Croquet at Covent Garden

I played croquet at Vogue and Kurt Geiger `secret garden party` at the Covent Garden store. Karen and Sheila joined me and I was (almost) swinging the mallet like a pro! We also had our manicures done by a skilful nail technician from Nails Ink, while guzzling Bellinis. We had a blast choosing our favourites from all manners of footwear, which were artfully displayed in the shop. There were strappy sandals, earthy espadrilles, gold gladiators, sophisticated stilettoes, beautiful ballerinas and two-tonal towering platforms…..the task wasn`t easy.

I am wearing an empire-line, cocoon dress by Manoush, Lanvin for H&M heels, and a crocodile bag from Africa     

My preferred was this pair of satin heels, which had an added bonus of some metal hardware, making them modern but also sleek and sophisticated, at the same time.

Hermès Artisans Share their Secrets

A `velvet-like` effect is created on a douches satin scarf by lifting off the threats with a tiny knife, and `shaving them off`

It can take 800 hours to make a coveted Hermès scarf. Or 2000 hours, if the design has many shades, and therefore require a longer colour layering process, starting from engraving or sketching to screen printing.  This is considered a short period, in comparison to the amount of time it takes for an apprentice to become fully skilled in making highly-desired handbags, which this luxury brand is perhaps best known for. Three years….three years which start with mastering a single task, for example double-stitching on a handle, and then progressing, month by month, year by year, to acquire expertise in making the final product.

The workshops of this famous brand are located in France (scarves are made near Lyon), in Monte Carlo (exquisite silk and jersey tops are created in the principality), and Switzerland, where a team of skilled craftsmen assembly their watches.

I learnt these, and other interesting facts from Hermès craftspeople that set up their stalls in the Saatchi Gallery, to answer questions, demonstrate their technique, and celebrate the year of the artisan, during a week-long Hermès Festival des Métiers (Festival of Crafts).

Burnt-orange – a trademark Hermès colour – features in many accessories, including scarves

 

I witnessed a demo of a Kelly bag being hand-stitched in front of my eyes; it may actually take 18 hours or more for it to be fully assembled, depending on the skin being used; for example crocodile and snake necessitate more precision in matching the pattern.

 Due to a very  high demand (now with the added pressure coming from the emerging economies), long and elaborate training for those who hand-make them, very strict quality control, and often difficulty in obtaining a perfect skin and shade of colour to make the whole bag, no wonder that a waiting list for a Kelly is growing, and growing!  

 

 

My Horticultural Contribution

My husband and I came back from a sun-drenched holiday in Europe, in time for Marc Quinn to unveil his bronze, six-foot high `moth` orchid at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I admire orchids, and over the years, learnt  to care for them: don`t fuss and water sparingly mantra seems to keep them in top condition.  

I am not a green-fingered goddess, but got in the spirit of horticulture by helping my dad mow his lawn.

In a dress from Zara and Kurt Geiger shoes. Shawl -  borrowed from my mother

I read in the Evening Standard that the show`s centenary is expected to bring in over 165,000 visitors this week, to view 15 show gardens, 19 smaller gardens and 150 exhibits.

Metallic Make-up for A/W13

Saying `good night` to a giant Harrods bear; I am wearing a Michael Kors dress

Karen and I checked out Dior`s new make-up collection called Bird of Paradise, at a reception hosted by Vogue beauty team in Harrods. Dior`s make-up artist Jamie Coombes explained that eye colours in cobalt, emerald and deep violet look modern when smudged upwards from block-colour base on the eyelid. He also demonstrated how to `polish off ` the look with fabulous crystals, which adorned models` faces at Dior`s A/W13 shows. Placed in the inner corner of the eye, they look like tear-drops. I loved them so much that I went to the office the next day, with a few blue crystals added to the outer corners and along the lower lash line!

We will see a lot of metallic make-up next season – the experts revealed – so I bought a metallic nail varnish from the collection, to start getting used to this look.

Karen and I had a giggle as we left the department store when the lights were going out and I seriously considered staying in for a bit longer…I would love to be locked in Harrods for the night.

Read My Lips

Lulu Guinness perspex clutch

My latest purchase makes me smile; I chose this sunshine colour because it is a less predictable option than hot pink or red. This small bag has enough room for my BlackBerry, lipstick, and money, so it is as functional, as it is head-turning. An ideal complement to glam dresses and vertical heels, as well as to accompany skinnies worn with loafers.

I am wearing a bespoke leaf headpiece from V.V. Rouleaux,  dress by Manoush, jacket – vintage, clutch by Lulu Guinness, and shoes by Kurt Geiger  

Button-eyed Woman Eats my Pretzels

In front of Swarovski Crystallized store, which sells exclusive designs from fashion starlets; I am wearing a vintage dress

Olives and miniature swirly pretzels accompanied lashings of prosecco at the Swarovski Crystallized party. My friend and I perched on high stools, which surrounded a swanky steel bar, and were taking full advantage of my favourite tipple being topped up on a regular basis. Several glasses into the evening, I reached for a small but deliciously-looking pretzel, which a helpful bartender placed in front of me. Suddenly, a plump hand appeared from nowhere and grabbed a plate of goodies.

-          Can I have one? – I asked extending my hand towards the disappearing plate.

The owner of a chubby arm glanced at me through her button-like eyes, hidden in shiny folds of her cheeks. Without a word, she quickly moved away, stuffing herself with a stolen treasure even before her hefty behind touched down on a nearby sofa.

I jumped behind the bar for a moment, pretending I am as good at serving, as I am at drinking bubbly. Don`t have a clue who the barman is, but he was making sure our glasses were full all the time - `thank you` our unknown hero!

Slender models were showcasing Swarovski`s stunning jewellery throughout the evening; they were wearing Banana Republic clothes and my friend fell in love with a pair of trendy trousers, so we moved next door, to this American retailer where she purchased a fab outfit. I have never bought anything from Banana Republic but may pop in there next week as I noticed they sell clothes in my size: XXS.