Ok, deadlines met, you now have my full, undivided attention! I know this has been a LONG time coming. But here you have it... my take on the first ever Vogue Festival.
It is safe to say everyone had high expectations for what was deemed fashions biggest event of the year, second only to Fashion Week. With a star-studded line up and an altogether promising start, the sun was shining, beautiful decor and a, how shall I describe it, persuasive ambiance; in that the excitement was seemingly contagious, it seemed Vogue had got everything right. However, first impressions were all but deceptive. Yes, speakers such as Stella McCartney and Tom Ford got the audiences juices flowing, the event was tarnished by unfulfilled promises, lack of organisation and an extortionately over priced cafe- who quite clearly forgot that normal human beings eat more than two hundred calories a day. Don't get me wrong, the Designers were great, awe inspiring and focused, it was the general set up of the event that let it down.
All this said and done, fingers crossed they take note of their failings and improve next year, I will fill you in on all my favourite bits from the two days...
First up was Christopher Bailey. He is most famous for revolutionising Burberry, broadening its audience, making it accessible to young style fanatics and conservative city workers. His SS12 collection is a perfect example of this. Inspired by arts and crafts, it features bold colours, dramatic embellishments and flattering shapes, great for those in need of a statement piece. However, he also continues with what I term the 'Burberry classics' , that is, the infamous trench paired with a simple tee. It seems he has it all covered, especially as sales are reported to have risen by 11%... Well done Bailey! It seems you weren't far wrong when you talked of "unlocking" the brand, giving it the "love it deserved".
Next we had Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, who are the cutest duo I have ever seen! They complement each other perfectly, both in business and friendship. The pair had organised three short movies to be played under three separate headings. The whole discussion was centred on love- love of family, fashion and Italy. I must say it was an emotional display, largely due to their excellent choice in music, set against a backdrop of powerful images making it very moving! It became clear that the success of Dolce and Gabbana lay in their formidable love for each other, their team and Italia! It is safe to say their input was thoroughly enjoyable.
Stella McCartney accompanied by Kate Hudson marked the end of day one. These two were great fun. The pair role played, with Kate assuming the role of a reporter/journalist. I am a huge fan of Stella and love her SS12 collection- especially the pyjama inspired trouser suit- so really enjoyed the discussion. Both were so down to earth, Stella even offered work experience to one of the girls in the audience. They were definitely the highlight of day one, taking the edge off an already exhausted audience.
So, it wasn't all bad. Aside from the over priced, under stocked cafe and the constant battle for seats, day one was wrapped up neatly by Stella and Kate. And while I should have been at home blogging about the event, I was out drinking instead- never a wise move when you have five million deadlines the following week. But oh well, we live and learn!
(Day 2 will be posted as soon as my piece for 125 Magazine goes live... which should be later this evening!)
