Stella Illuminates Bruton Street

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Stella McCartney’s Brutton Street boutique shines so brightly to remind us that now is also the time for presents. Did I say us? Well, I meant the ones who are going to chose for us.

It's Shoe Time

Wondering what to do this cold winter weekend? There is one place warm and cosy at all times – Liberty’s. This weekend they are making it even more shoppers-friendly as they invite some of the greatest designers and names in fashion to help you chose the right model and style. On Thursday Fashion Fund finalist Nicholas Kirkwood was in the store, signing prints of his new collection and chatting to customers. Yesterday, the party was hosted by Raphael Young and later on moved to a proper party with DJ Richard Sloan and performance artists Johnny Woo, DJ Lady, Jeanette, US import Lavinia Co-op and showgirl Gwendoline Christie. And in case you have missed the above, there is more to come this afternoon when designer Rupert Sanderson will be discussing his collection and trends with Vogue’s editor-at-large Fiona Golfar. Any customer, who purchases of pair of shoes by the designer, will leave the store with a pair of heart shaped shoe shapers. This is why we heart Liberty’s so much!

with Nicholas Kirkwood

and my signed print

Literary Work

Last night Selfridges celebrated the coming out of Matthew Williamson’s new book with the designer himself signing copies and chatting to shoppers. The book portrays the work of the designer from his first collection a decade ago. The book is written by Colin McDowell and features works and images of Alexandra Shulman, Sienna Miller, Sir Paul Smith and Anna Wintour. The release of the book is accompanied by an exhibition of the designer’s earliest pieces and an insight to his work process, which I hope to blog on soon. Meanwhile, bring some creative inspiration to an upcoming designer friend, who more than anything for Christmas wishes to be the next Matthew. 

It was a great pleasure meeting Matthew Williamson and having my own signed copy!

Galliano Brings the Christmas Spirit to Claridges

It is obviously the sea theme that has inspired John Galliano for the creation of his annual Christmas tree at Claridges Art Deco lobby. The underwater fantasy could be declared a trend for Christmas decorating this year as Liberty among other department stores decorated their windows in an underworld glimmer (photos can be seen in an earlier post). The hotel celebrates the designer festive vision for the second year. The decorations will last till January 5^th, so if you are passing Claridges don’t miss a chance to dip deep into the designer’s creative mind - the depths of geniuis.

Le Look du Jour

Vogue and Kurt Geiger Shopping Event

The Shoe Shopping event at Kurt Geiger last night was a great chance to meet Vogue’s team. Among delicious canapés and cocktails it was hard to resist not indulging into a new pair of gorgeous shoes. The guests were spoilt by beauty treats and complimentary procedures, but the best I think by far was the discussion led by Emily Zak, a Vogue contributing editor. I also had the great pleasure of meeting her she and turned out to be one of the sweetest people I have ever met, and by far one of the loveliest people in fashion. After chatting to her about London’s chill and nail polisher colours we briefly discussed the collection. A true aspiration! Thank you Vogue for the magical night!

Theatre Review: Ivan and the Dogs

The moving drama which reveals the heartbreaking story of a boy trying to survive on the streets of cold, dangerous Moscow is based on the true story of Ivan Mishukov.  In telling the story of the struggle of innocent people, especially children, Hattie Naylor explores the issues of selfishness and cruelty. A very touching story, told through the innocent lines of a young boy (which was a brilliant performance by a non-Russian actor with an authentic accent). The play manages to leave the audience with the sole hope that if not in people, there is some humanity to be found in the face of an unexpected protector and a man’s best friend.

Monsieur Elbaz Limited

The madness is over! If you wanted to get hold of some of the pieces from Lanvin’s limited collection for the Swiss giant (and in the right size), then you would have been on this queue…since 9pm the previous day! And still, this could not guarantee a breezeless experience. The entire collection is now sold out and one can only guess the profit made by the high street chain. 

I had this jacket in mind when I went to H&M later today.

Le Look du Jour

Time for Tea

Nothing can compare with this feeling of discovering one of city's treasures, where you can just relax and enjoy a nice cup of aromatic tea on a gloomy day. And no better place to escape the rain and harsh wind than Yumchaa, a tea room on the corner of Noel and Berwick Street. Accompanied by one of their delicious cakes, their assortment of almost 30 types of tea is like a treat for every day of the month. Rediscover the joy of afternoon tea - a trip back in time, compared only to da Gama’s discovery of India.

Le Look du Jour

Liberty's Christmas Fairytale Windows

Le Look du Jour

Richard Hambleton New York: The Godfather Of Street Art - Private View

Valentina Machetti

Jameela Jamil

The stylish Nina; check out her blog here

The Dairy Studios in London are currently hosting Richard Hambleton’s exhibition and last night saw the opening of the collection, which has already been shown in Cannes, New York and Milan. London’s socialites, as well as some of the international fashion figures came along last night at the private viewing. Among the crowd were Carine Roitfeld, Giovanna Bottaglia, Caroline Seiber, all there to support the curator Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld.