Celebrating Matthew Williamson's Amazonia Collection

Last week I attended a dinner at Matthew Williamson’s Queen’s Park Studio for a dinner to celebrate his new Amazonian-themed collection. Well, I say dinner but it was certainly more of a tropical extravaganza. Hosted by Matthew’s right-hand girls (and party planner extraordinaires) Rosanna Falconer and Georgie Macintyre.  In the company of three parrots (yup, not even kidding) and a flurry of exotically dressed guests, I was served a delicious Balthazar London feast and waaaay too many glasses of NYEtimber bubbles amongst various wild and feathered figurines surrounding my plate! We were then adorably spoiled with mini meringue pies and jelly snakes served alongside our mint drunk from elegant vintage crockery.

The collection, inspired by the Amazon and the spiritual revelations and awakenings reportedly experienced from consuming ayahuasca, the enlightening drug shamans have used for centuries as a window into the soul and cure for illness and depression.  The typically vibrant Matthew Williamson prints contain beetles, monkeys, snakes and a lot of stunning, tropical flowers; mood lifting indeed!

TLC Loves Matthew Williamson's Amazonia Collection...

Above (L-R) Clockwise:  Raspberry Jungle Bloom Silk Chiffon Gathered Gown (RRP. £950.00), Mint Jungle Bloom Embroidered Flare Dress (RRP. £795.00), Raspberry Mother Amazon Silk Slip Dress (RRP. £295.00), Jungle Bloom Embroidered Halter Gown (RRP. £2,295.00), Lemon Jungle Bloom Silk Chiffon Gathered Gown (RRP. £950.00).  See the rest of the Amazonia Collection HERE.

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Matthew Williamson for Osborne and Little

During London Fashion Week I decided to take a little fashunnnn time out go to the launch of Matthew Williamson’s latest collection of fabrics and wallpapers for Osborne and Little.  As I'm currently refurbishing my flat, I'm on the constant lookout for design inspiration - and what better place to start?  Matthew’s signature love of kaleidoscopic prints and his penchant for the exotic has been reflected in this collection of spirited, fruity fabrics and wild and whimsical wallpapers.

If you’re not currently looking to update your home with any crouching tigers, or not so hidden peacocks (and and I must ask, why not?!) I suggest you get yourself a FANTASTICAL Matthew Williamson for Osborne and Little umbrella.  I couldn’t have been more thrilled with mine on that day (my Clo and Flo blow dry was saved - Phew!!) and I can already foresee that my latest, fabulously flamboyant accessory will fast become my most useful!

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See the full Matthew Williamson for Osborne and Little range HERE.

Iris at Annabel's

Last month I attended the Curzon Mayfair for a private screening of Iris, the much anticipated Albert Maysles documentary about Iris Apfel, the self-christened ‘nonagenarian It-girl.’  After watching the film amongst an audience of well dressed, over accessorised fashionistas (in honour of the ‘more is more’ starlet herself, naturally!) we all headed to the ever-fabulous Annabel’s, the iconic member's club, for dinner.  

Above:  Iris Apfel attended the dinner, welcoming us all warmly, wearing a bright orange faux-fur coat, copious Nancy Cunard bangles and her signature, magnified Edna Mode glasses. 

Above:  Let loose with the polaroid camera!  With journalist Amy E Williams, fashion blogger Ella Catliff and House of Hackney founders Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle.

My highlights included meeting Charlotte Dellal (above, I could be one of the biggest Charlotte Olympia fans around), being treated to the restaurant's reknown Bitter Chocolate Ice Cream (Oh. My. Sweet. Lord...) and managing to perfectly match my Matthew Williamson outfit and Miu Miu heels with the carpet and doors at Annabel’s…. Next level coordination commitment!  Excessive fun all round - just like Iris loves.

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#TLCCOMP: Calling All Illustrators!

I have made no secret of how much I adore Jess Collett’s amazing creations.  In fact, a friend commented how she barely recognised me at a dinner recently as I was Jess Collett hat-less, a rarity now that I own not one, but TWO JC trilbys! With Summer coming up (one hopes!) and with it, special opportunities to adorn fantastical headwear designs to varying fancaaaay events, I decided to collaborate with Jess on this creative wee project, allowing us both to shine some light on a new artistic talent in the process.  I have four photographs (below) of me, with makeup by Charlotte Cowen, donning some more than gawwwgeous Matthew Williamson frocks alongside four of Jess’ amazing summer-sunshine-appropriate designs and I am looking for an equally talented illustrator to create the summery scenes (the races, a regatta, a wedding and an Ibizan sojourn) for me to be placed amongst.  The chosen artwork will be represented on both Jess and my websites and our social media platforms, and each artist will receive a stunning, bespoke Jess Collett summer trilby (similar to the one below worth £220.00).  Share this post with your most creative friends! 

Below:  The Wedding Guest:  We are looking for an image representing real excitement and celebration on the dance floor!  (Azure Chiffon Embroidered Asymmetric Gown: Now £1,095.00, my beloved Giselle Suede Strappy Sandals: Now £175.00). 

Below:  Regatta Fun:  We are looking for this image to show me perhaps noticing a gorgeous boater or sailor!  (Hibiscus Flower Silk Ruffle Trim Dress: Now £445.00, Giselle Suede Strappy Sandals: Now £175.00).

Below:  A Day at the Races: Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose... We are looking for this piece to show horses having whizzed by, with clearly my chosen horse lagging behind! #ComeOnDoverMoveYourBloomingArrrse... (Evening Palm Lace Feather Dress in cream: Now £1,495.00).

Below:  Ibizan Sunset:  We'd love this picture to show me walking onto a sailboat, yacht or on a beach on the sunniest of days! (Beach Palm Print Gown: Now £245.00, Sunglasses: Grey Oversized Curved Cat Eye Sunglasses £200.00)

Please send all submissions to hello@thelondonchatter.com by the end of next week - Good Luck! 

Matthew Williamson for Red Nose Day 2015: 'Do My Feathers Look Big In This...?'

Red Nose Day 2015 is TOMORROW!  Once again, the nation is gearing up to adorn their noses and get SILLY, all united in the same mission; to transform the lives of millions of people across the UK and across Africa.  Go HERE to donate to this annual fundraiser, remembering that £30.00 could vaccinate 6 children again deadly diseases like meningitis, tetanus and pneumonia, £50.00 could pay for 20 people with dementia to take part in a group session to enhance their self-confidence and communication skills, and £150.00 could buy a wheelchair for a child with a disability in Zambia so they can get to and from school…

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Taking the emblem of the peacock feather, Matthew Williamson has designed a t’shirt, available at TK Maxx, brilliantly asking ‘Do my feathers look big in this?!’  As worn by Daisy Lowe on the front cover of this month’s Elle magazine (below) 100% of the net profits from sales go to Comic Relief, supporting projects to end extreme poverty worldwide.  Show you give a shirt, and buy one HERE (RRP £14.99) now! 

Photographs:  David Nyanzi

The Launch of The Grill at The Dorchester

Last week I was invited to the launch of The Grill, the recently refurnished and stunningly re-imagined restaurant at The Dorchester. 

Before myself, and the beyond gorgeous (inside and out!) Emily Johnston of Fashion Fois Grois, attended the much-anticipated party (and more to the point, sampled the delicious menu!) we were both blissfully pampered at the Carol Joy’s salon.  We were both treated to voluminous blow dries (Emily assured me “the higher the hair, the closer to God”) and manicures (in a room which could actually compete, and possibly win, against me in an Essie Polish count!) in this hidden oasis. 

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Once in my dress (I wore a pale pink Huishan Zhang dress which unzipped at the front to make an unusual crop-top dress), I joined Emily at The Grill ahead of the other guests so we could have a look around the sparkling new venue, see the detail of the new design, and meet the team on their first night.  

First established in 1931, The Grill quickly became an iconic, ‘go-to’ venue for the finest grill food in London with regular customers including royalty, statesmen and celebrities alike.  Now with a timeless yet vibrant new interior, courtesy of French interior architect Bruno Moinard, the restaurant and its charming staff are ready to welcome in a new culinary chapter, under the reign of Head Chef Christophe Marleix, Alain Ducasse’s protégé.

An amazing, hand-blown Murano glass chandelier hangs prominently in the centre of the room (right) adding some serious, majestic drama.   Another special and defining feature of the room are its pivoting wall panels which rather theatrically manage to create an entirely different ambience and mood by transforming the light from day to night.  Thus, the restaurant not only provides a romantic, cosy venue for dinner, but also the perfect light and bright breakfast location too.    

We were utterly spoilt with various, mini dishes from The Grill, including yummy scallops, utterly delicious fish and chips (a must!) and little pots of their signature blue lobster chowder and several different flavours of sweet soufflés (the rum and raisin is OFF the scale… I maaaay have had two... Ok three, but in my defence, they were really freaking small, OK?!...)  If these dishes were anything to go by, trust me, this restaurant is one to check out - and it will certainly be seeing a lot more of me! 

Below:  With Matthew Williamson's Communication's Director Rosanna Falconer.

Below:  With Louisa Preskett and Marissa Hermer.

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Astley Clarke's Summer Party at the Serpentine

Bec Astley Clarke recently hosted a very sleek, ‘Thomas Crown Affair’ inspired summer party in the newly built Serpentine Sackler Gallery’s Magazine Restaurant.  Whilst sipping on Marmalade Martinis and (very) Tipsy Tea Cocktails, six suited and booted men in bowler hats stole (albeit only momentarily) the cases of Astley Clarke’s fine jewellery we had all previously been oogling.

I wore the Janson Dress by Zoë Jordan (now on sale! RRP. £595.00 £298.00) for the evening’s festivities. I was thrilled to be one of ‘Zoë’s Girls’ for the evening, alongside some of my most beautiful friends; actresses Sienna Miller and Jemma Powell and Fashion PR * Beatrice Savoretti. After the ‘heist,’ and several more drinks, guest DJ *Laura Whitmore took to the decks and we all begun, candy-floss covered chocolate ice-cream sticks in hand, to enthusiastically dance the rest of the night away. Thank you Bec xx

Above L-R (Clockwise):  Sienna Miller and Savannah Miller with their mother Jo,  Martha Ward with India Langdon, designer Matthew Williamson with our host Bec Astley Clarke,Kelly Eastwood also with Bec.  Below L-R:  With Sienna Miller,  Jemma Powell, Kelly Eastwood, Zoë Jordan and Beatrice Savoretti. 

The below video shows off the really fun evening perfectly... I think I woke up in that hat! 

Below:  The London Chatter appearing on Harpers Bazaar and Tatler online...


#SummerSalt Competition at Salt Resort Wear

Launching in 2012, Salt Resort Wear was the UK’s first resort wear boutique and is consistently home to every girl’s dream summer wardrobe… mine included! Brim full, all year round, with the ultimate in luxury ready-to-wear summer clothes and accessories, Salt Resort Wear is the one-stop destination for any glamorous vacation or staycation shopping.  Based on Walton Street, one of West London’s more exclusive streets, this beautiful boutique stocks a strict edit of covetable labels (including TLC faves, Mara Hoffman and Matthew Williamson) all of which will have you eagerly saving up this summer, to pack/squish into your suitcase alongside your SPF. 

As a professional sun-seeker (growing up in Africa, it will come as no surprise that during the grizzly winter months I take any opportunity to travel in search of sunnier climes!) I am excited to announce that I will be doing some work with Salt Resort Wear this year.  I will be sharing with you TLC’s shopping edits from the boutique and several beautiful, summery fashion stories I hope will inspire your own upcoming tropical fun in the sun.

My first Salt Resort Wear ‘challenge,’ so to speak, was to put together my two favourite#SaltSummer outfits from in store to coincide with the boutique’s current competion...

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 Follow @SaltOfficial on instagram and tag your favourite summer look with #SaltSummer to be entered into winning £1000 to spend in store or online. This amazing competition, whose winner will be the talk of the beach, is running until the end of July so quick, get ‘grammin! 

Above Left:  Admist all the tribal prints and sparkles I was particularly taken with these Cutler and Gross Intercast Multilayer White Mirror Lens (RRP. £340.00) sunnies.

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Above:  I loved the K Jacques sandals available in Turqouise with Zebra Print (RRP. £215.00) and Neon Pink with Snake Print (RRP. £195.00).

Above:  The London Chatter's #SALTSUMMER Look One...
Basta Surf 's White Martinique Dress (RRP. £250.00 £125.00), Matthew Williamson for Linda Farrow's Neon Yellow Acetate Sunglasses (RRP. £238.00 £119.00), K Jaques' Turquoise Sandals with Zebra Print (RRP. £215.00), Venessa Arizaga's 'Lady Aloha Bracelet'(RRP. £55.00), Marie Sole Amore's Neon Pink Stone Sintch Bracelet(RRP. £18.00), Koku's Alexia Beauty Bag With White Palm (RRP. £86.00) and Eugenia Kim's Gabriella Hat with Bird Motif (RRP. £265.00).

Above:  The London Chatter's #SALTSUMMER Look Two...
Mara Hoffman's Embroidered Maxi Dress in Cosmic Fountain (RRP. £476.00), Eugenia Kim Lillian Hat with Black Band (RRP. £250.00), Salt Resort Wear Pink/Yellow/Blue Beach Bag currently available in store (RRP. £40.00), bracelets both as before. 

Which is your favouite look out of the two? 

Salt Resort Wear 
69 Walton Street, SW3 2HT
www.saltresortwear.com

LFW: Matthew Williamson SS'14

Just like his AW/13 collection, Matthew Williamson’s SS’14 collection showed his designs evolving steadily from the bohemian holiday wear he had long been associated with, to a more sleek, simple and mature aesthetic. “My girl is growing up, she is the same free spirit inside but, like the rest of us, maturing – and I have to respond to that,”  Matthew explained.  Hand-drawn and painted daisy and dragonfly prints were displayed on belted dresses, tailored silk trousers and feminine, yet sophisticated, dresses.  I particularly liked the yellow organza based shift dress with ornate white appliqué flowers.  

Happy 15th Anniversary Matthew Williamson

British designer Matthew Williamson’s two favourite blonde gal pals, actress Sienna Miller (above left) and model Poppy Delevigne (above right) recently got together, along with actress Andrea Riseborough and eight beautiful ballerinas from The Royal Ballet, to film ‘XV,’ a three minute short film celebrating Matthew Williamson’s 15 successful years in the fashion industry. Happy 15th Anniversary Matthew!