MIA

I just found out Vogue's Fashion Night Out is taking place on 8th September, just a bit fucking exciting!

did you go last year? its going to be one of the biggest fashion events in London and your all invited, from Bond St to Oxford St, all kinds of events are taking place, whether that be meeting world renown photographer Mario Testino or dying to pee whilst sitting front row in an impromptu Armani fashion show (one of the most awkward times of my life)?

will you be rsvping?

Mr Testino & i.

BFFs for life!

he made me promise that when i become editor, i call him up and book him straight away ;)

have you met anyone famous? do tell.

mate, i have so much to say but i don't have the time, give me a few days and i'm all yours sweetheart!

A Fashion Night Out to bloody remember!

What a fabulous night! I really cannot tell you how much i enjoyed Vogue's Fashion Night Out in London, it was simply fabulous. 

It was amazing to see all types of women uniting, in this recession, joining together and having fun with fashion! Every store, on both Bond Street and Oxford Street had something to offer; whether that being discounted prices, Vogue stylists, flowing champagne and cocktails as well as many, many famous fashion industry insiders, models and celebrities browsing and giving advice!

 The night was one hell of a success and i'm here to share my night of events..

4.45 pm - Started at Oxford St. where we headed down the dark, sultry stair case to Selfridges very own ice cream bar produced by the company The Ice Creamists! Were given the best seats in the bar by a lovely waitress, which happened to be a very pink, fury ice cream van, very surreal! Which of course was decked out with plush leather sofas, hanging disco balls, driven by a rather creepy model of the Queen and our very own ice cream tune that the van played! Was served the lushest of all ice creams: the Obamarama (at the white house) ice cream. yummy! 

5.20 pm - Walking past Browns Fashion store heading to Bond Street, where i happened to bump in designer Henry Holland preparing for a night of serving customers and being a sales assistant at Browns!

Myself & Henry Holland

The Brown Team outside the store.

5.35 pm - Pop into Kurt Geiger, see the beautiful discounted heels for sale. Head off towards Bond Street, passing many long-legged models along the way.

Chanel getting ready for the event.

5.40 pm - Following the jazz music inside Ralph Lauren, we drank Peach bellinis and browsed around the new A/W collections and saw the top Vogue picks.

Real Models in the LV windows.

5.50 pm - Hit up Prada to check out the latest thigh high boots and fill in competitions to win a new studded Prada bag (fingers crossed),then on to Maxmara, Alexander McQueen, then more mingling and drinking berry flavored cocktails in Guess while looking at the latest hand bags on offer. Then off to Chanel, where we waited for the doors to open eagerly. Once in, we drank on yet more champagne and lusted after the array of Chanel bags, heels and fine jewelry. Too early for the fashion shoot, we did have a good peer at many women being made up in the latest Chanel make up collection. 

6.40 pm - With no time to waste, we hurried off to Burberry where the drama was! With an invite only into the British label's main store on Bond Street, it played host to the fashion royalty and celebs.

Surrounded by paparazzi, we saw Sarah Brown, Sadie Frost, Sienna Miller, Daisy Lowe, Alice Dellal and Pixie Geldof (no surprise there!) all race off into waiting blacked out cars. Laura Bailey, Natalia Vodianova, Jourdun Dunn and Lara Stone were a few of models at the star studded bash co-hosted by Creative Director at Burberry, Christopher Bailey. Saw Alexandra Shulman dash off into a waiting car to her next appearance, where i gave a sneaky but shy wave to receive a big smile back from the British Vogue editor! 

BUT. the main highlight to my night was a good chat with legendary photographer, Mario Testino! Testino has shot every one who is anyone. From the Royal family to Madonna, he transforms photography in no other way. He's shot covers and editorals for Vogue (French, American, English, German to name a few) Allure, GQ,  V Magazine, Vanity Fair, Burberry, Calvin Klein, D&G, Gucci, Micheal Kors, Valentino, Versace..  

Testino was such a lovely gentleman! He decided that we looked 'very cute!' and asked us about our career aspirations. On telling him that i attended LCC he commented that they didn't accept him, their loss i said, to which he replied 'darling, i don't think i have done badly!' 

Then telling him that i was interested to work in men's magazines he decided that i must, must, have David Gandy (the absolutely, delicious  model in the D&G advert) put on a front cover. David, (who i  told was stunning) thought this was very funny and joined in our conversation. Then a sudden wave of paparazzi made our way over, the very skinny Donna Air, (who was famous many, many decades ago.) Testino enquired to who this lady was and commenting how she is posing (badly) for the paps, on to how he would never photograph such a thing! (hah!) 

After posing for a picture and some more oogling at David, who joined Testino at the event, we said our goodbyes, when he made us promise that 'when you become editors, you must book me!' That is one promice i intend to keep to a very kind and talented man.

The paparazzi waiting outside the flagship Burberry store.

Christopher Bailer, Creative Director for Burberry, with Sarah Brown, Prime minister's wife.

Daisy Lowe and Alice Delal.

Christopher Bailey and Alexandra Shulman, British Editor of Vogue.

Erin O Conor and Sarah Brown.

Sarah Brown and Claudia Schiffer.

Natalia Vodianova.

Pixie Geldof (with very obvious platinum blonde extensions).

Sadie Frost and the other boring one from FrostFrench.

Lisa Snowden. (Can't remember why shes famous?)

Tess Daley

Alexandra Schulman making a dash for her waiting car.

Lara Stone, model.

Mitch Hewer from Skins, random much?

Mario Testino and David Gandy (nom nom.)

Daniella, Mario, myself and Elizabeth.

David Gandy, shot by Testino for D&G. See the television advert here: disgustinglygeorgous.

8.30 pm - Then we flew into Jimmy Choo, to be served very, very yummy martinis and purchase our Vogue tee-shirt. Whilst waiting for a friend to purchase hers, Daniella and i were greeted by Harriet Quick the fashion features editor at Vogue! What a charming lady! She was very interesting to talk to and was very pleased that we attended, she even gave us insider scoop that Lara Stone would be appearing on a future cover! After seeing many of the Vogue team flying around London, it was very interesting to talk to someone with the fashion industry who was so down to earth and lovely. Also bumped into a very pretty Tess Daley.

Back to Burberry to check out Men's shoes for a friend, while sipping on Mojitos and Vodkas and a bit more mingling! 

9.00 pm - Headed into Armani to have a nice pint (heh) and casually sit down to realise that within 10 minutes we were sitting front row at catwalk instore with atleast 200 people packed in! Watched the latest A/W collection - a right treat!

Taking a peak at the new Armani A/W collection. 

Modeling the 'Vogue' tee-shirt.

Check out the packed stairs!

9.45 pm - Finally headed back to Oxford Street, to hit up Topshop (where i tried on lots and lots of outfits - birthday outfit shopping!) and Gap where most of the events were winding down, quick bite to eat in Garfunkles. Then took the train and my tired feet home to bed, still unable to believe that nights crazy, fantastic events! 

Vogue's top picks at Topshop.

What an evening! It was truly amazing and very surreal. And the best thing about it was that every one who attended had a true passion for style and fashion and just had a great time. Roll on the next Vogue Event!

FASHION NIGHT OUT

London Fashion Week kicks off on the 18th - 22nd September showcasing Spring/Summer 2010. After finally admitting to myself, that there is no way that i can sneak in, i have decided that clearly i shall just be patient and wait until i'm invited for front row. Because i will, just not right now. ;)

However, there's no time to sulk because i'm equally as excited for FASHION Night Out, hosted by Vogue. On September 10th, all international editions of Vogue are hostin

g Fashion's Night Out, whether that be in Paris, New York or London. From 6pm until midnight, shoppers can enjoy the many activities and events planned by the Vogue team. The aim of this event is to remind us that during this critical economic situation, us women can enjoy fashion regardless! Fashion should not be put on the back burner, it should be something we can express ourselves in and just have fun. It can lift our spirits of the dullest of British weather and this night out with emphasise the pleasure and joy of fashion.

The Vogue team will be working with retailers all over London, from Selfridges to Chanel, with in store activities, including personal appearances from the fashion industry and celebs, make overs and workshops with, of course, those extra hours to shop until midnight! 

Another good reason to take part (not that you need one!) is that Vogue have a limited edition, one off tee-shirt on sale in the participating stores. Organised by Lucinda Chambers (Vogue fashion director) and illustrated by Martin Welch, this must have tee -shirt will be sold in aid of Crisis, a charity that helps the homeless. I for one, am going to snap up this tee-shirt! I love the chain design, and even more so a keep sake of a fashion night in history!

Places and Times to be.

Alexander McQueen

In store fashion shows with pieces from collections past and present, and a window display inspired by the LFW show. They have also made a bespoke 'egg' chair in this seasons print, which will be in-store to buy, only 5 available worldwide. Champagne and refreshments and prize draw to win a bag.

Bamford & Daylesford Organic

Sloane Square store are going to set up a pop up cocktail bar and ice cream parlour, offering organic canapés and rose wine. They will also have on hand some therapists to do some mini massages arms hand and feet and their own personal stylist will be on hand to help with hints and tips to get the most out of your wardrobe. 

Banana Republic

There will be a central display of mannequins in the middle of the ground floor, as well as beauty bars providing hand and neck massages, mini manicures and make-up makeovers. Customers will also be given a free scented candle with every purchase and there will be a prize draw to win items from the new collection or a shopping spree.

Bottega Veneta

Cocktails and canapés.

Browns

Young British designers take over the shop, helping with fitting rooms, gift wrapping, DJing, answering questions etc. South Molton Street: (Osman Yousefzada, Carolina Bucci, Roksanda Ilincic, Marios Schwab, Antonio Berardi, Jonathon Saunders, William Tempest) Browns Focus:(Beatrice Boyle, Henry Holland, Emilio De La Moreno, Mary Katranzou, Lily Parker/ Ben Grimes)Browns Shoes:(Biondi Castana, Charlotte Dellal).

Chanel

Guests can experience a professional photo shoot in store, and get advice from make-up artisit Kay Montano and a hair stylist on hand for consultation. See the new looks for Autumn Winter collection, along with looks styled by Vogue's Fashion Director Kate Phelan. Make sure you see the live Vogue shoot in Chanel on Bond Street between 7pm and 8pm - styled by Kate Phelan, shot by Jean Michel and with Luke Hersheson on hair and Kay Montano on make-up - it'll be fashion history in the making.

Dior

A special logo with Dior/Vogue covers will adorn the windows and customers will be able to star in their very own photoshoots, modelling current Dior collections.

DVF

"FASHION NIGHT OUT, DVF GIRLS NIGHT IN" - We will have a one night only photo exhibition of NY based photographer Andrea Tese. Andrea has worked with Brazilian Vogue, Russian Harpers and Teen Vogue. Good old girlie music/anthems “ think "girls just want to have fun".


French Connection

Dermalogica will be providing two beauty hubs within the store where customers can enjoy complimentary hand massages and face mapping skin analysis consultations. Blink eyebrow bar will be on hand to give you perfectly threaded eyebrows. A member of the Vogue fashion team will also be in store giving invaluable styling tips between 7.45 and 8.30pm. To add the final fashionable touch to the evening customers who spend over £100 will receive a VIP goody bag filled with premium fashion and beauty must-haves.

Gap

Celebrating the launch day of Gaps 1969 concept store which launches the same day, the store will host a live in-store performance by V V Brown, guests can enjoy beer and mini hamburgers and the chance to buy a limited edition pair of Gap rinsed jeans in your favourite Gap fit for £19.69, with half the profits from all jeans sold going towards the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa for that day only. Customers can receive complimentary styling advice from one of Gaps instore Personal Stylists, there will be complimentary manicures and drinks and canapés.


H&M

In-store competitions will be held on the night for the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. Prizes include 20 VIP tickets for you and friend to the H&M/Vogue preview, 15 Jimmy Choo for H&M wallets and 10 Jimmy Choo for H&M handbags. There will also be DJ sets throughout the night.
H&M Oxford Circus.

Kurt Geiger

There will be a chance to win fabulous fashionistas prizes ranging from shopping trips to NY and tickets to London Fashion Weekend. With champagne on arrival and a special discount on the night, Kurt Geiger will be endeavouring to make all their customers feel like A-list stars

Mango

20% discount in-store.

Marks & Spencer

M&S is going to build a fashion tent style structure featuring a catwalk which will host approx 4 catwalk shows during the evening. Entrance will be from the smaller of our Oxford St entrances which will be branded externally with a gabled style facade featuring the Vogue and M&S branding.

Anyone shopping that night can queue up to attend the shows and there will be around 50 VIP customers per show seated who will have previously won special tickets via either Facebook, Twitter or other mechanics.

They will also each get a goody bag and mini bottle of champagne. In between the catwalk shows they will be holding 'workshops' for customers about, for example styling, how to wear the new Autumn trends, lingerie master classes.

Celebrity DJ performing on the catwalk . 'As Selected by Vogue' area near Oxford Street entrance. Little Boots will be DJ-ing.

Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson will be in-store. Competition to win a couture dress by Matthew on the FNO Chambord Champagne cocktails. Matthew Williamson will be offering shoppers the exciting opportunity for an exclusive bespoke dress individually crafted by the designer himself.
Visitors to the New York and London flagships can sign up to win a personal design consultation with Matthew Williamson to fit, style and customize a one-of-a-kind creation. The evening will also offer celebratory champagne, treats and a special discount in honor of Fashion Night Out.

Missoni

Missoni will be creating a special bag in an amazing Missoni fabric, with the idea that it will become a collectors item in its own right. The bag will be sold for roughly £30.

Mulberry

Champagne reception, in-store DJ and the chance to win tickets to the Mulberry fashion presentation during London Fashion Week.

Prada

The stores will have specially created window displays and will offer customers new merchandise with a more accessible price point. Customers will also be invited to fill in a blue card with their contact details for the chance to win a Prada studded craquele bag worth £1365.

Selfridges

ICECREAMIST DETAILS + Designer Marissa Montgomery and friends will be launching the Pussy Glamore AW09 collection of sexy, sophisticated underwear with an extra-special Icecreamists collaboration.

Agent Provocateur will be exclusively previewing their hotly anticipated Autumn/Winter New World Order campaign. Super hero Harold will be making an appearance at Selfridges to distribute the limited edition classic comic book catalogue and to unveil an exciting futuristic fantasy Agent Provocateur window on Oxford Street.

Fashion’s Night Out activity is store-wide and in the Wonder Room Concept Store, founder of D.L. & Co, Douglas Little Modern Alchemist and Purveyor of Curious Goods will be sculpting a stunning 10ft figure with molten wax as part of a Live Art installation. Music in store will be Vogue inspired, with a DJ and live music soundtrack.

Look out for the Lucinda Chambers designed 'Vogue’s Night Out' T-shirt on sale in the store which are bound to be a sell-out. Those who buy a T-shirt will be entered into a prize draw to win a £1000 after hours shopping spree with a Selfridges Personal Shopper.

Topshop

The Topshop visual merchandising team are to design and build a VOGUE concept store within the Oxford Street branch. Champagne and canapés will be offered to all customers and DJs will be playing. Check out supermodel Jourdan Dunn styling up her fans in Topshop between 8pm and 9pm.

Vivienne Westwood


The boutique will have a special in-store and window display for the night and will offer customers a discount on any Vivienne Westwood shoes.

Warehouse

Don't miss the opportunity to have your picture taken by a Vogue photographer in the pop-up Style Studio in-store for one night only. There's also an exclusive VIP goody bag packed full of amazing treats from Warehouse, Toni and Guy and JK by Jemma Kidd amongst others, free with purchases of £60 or more. With drinks served throughout the evening, plus 10% of all sales donated to Crisis, you can relax and shop guilt free!

Will update with news of other participating stores asap.

Giles Deacon at the V&A

Get your freak on Giles Deacon!

On Friday the 17th July, i attended a Fashion in Motion event at the V&A. 

At this particular event, it showcased designer Giles

 Deacon's most favorite pieces from all his past collections on one runway. The show was fabulous. From when the first model graced the runway i was locked on to the amazing range of outfits, from pac man styled hats to elegant, unique dresses with intricate, little embellishments and quality printing and designs. Deacon has previously commented on how he likes the mixture of 'glamour and grit,' and many of the outfits were highly glamourous and sophisticated, yet with a grungy twist. 

Here are a few of our photos of the set up at V&A that was transformed into a catwalk.

Music included music from the theme tune to Fraggle Rock (hah!) to LL Cool J & Jlo.

We were in second row, i have good contacts ;)

Sitting in front of us was Hillary Alexander, the Fashion Editor for the Telegraph and Barbara Hulanicki (the founder of 60's iconic, fashion store Biba and whom recently completed a collection for Topshop).

Barbara Hulanicki

Here is a collection of outfits included on the runway, unfortunately our diy photos do not do them justice.

Reconise this top? As seen on Emma Watson on the latest cover of Elle magazine.

This dress is one of my favourite pieces of the collection: simple, monochrome, effortless and chic.

Here comes the Pac Man influence and Deacon flaunting his dramatic designs.

I personally wouldn't wear the head design, ahem, but this pink metallic mini is amazing.

These over the knee boots may seem OTT but they are all over A/W collections, time to search out a pair now.

I feel for the poor girl who modeled this scarf, she deserves a medal.

The heels modeled in this photo were used throughout the collection in a variety of colours and very versatile in teaming with different looks and styles. nom nom nom.

This is my all time favorite Giles Deacon piece, its so girly, romantic, please?

The best part about the show was actually meeting Mr Deacons himself! Sitting on the V&A steps, we had a cosy chat with Giles. He was so down to earth and i quote told us 'put as much effort as you can into any thing you do and you will get so far!' And yes, we are on first name terms ;)

BUT WHO IS GILES DEACON?

Giles Deacon is a British Fashion designer who studied at Central Saint Martins (as well as Luella Bartly, Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Stella Mccartney.. phew) graduating in 1992 to then move on to Paris. Whilst in Paris, he began his fashion career in design working alongside Jean Charles de Castelbajac. He has previously designed for Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Lois Vuttion before launching his own label Giles. His debut collection received instant, international acclaim and bought a closer inspection on British fashion. 

Deacon has received success in not only his collections but in being the recipient of the 2004 British Fashion Award for Best New Designer and in 2006 he went on to receive the prestigious Designer of the Year Award. 

Many of you may reconise Giles Deacon in another sense, in 2007 he partnered up with New Look to create his 'Gold' by Giles Deacon range. This collection made his work and style accessible for a wider audience at a more affordable price. This collection was quickly snapped up and very successful, so much that i am eagerly awaiting his A/W fall collection. 

His latest collection Spring/Summer 2010 for his Giles label will be shown at Paris Fashion Week. 

Heres the link to Giles Deacon at New Look:

http://www.newlook.co.uk/women/gold_giles_deacon/ProductList.aspx