Thursday 20th September was a day covered in asterixes in my diary, for me it marked a very exciting occasion - a VIP ticket to Vodafone's London Fashion Weekend launch night! To say I was ecstatic when my sister text me telling me she'd won two tickets after entering a mobile competition on a whim, and inviting me along as her +1, is an understatement.
I tootled off on the train to Euston after work, and met my sister at Charing Cross (taking the tube for the first time by myself... Why did I ever think it was difficult?!). We'd both updated our iPhone's with the iOS 6 software that day, and both eagerly used the new maps function to find Somerset House... Not overly impressed by the new software, we resorted to Google maps and found our way there no problem!
We picked up our tickets and claimed our free goody bags - by Mulberry, naturally! (My first Mulberry of many, I hope/wish). Inside we discovered a little trove of treats, including a rather glamourous glass bottle of diet (of course) coke designed by Jean Paul Gautier, which is far too pretty to open! Along with that, we also found an Elizabeth Arden cream, Lavazza (LFW sponsor) coffee sample, toothpaste to get a glistening smile, a fake tan mitt, blister patches and Label.m. Sea Salt spray which I can't wait to use! Who cares if it's torrential rain outside? I want beach hair so I can at least pretend it's warm and I'm sipping on a cocktail on a hot sunny beach!
After wondering around Somerset House for a little while, oo'ing and arr'ing at the various sparkly, shiny and luxurious goodies, we decided to begin queuing up for the catwalk show - without a doubt the part I was most excited about, having been to my last (and only) one 8 years ago with GCSE Textiles at The Clothes Show Live at Birmingham NEC, I was desperate to be front row at one of the most hyped about shows in the big smoke.
My sister & I got chatting to a lovely couple in front of us, which passed the time! We signed declarations to say we didn't mind being in photographs and logged in with our tickets on the Samsung Galaxy Tablets the event assistants were carrying! High-tech and high-fashion, a sign of the times.
We were lucky enough to get front row seats, and were handed a glass of champagne on arrival - very showbiz (and greatly appreciated after a long day of travelling!).
Then it was on to the fashion show itself, featuring a variety of brands all available to buy at London Fashion Weekend! Nobody fell over which I was grateful for as I always wince when I see the clip of Naomi Campbell famously toppling over on the runway.
I thought the show itself was produced perfectly, it was the perfect mix of a classic catwalk but also modern and fresh, reflecting the new, individual trends of today.
Of course, the event wouldn't have been as amazing if it wasn't for the music. Tulisa's performance was incredible despite her having tonsillitis, and I was impressed by her live vocals! Given Cheryl Cole's live performance at the Jubilee Concert, I'm always a little apprehensive over live singing; I genuinely feel sorry for the artist if what comes out their mouth is nothing like their CD sounds... Thankfully, Tulisa sounded fabulous and I really enjoyed her set.
It was a truly exciting evening and it definitely exceeded my expectations! I think the little things matter the most, and the use of technology was innovative and really interesting. Considering I took all the photos on my iPhone too, Apple haven't done a bad job with a camera either!
Thank you Vodafone & London Fashion Weekend!
♥
