‘Prepare for 2010’s Biggest Fashion Party', tweeted the excited team at Vogue.co.uk in the build up to the London’s Fashion Night Out on 8th September. By most admissions it has to be said that the electrifying atmosphere that took to the streets as early as 6pm and continued throughout the night was nothing short of a carnival of festivities.
The vibrancy and spirit of retailers was rewardingly matched by members of the public who took celebrations into the great outdoors for their own high street runway. The only conceivable dilemma of the evening involved co-ordinating specifically timed events with guest appearances for this unforgettable night out.
Juicy Couture got the party started early doors in the fun loving playful fashion that has become the homogenising ‘juicy effect.’ Waiters sporting top hats and ribbon tied shirts handed out champagne to all those who entered the balloon and candy filled store, whilst Vogue TV were on hand to capture all those juicy moments worth savouring on film. Sophie Ellis Bextor could be found DJing in a pretty polka dot print shirt at the back of the ground floor with a sixties inspired Pixie Lott set to join later.
The vibrancy and spirit of retailers was rewardingly matched by members of the public who took celebrations into the great outdoors for their own high street runway. The only conceivable dilemma of the evening involved co-ordinating specifically timed events with guest appearances for this unforgettable night out.
The vibrancy and spirit of retailers was rewardingly matched by members of the public who took celebrations into the great outdoors for their own high street runway. The only conceivable dilemma of the evening involved co-ordinating specifically timed events with guest appearances for this unforgettable night out.
Juicy Couture got the party started early doors in the fun loving playful fashion that has become the homogenising ‘juicy effect.’ Waiters sporting top hats and ribbon tied shirts handed out champagne to all those who entered the balloon and candy filled store, whilst Vogue TV were on hand to capture all those juicy moments worth savouring on film. Sophie Ellis Bextor could be found DJing in a pretty polka dot print shirt at the back of the ground floor with a sixties inspired Pixie Lott set to join later.The vibrancy and spirit of retailers was rewardingly matched by members of the public who took celebrations into the great outdoors for their own high street runway. The only conceivable dilemma of the evening involved co-ordinating specifically timed events with guest appearances for this unforgettable night out.
Juicy Couture got the party started early doors in the fun loving playful fashion that has become the homogenising ‘juicy effect.’ Waiters sporting top hats and ribbon tied shirts handed out champagne to all those who entered the balloon and candy filled store, whilst Vogue TV were on hand to capture all those juicy moments worth savouring on film. Sophie Ellis Bextor could be found DJing in a pretty polka dot print shirt at the back of the ground floor with a sixties inspired Pixie Lott set to join later.
Such an exciting start and only 6.45pm. Where to next? Nicole Fahri’s widely opened doors of course. Nicole’s penchant for a fine blend of feminine fabrics and minimal shapes was instantaneously conspicuous with entrants walking into a Parisian setting of squared tables covered simply with a chequered cloth and a handful of small red roses.
Those persons wishing to transport themselves to la belle Paris were invited to sit down with a glass of wine and soak up the offerings of the live band in store. For the restless, a 5 minute stroll would take you to door of Matthew Williamson’s store who despite being an ‘FNO virgin’ (his words not mine, I might add) treated participants to a taste of the tropical with his take on a Moroccan souk featuring dishes from Momos and a traditional Moroccan Gnawa band.
Vodka based mojitos were provided whilst friendly staff encouraged you to enter a prize draw to win front row seats for his show at London Fashion Week. Anything to detract from a gorgeous deep cobalt dress I spied a sales advisor wearing, as if auspiciously...
Those persons wishing to transport themselves to la belle Paris were invited to sit down with a glass of wine and soak up the offerings of the live band in store. For the restless, a 5 minute stroll would take you to door of Matthew Williamson’s store who despite being an ‘FNO virgin’ (his words not mine, I might add) treated participants to a taste of the tropical with his take on a Moroccan souk featuring dishes from Momos and a traditional Moroccan Gnawa band.
Vodka based mojitos were provided whilst friendly staff encouraged you to enter a prize draw to win front row seats for his show at London Fashion Week. Anything to detract from a gorgeous deep cobalt dress I spied a sales advisor wearing, as if auspiciously...
Actively resisting serious expenditure at Vivienne Westwood was another challenge of the evening and a battle I thankfully appeared not to be fighting alone – audible purrs and ahhh's were ricocheting from the walls of the store.
With a ‘buy less, choose well’ logo for her ‘Red Label’ and a ‘prince charming’ theme for her ‘Gold Label,’ Westwood does not disappoint for either those who love her for her political impetus and/or merely her inherently iconic design.
With a ‘buy less, choose well’ logo for her ‘Red Label’ and a ‘prince charming’ theme for her ‘Gold Label,’ Westwood does not disappoint for either those who love her for her political impetus and/or merely her inherently iconic design.
Those queuing outside Stella McCartney to catch a glimpse of Gwennie or around the block at Liberty to meet Manolo Blahnik and Yasmin Le Bon did so with unrestrained excitement and cheerful chatterings.
High Street stores were also enticing passersby with discounts, DJing, makeovers, manicures and samples. Fashion’s Big Night Out apparently just got BIGGER.
High Street stores were also enticing passersby with discounts, DJing, makeovers, manicures and samples. Fashion’s Big Night Out apparently just got BIGGER.
Pop ups were present in Selfridges with both Mulberry and Lucy in Disguise presenting on the Ground Floor. Diana Vickers was all smiles in handbag heaven whilst Lily was beaming as brightly as the pattern on her maxi dress in her own personal pop up, mirroring attitudes of the press and public alike.
The brain child of Lily Allen and her half sister Sarah Owen looks well set to refute claimants from those who doubted the star’s ability to successfully attach her name to a clothing line. The buzz surrounding Lucy in Disguise’s impending move to Covent Garden can be heard ever more loudly.
The brain child of Lily Allen and her half sister Sarah Owen looks well set to refute claimants from those who doubted the star’s ability to successfully attach her name to a clothing line. The buzz surrounding Lucy in Disguise’s impending move to Covent Garden can be heard ever more loudly.
This iconic brand which was pivotal in the zeitgeist that turned the focal point of fashion from Paris to London is undoubtedly as relevant now as it was then.
The ‘youthquake’ explosion of the fun loving and fearless that is synonymous with the swinging sixties is visually apparent in BIBA’s A/W 10/11 line in which, at still relatively affordable prices, aspiring ‘dolly birds’ can pick from an array of leopard print and faux fur coats, sensual satin maxis, embellished minis and much more. A real case of ‘more bang for your buck.’
Gifts of Aveda and Courvoisier were handed out in exclusive BIBA packaging for those fortunate enough to view the live show at House of Fraser whilst drinks were made to order.
So, it is on this note that I take my leave and would like to raise my glass and provide a toast to Fashion.
For its many faces, shades, degrees of ambiguity and intelligence, may it continue to inspire and shape society. May we never lose sight of the future, yet may we never forget what has gone before.
For its many faces, shades, degrees of ambiguity and intelligence, may it continue to inspire and shape society. May we never lose sight of the future, yet may we never forget what has gone before.
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