Naomi Campbell`s Fashion For Relief Shop (London)

I was impressed when I`ve heard Naomi Campbell – one of the original super models – asked top fashion designers, including Pucci, Hervé Léger and many others,  to donate items in aid of Fashion Against Ebola.

Naomi`s designer haul was sold from a pop-up shop, called Fashion for Relief. It opened its doors in Westfield London shopping mall, in The Village, on 28 November and today was its last day of trading.

But because each day, the designer stock was replenished with new items, I and other customers were spoilt for choice. From a Moschino suit (yours for £300)……

……Christian Louboutin heels……

………marvellous jewellery, collected from fashion photo shoots……….

…..Moschino jumpsuit (priced at £180)

……..Prada va-va-vroom shoes…..

……..Moschino Couture! dress retailing at £180……..

………to hand-embroidered swimwear from famous Brazilian emporium Daslu, top Brazilian beach fashion brand Rosa Chá and other exclusive designers.

I bought 15 items that included dresses from Zac Posen (pictured above), Roberto Cavalli and Dries Van Noten. I am extremely pleased that each pound and every penny is going to help fight Ebola.

What a fantastic idea to link shopping with a truly good cause. I hope I will be enjoying my designer purchases long after we eradicate Ebola.

V V Rouleaux – Best in London for Ribbons and Trimmings

For the best ribbons and trimmings in London, head to V V Rouleaux. From Japanese organdies to French wire-edged taffetas; from home decorating necessities to catwalk-worthy treasures; from hair accessories, to enchanting flowers, this unique place won`t disappoint.

And right now, its Marylebone boutique is covered in Welsh mountain and Charollais sheep fleeces from the Lake District, Cumbria.

Here are a few images of what you can find in this unique and stylish shop, filled with all things passementerie.

 

 

It is like stepping into Aladdin`s cave of style, innovation and fabulous design.

 

 

Definitely worth a visit next time you are in London.

 

 

http://www.vvrouleaux.com/productcart/pc/web_index4.asp

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/