As I was editing photos I realised that this was going to be one of those marathon posts and wondered how I could possibly condense it. But then it’s not everyday I get to attend the British Fashion Awards so here’s the full version of a truly great 24 hour fashion adventure with fellow bloggers Helen from The It Guide and Victoria from Feathers & Frills.
Every good story starts with good hair so we started ours off by getting coiffed courtesy of FOUR London. I’d visited the lovely Neha before and she was on hand to once more transform my rain-frizzed hair into a gleaming, bouncy bundle of waves that is still going strong as I type!
Hair glossed and groomed we skipped literally, across the street to our accommodation for the evening – the sublime No. 5 Maddox St. For one used to staying in orange, windowless, cupboard sized rooms at various Easy Hotels, this beautiful apartment felt like stop over heaven and was such an indulgent treat. The amazingly helpful staff not only upgraded us to the three bedroom Bartlett suite but also came to our rescue with Thai food when the delivery company let us down.
Once we’d settled in, we got down to serious business of makeup – to help ramp up the glam factor, we had ours done by the very talented Laura Johnson. She created the most amazing smokey purple eyes for me and I only wish I could achieve the same effect myself. And always drink champagne whilst applying my makeup!
And so to the serious business of the outfit! If ever anything was going to throw me into a blind panic its an invite to the British Fashion Awards that says Black Tie. One visit to Julia at my local fashion heaven Stanwells and all my fashion fears wear allayed in an instant. Julia’s been to the awards before so knows the score – we quickly decided on the amazingly sequin-tastic IRO jacket with a simple 2ND DAY draped top.
I teamed these with my Le Marais trousers from The Fold, a pair of sky high Jimmy Choo platform sandals and a glittery Jimmy Choo clutch. Are you sensing the glitter theme yet?
I felt great in the outfit and lots of people came up and stroked the IRO jacket – you can brush back the sequins to give it a distressed look. Hence all the stroking.
After a champagne reception at The Savoy Theatre we took our seats and waited for the ceremony to begin. Hosted by Gemma Arterton and Nick Grimshaw it kicked off with Alexa Chung being presented with the British Style Award by none other than Valentino. This in itself was was pretty amazing but when Manolo Blahnik took to the stage to receive his Outstanding Achievement Award, I nearly fell off my seat in a dead faint of pure fashion joy. Stella McCartney scooped both Designer Brand and Designer Of The Year and Erdem received the New Establishment Award presented by Samantha Cameron. You can see a full list of nominees here and lots of great red carpet photos. Check out video highlights – it really captures what a truly amazing event this was and I still can’t believe I was there.
Several cocktails later at the after party we decided to call it night and were back to our apartment before midnight in true Cinderella style. Jimmy Choo glass slippers both present and correct!
You can see Helen’s brilliant video diary that captures our adventure on her blog, The It Guide and our makeup artist Laura has a gorgeous beauty blog Eat, Breathe, Sleep where she shares her beauty secrets, hints and tips.
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You look amazing! Watch out Olivia, that’s all I have to say!
Wow…thank you for possibly the best compliment ever! xx
Oh wow, wow, wow! Where to begin! I love this post and it sounds like one of life’s proper fantasy moments. You look absolutely gorgeous and like a true A-Lister – I really love your interpretation of black tie … genius! Also, special mention to the hair which is truly Manhattan luxe. Amazing! xxx
Aw thank you J! Loved it all – every single moment. FOUR are just amazing and have you to thank for getting me hooked! xxx
Definitely a great step up from the orange nightmare boxes!!
Absolutely! If only it was No5 Maddox St all the time!
That jacket is amazing!! A proper party jacket if ever I saw one!
What an amazing night – you all look like you had a marvelous time!
xx
It is..a true statement piece…and it was amazing. Feel very fortunate to have experienced it! xx
WOW – you looked totally amazing, that jacket was just. Stunning!! X
Why thank you my lovely cousin…so thrilled to see it was you commenting! xx
You look very glam, love the jacket. What an experience and one to remember!
Thank you…and definitely will never forget it – an incredible evening! xx
One word – WOW!! You look incredible and what an amazing experience. Loved reading all about it, Ax
Thanks so much Avril! Thats the best thing about blogging – getting to relive it all in a post! xx
Oooh, I couldn’t wait to read about this, I even thought about you when you were at the event!!
The whole thing sounds absolutely fantastic & you look amazing….that jacket is gorgeous!!!
What a fab experience!! X
What a glamorous post! You looked amazing, your hair is fabulous and I adore the jacket.
wow, so jealous, i continue to love your blog, what absolute glamour,
p.s your nail colour would be fab for Christmas , i bet its a Chanel, do you recall the colour !
What a beautiful look. You always look so happy, bubbly and gorgeous. I love getting your posts in my inbox. Thank you xxx
Wow, what an experience! Love your outfit, very festive. x
You look amazing! I have been lusting after that jacket for a while and you absolutely do it justice. X