News & updates from fashion's capital city...
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Each week I make a note of all the new things worth bearing in mind for my clients, my blog and well… just general day to day. As I began writing my list today, I realised it’s been 15 years this month of working in London! The time has flown. I also took a moment to feel grateful… grateful for the meetings, the coffee catch ups, press days and working lunches… it’s been 15 years of West End fun.
So I thought it was about time I capitalised on my experience in London and bring a little something new to the blog. So say hello to ‘Wednesday Meeting’ – a new regular on the blog. I want to share with you the absolute latest in fashion, beauty and lifestyle mixed with some opinion and news. I hope you enjoy!
New Podcast Launch:
Louis Vuitton [EXTENDED]
Louis Vuitton has announced the launch of Louis Vuitton [Extended], an exclusive podcast that aims to take listeners on a journey alongside the visionaries that help write Louis Vuitton’s cultural history.
Listen Here: Ep1 – Pharrell Williams on Merging Fashion with Music & Family
Streaming now on Deezer, Amazon Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts and Podcast Addict.
The podcast will also take listeners behind the scenes of the men’s and women’s fashion shows, as we well as the cultural projects from the Maison, such as the collaboration between chef Arnaud Donckele and pastry chef Maxime Frédéric at the Louis Vuitton restaurant in SaintTropez.
PAIGE Debuts First London Store In Chelsea
If you love your premium denim jeans then you’ll love California-based clothing, shoes and accessories brand PAIGE. They’ve just opened their first-ever international store on King’s Road, Chelsea and I’m so excited to visit!
It opened last Friday with its A/W ’23 range and the flagship boutique features a VIP Styling Lounge (a private shopping area with a lounging area) a coffee bar and private dressing rooms, and offers personalised style consultations and a private outlet for press appointments. There’s also a hemming and alterations service available.
The store will be Paige’s largest retail location to date and it will showcase the brand’s complete collection, including extended sizing and categories like footwear, sunglasses, maternity, leather goods, and more.
Everyone's Talking About THAT Laurence Fox Interview...
I very rarely read or follow the news and people are often surprised considering I spent the best part of my career working for News UK (The Sun/The Times). But this headline caught my eye and I could not believe what I was reading (hearing? listening? watching?).
For those who don’t know, Laurence Fox featured on BBC’s Politics Live on Monday with Dan Wootton and launched into a disgusting tirade, vocalising some totally unacceptable comments about female journalist, Ava Evans, namely focusing on who would “want to shag (her)?”.
In response, Ava Evans commented when asked about it on the Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 show:
“I’m a bit speechless, I don’t really know what to say, to be honest.”
“I’m really hurt by it, I’m shocked that it went out. This is the sort of talk that you worry that men have about you when you’re not in the room.
“There’s always a worry in the back of your mind.”
Since the comments, Laurence Fox has been suspended by GB News over his ‘unacceptable’ comments. What a world. Dan Wootton has apologised on social media for his reaction to Fox, whereby he was trying to hear information via his earpiece, and listen to Fox while also thinking on the spot. Laurence, however, “stands by every word that (he) said.”
VOGUE'S Luxe Advent Calendar
The wait is over: Vogue’s Festive calendar is available to shop as of now. There has been overwhelming interest in the release, so secure yours here while stocks last.
The festive season might seem far off, but there are glad tidings for those who like to get ahead on gifts: Vogue’s inaugural advent calendar is here, and it is more than worthy of your wish list. Not just a beauty advent calendar, it is the aesthete’s chance to indulge in a line-up of legendary lifestyle, fashion and skincare grails, with £75,000 of proceeds pledged to charities supporting vulnerable communities this Christmas and beyond.
SEARCYS Champagne Bar, Opening Soon at Battersea Power Station
Coming soon to the revamped Battersea Power Station in London is a new Searcys. Sign up here to be invited to the Champagne Bar opening at Battersea Power Station. See you there!
Part of London’s hospitality scene for over 175 years, Searcys is an award-winning restaurateur in residence at unique and historical venues across the UK. At the heart of every Searcys’ venue is a touch of indulgence and finesse, serving fresh, seasonal dishes that focus on sustainability, alongside extensive Champagne and wine lists.
As the UK’s oldest British caterer, Searcys is the brainchild of one man: John Searcy, who founded the company in 1847. Catering for all celebrations from balls, royal weddings to coronations, Searcys leads the way in hospitality with its world-class service.
Lakes by YOO: Supper Club The Harvest Feast
Taking place on Thursday 28th September | 6.30pm | £65pp
The incredibly luxurious Lakes By You is hosting their very first Supper Club in collaboration with Relish Events: a Harvest Feast.
It is a culinary and sensory experience designed to celebrate the richness and beauty of the Autumn season. As leaves transform into shades of golden yellows, rustic oranges, and deep reds, it’s the perfect time to gather around bountiful tables with loved ones to share delicious food, delightful conversations, and the simple joy of community.
I’ve stayed at Lakes by Yoo a couple of times and honestly have so much FOMO with this event. Book here.
H&M Are Charging For Returns!
Well, we all knew the bubble would soon burst and we all saw it coming. Fashion giant H&M has become the latest retailer to charge shoppers who return items bought online.
Customers now must pay £1.99 to return parcels either in store or online, with the cost taken from their refund. However, returns are still free for H&M members, a tactic I imagine in which to increase membership figures for profit gain.
Rival retailers such as Zara, Boohoo, Uniqlo and Next already charge for online returns. Personally I feel this is a step in the right direction in a bid to reduce wastage, carbon emissions and road usage but can’t help but feel it rings a bit true of monetary gain on the customer’s expense.
Levi’s collaborates with Crocs on a capsule collection
As a person who has never worn Crocs, I’m unfazed by this collab but interested nonetheless. Check it out here.
Clothing brand Levi’s has collaborated with footwear brand Crocs for a capsule collection that emphasizes self-expression, style and versatility. Combining casual comfort with quality design, the three-piece range draws inspiration from traditional Japanese craftsmanship and denim artistry. These Classic Clogs feature a tie-dye print inspired by Japanese Shibori technique, a red contrast sole, Levi’s button shank hardware and eight custom-made Jibbitz charms inspired by archives.
King's Cross Coal Drops Yard: Extraordinary Style Exhibition
This season’s Extraordinary Style exhibition celebrates the rebellious spirit and infectious energy that has shaped the cultural legacy of King’s Cross. Collaborating with photographer Clare Shilland, stylist Michele Rafferty and collage artist Patrick Waugh, we’ve photographed 10 people with inspiring style who live, work or study in the neighbourhood.
The exhibition is on display at Coal Drops Yard. Each outfit has been curated from the Autumn/Winter 2023 collections that are available in King’s Boulevard and Coal Drops Yard shops.
Find out more about the amazing Coal Drops Yard and what’s on here.
On My Radar: Plant-Based Restaurant, Omni
Say hello to this gorgeous, relaxed and friendly neighbourhood plant-based restaurant located in Peckham, London, called Omni. It produces innovative plant-based dishes showcasing the seasonal produce from local suppliers and presenting them in a unique and inventive manner. The passion-project of chef-restaurateurs George Matheou and Jess McGill, the duo is inspired by the flavours and influence of global cuisines.
The taste combinations extend to the house cocktails with unique twists on well-known favourites. Sustainable and as zero-waste as possible with sauces, smoked ingredients and fresh baking undertaken inhouse, they create delicate new dishes with innovation and panache whilst stamping their own style on adaptations of traditional classics.
Find out more here.
