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.