Luxurious Lace

Every year, I help stage a fashion show for my local charities. This August – without exception – Nousha, the star of the current TV series, the Hotel Inspector, had opened her picturesque garden for all of us to party in aid of Dementia Concern; Samaritans; and the British Institute for Brain Injured Children. The fashion show, which featured Nousha`s creations, was a traffic stopper (literally!) earning Nousha, and the models, numerous compliments.

The fashion show`s finale

The clothes and accessories on show were hand made from organic cotton, some later dyed into different colours, and intricately woven into lace pattern. We saw sumptuous skirts; sexy yet sophisticated dresses; and tantalising tops, some with billowing sleeves, and other adorned with minuscule pearl drops.

Taking a break from selling raffle tickets to partygoers, in a James Lakeland dress, and my favourite shades by Marc Jacobs

We were served a delicious lunch of saffron rice with lamb, and an array of vegetables, and later burned the calories by vigorously dancing to live music.

Colour me Beautiful

We are setting up home in Africa, on a wind-swept island, framed by a fast-moving ocean. It provides a theatrical backdrop to even the most tedious activity, as massive waves crash in a spectacular range of colours: azure, cobalt, navy, sapphire, cream, cerulean and indigo. Boisterous by day, the ocean becomes placid at dusk and the evenings are graced by richly coloured sky, with rosy lavender, amethyst, and crimson hues fighting for attention.

In a La Perla swimwear and Marc Jacobs sunglasses

Olympics` Legacy

If you were, as I was, amazed by the Olympians` athleticism on display, you might be thinking how great it was to see the results of such an intensive training on their bodies and minds. Sadly, this incredible event is coming to its end and many are preoccupied with predicting what would be the legacy of the games. How long would we hold on to this great sporting spirit? How often would we recall the enthusiasm of the general public, the camaraderie, fairness, and the sheer courage to compete against all odds? How long would we bask in the glory of staging one of the best shows on earth? What would be left when the bright lights are switched off, and the roar of the masses dies down? Some talk about regeneration of East London, others about the whole generation that gained new role models……and me? I wish the legacy will be – simply – the pursuit of excellence. In everything we do, starting with taking care of ourselves. The Brits are now the fattest nation in Europe; the streets are full of overweight, unhealthy people. I sincerely hope the athletes would inspire millions to start their own crusade to transform their flabby flesh into lean and healthy physique, and to alter their mind-sets and dream about greatness…..and achieve unattainable goals. Let`s not say `sorry` for being fabulous but be proud to be the best we can be (!)

Saying `goodbye` to the Olympics in a Michael Kors dress, and Swarovski earrings