25 years?

Last week I met the designer at her flagship store in London`s Mayfair, and learnt about the creative process she undertakes to produce her “clean glam” signature looks that we see on the catwalk and on the shop`s floor. I am wearing a Missoni dress, and a low-heeled (!) Mulberry shoes. The designer is sporting her own distinctly contemporary style. 

Amanda Wakeley is clearly the best living and breathing ambassador for her signature, luxury lifestyle brand. A much loved by the world’s most stylish women, including the late Diana, Princess of Wales, the designer is one of a few in the industry who strum to their own beat.

Year after year, she creates exquisite designs that are timeless, with a dash of edgy streak, to keep it current.

The undisputed queen of the evening and cocktail dresses, she is also well-known for producing stunning bridal wear, day-dresses, tailoring, sumptuous knitwear, accessories and jewellery.

Sport-luxe designs are dominating this season`s collection. From use of metallic elements, playful, unpretentious application of exotic hides, through power pastels for evening wear, we are spoilt for choice!

 An artful combination of comfort and glamour will always be Amanda Wakeley`s trump card, and will ensure the brand`s longevity going forward.  

Thank you Amanda Wakeley and Vogue for offering a relaxing shopping experience, combined with an informative Q&A with the designer.

Mademoiselle Privé at the Saatchi Gallery (London)

The famous staircase from where Coco Chanel would watch her models stride down the catwalk in her latest designs has been painstakingly recreated at the Mademoiselle Privé exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. I am wearing a Missoni dress and a cashmere Crumpet sweater under my fur cape.

The journey through Chanel`s creativity starts in a black and white room where we meet her avatar that appears on and off to tell a story of her beginnings.

The exhibition covers two floors of the gallery and showcases Chanel`s symbols and icons that become associated with the House that bears her name: the pearl, colour red, the camellia, and lucky number 5.

I particularly enjoyed watching a short film made by Karl Lagerfeld, which depicts the imaginary encounter between him and Coco Chanel, played by Geraldine Chaplin.  “I am keeping you alive” – says Lagerfeld, which is exactly what he does when he re-imagines the classics and innovates, while still keeping the sassy spirit of Mademoiselle coming through his creations.

The exhibition rooms are linked by passageways – some pained black, and some dressed with white or black curtains – that contain interesting artefacts.

 

The highlights include a series Haute Couture dresses……

……the re-editions of the High Jewellery "Bijoux de Diamants" collection, created in 1932…..

….and photos – taken by Karl Lagerfeld - of celebrities and models wearing the jewellery.

 

The exhibition runs at the Saatchi Gallery until 1 November 2015.