For its third edition in a row, this year’s Vogue Fashion Night Out was without a doubt a great success, with so many people in the streets celebrating fashion in the most cheerful mood. Celebrities and designers, such as Daisy Lowe, Gwyneth Paltrow, Henry Holland, Sir Paul Smith, but also Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, mingled with shoppers, in a multitude of events all over London.
In the West End, most shops stayed open until late, serving drinks and snacks to customers or, in more private events, to guests only. Fashionistas were able to plan their night through the FNO website. And that’s where problems began… What to choose? Hawaiian theme and Vogue cover shoots at Liberty, launch of Matthew Williamson‘s new line ‘MW’, bangle bowling in the Hermès horsebox, and so many exciting FNO-exclusive events! After a long moment of reflection (and I’m not even kidding), the best option appeared to be scheduling a couple of events, and then just exploring the streets and capturing the palpable excitement.
Our first stop that night was one of the only spots open in Notting Hill, Narciss boutique. Fabulous snacks, such as black caviar
and a combination of cheese and raspberry, were served along with spicy Bloody Mary and champagne – and with very fashionable DJ Sophie Lloyd behind the decks. This was the perfect opportunity to meet the designer behind this up-and-coming London-based new label, beautiful Alise Trautmane, from Latvia. Her career is particularly interesting as her background is actually in Law and Economics. Working as a consultant for years, she progressively approached the fashion world and finally became a fashion designer after studying at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan. It was without a doubt the right thing to do! Alise’s designs present a timeless elegance with a twist of originality through little details such as bows in the FW11/12 collection, inspired by the weather phenomenon of snow bows – and all fabrics are so soft and lightweight. It’s like wearing a cloud, a beautifully shaped and coloured cloud. Go discover her wonderful dresses in the eponymous boutique Narciss, 185 Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill.
The second event of the evening was the private view of Deborah Turbeville fabulous exhibition at the Donna Karan boutique on Conduit Street. More details soon on LUXSURE!
Laurie Guillem