Vince Camuto Celebrates 1st Anniversary on High St Kensington

Earlier this week I attended Vince Camuto `s party. We celebrated the 1^st anniversary of opening of their store on High Street Kensington in London, just a short walking distance away from the Kensington Palace. I am wearing a dress by & Other Stories and a scarf from Missoni. I bought this croc handbag in Africa.

Vince Camuto, an American philanthropist, launched his footwear line under Camuto Group, in 2005.

 

Today, the namesake brand offers 30 categories including dresses, handbags, jewellery, scarves and other items.

On the night we were offered quick manicures……

…….and enjoyed branded cupcakes.

 

At the event, we were able to sample many styles: courts, flats, boots, and sandals.

As well as snake-embossed leather  booties.

I like these textured metallic leather courts.

This bag has zip compartments for your daily essentials, and will look great paired with jeans.

You can buy a lovely pair of Vince Camuto shoes for around, or just over £100, and the designs are chic without compromising on comfort.

 

http://www.vincecamuto.co.uk/

 

 

Vogue Exclusive Gold Night Out (London)

Tonight, The Village (part of Westfield London shopping mall that hosts well known designer stores) participated in the Vogue extravaganza – a golden night of exclusive events and offers. I am wearing a leather t-shirt from Supertrash and a skirt from Marc Cain. My handbag is by Anya Hindmarch.

Jimmy Choo hosted opera performances of Rossini`s Cinderella, elegantly executed by Philip Voldman, mezzo Chloe Debacles and soprano Krystal Macmillan.

Champagne was flowing freely throughout the evening, but Burberry` butlers went one step further by making delicious mocktails.

And don`t you just love this charming Burberry bear?

Salvatore Ferragamo boutique offered cute chocolates, in form of exquisitely made shoes.

They also had a craftsman in store who was showing the steps that a team of artisans make, to create the brand`s iconic Sofia handbag.

It takes 6 to 7 hours to make one bag, but you can see the attention to detail bestowed to each item, including a piece of hardware that resembles a traditional door fixture that was featured in the original Ferragamo house in Florence.

Jackie Sampson, a psychic and clairvoyant with medium powers offered complimentary tarot readings.

And an orderly queue formed outside a Beauty Bar, awaiting a makeover by Yves Saint Laurent leading makeup artist.

I appreciated meeting De Beers` trained craftsman and watching his precision and skill applied to setting pieces from the new Aria collection.

Despite not visiting all of the participating boutiques, I really enjoyed an array of elite showcases and services. Well done Vogue and The Village for organising this Gold Night Out.

http://uk.westfield.com/london/

 

Nicholas Kirkwood`s Sample Shoe Sale in London

Central Saint Martins educated Nicholas Kirkwood is the undisputed king of divinely decadent, effortlessly cool, yet chic heels. His artisan-quality shoes mean prices don`t necessarily give you much bang for your buck, so when The Music Room in London`s Mayfair advertised  his sample sale, I went to check it out.

He started designing after identifying there was a gap in the market for statement shoes. This pair was selling today for £225.

Sale price of the above slingbacks was £95.

His first collection was for spring/summer 2005 and earned him the Condé Nast Footwear News Vivan Infantino award in 2006 for emerging talent. This pair`s sale price was £295. 

Nicholas Kirkwood is well known for the architectural quality of his designs. Cost of these sample boots was £195.

These hand-printed leather shoes could be yours for a discounted price of £95.

Kirkwood`s innovative use of materials was clearly visible today. These fur-trimmed heels sold for £350.

Amazing materials like devoré satin, python, shaved stingray, laser-cut leather, cobra and rubberised leather have been used by the designer in the past. These booties sold for £150.

Nicholas Kirkwood opened his first standalone concession space at London's Dover Street Market in July 2009, and his storied career goes from strength to strength. These red beauties cost today £225.

http://www.nicholaskirkwood.com/

Champagne Afternoon at Fortnum & Mason (London)

Holly Golightly had her breakfast at Tiffany`s in New York and this afternoon I had my champagne and cake at the Fortnum & Mason in London. I am wearing a dress from Mulberry.

Fortnum’s history dates to 1707, when royal footman William Fortnum set up shop in St James’s with his landlord, Hugh Mason. The explosion in trade, connection with India – famed for its spices and teas - and creation of a middle class with disposable income helped London become the hub of a new, exciting world, and Fortnum & Mason to flourish.

Today, one can still see the walls dating to 1707 in the dining space called The Crypt. Seating up to 10 guests or up to 16 for a standing reception, it is used to host private functions, such as wine tastings and dinner celebrations.

My friend and I spent the afternoon in the Fountain restaurant - a deluxe brasserie which serves eclectic dishes, from Welsh rarebit to knickerbocker glory.

I heard the rumour about almost imminent refurbishment (February 2015) when the area is going to be turned into fine dining room. Watch this space!

 

 

Another of my favourite eateries inside Fortnum & Mason is the Parlour. The walls here are as delightful as the decadent ice cream experience on offer.

Temptation, temptation…..sweets galore!

Fortnum & Mason, like other department stores in London, is already celebrating the forthcoming festive season.

And offering a wide range of Christmas hampers.

http://www.fortnumandmason.com/

Loewe Opens Concession in Selfridges (London)

The story of Loewe, a Spanish luxury brand, began in 1846 as a cooperative of leather artisans based in Madrid. It was German entrepreneur Enrique Loewe Roessbe who in1872 consolidated the workshop under his name, and gave us one of the world’s original luxury houses. Today, Loewe is under creative directorship of Jonathan Anderson, and just a few days ago, opened their first concession in Selfridges. This pared down yet incredibly chic look personifies the brand`s technical excellence and choice of quality materials.

Loewe’s first ready-to-wear collection was introduced in 1965, and today`s designs still have craft and innovation at its core.

In 1970, artist Vicente Vela created the Anagram, the abstract symbol consisting of four intertwined Ls that has been stamped ever since on Loewe’s products. The concession space in Selfridges sells a range of leather handbags, including the iconic Amazona in suede with embossed Anagram.

And z-purses and  pouches that showcase the unmistakable attention to detail and eye for quality.

My favourite? This Meccano pin/ bag charm – an ideal stocking filler for even the most discerning fashionista.

https://www.loewe.com/eu_en/

 

Dolce and Gabbana`s Christmas Tree in Claridge’s

The world-renowned Claridge’s Hotel in London unveiled a large and twinkling Christmas tree that had been specially designed for the establishment by no other than Italian sultans of style - Dolce and Gabbana. I am wearing a coat from Versace.

They have made a tree for Claridge’s the second year in a row but I have not had a chance to see last year`s creation as – at that time - I was living in Singapore. So I was really keen not to miss it this year.

 

One thing for sure – it is very traditional. Below the avalanche of lighting and baubles, I uncovered a kingdom of snow covered woodland animals: foxes, deer and squirrels that move their heads in tune with some presumable music.

Adornments include hundreds of colourful, hand painted blown glass balls that reference different cultures around the world.

The Claridge’s Christmas tree has long been a true landmark at this iconic Mayfair hotel, and they previously collaborated with John Galliano and Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, who – in my opinion - had given us the best festive scene that I can think of - a post-party slumber on a sofa!