This week I've done a bit of celebrating for a certain milestone birthday. A while ago I started thinking about the best way to celebrate said birthday...dinner at my favourite restaurant, drinks at a London bar, a themed birthday party. It got me thinking. If I was to organise a fantasy dinner party with my favourite people from the world of fashion...who would I invite?
I started a bit of a discussion on Twitter about the ultimate fashion dinner and got some great responses. Coco Chanel, obviously featured on many a list, a legend in the world of fashion. So who would I pick to share my birthday with me, and join me at a fabulous evening of food, wine and fashion chat? Here's my guest list, in no particular order.
Wayne Hemingway
Wayne Hemingway, British fashion designer and co-owner of fabulous fashion label Red or Dead. In recent years Wayne has wowed us with the Vintage Festival at Goodwood and on London's South Bank. He's straight talking, down to earth, knows his vintage music as well as fashion and would give a great dimension to the mix. The best of British fashion heritage, I'd love to talk to him about how he sets up the amazing festivals he puts together.
Mary Katrantzou
I've met Greek born, London based designer Mary Katrantzou previously at MyDaily's 'An Evening with' and I will meet her again at the next event in June. She's such a delight. Last time we met she was easy to talk to and openly involved fashion bloggers in brainstorming ideas for her website and social media. I'd love to chat to her over dinner, with a glass of white wine and learn more about where her ideas for her amazing print designs come from.
Myself & Mary Katranzou at My Daily's 'An Evening with'
Coco Chanel
A natural choice, on many a fashionista's list. Elegant, stylish, with great business acumen and an amazing, sparkling personality. Having heard stories of her childhood, through to how she set up the fashion house of Chanel, she is an inspiration to us all. As the book, The World of Coco Chanel, by Edmonde Charles-Roux notes "in her own way, she too would reign, rule and govern". I think this is so true. She is an inspiration to many, the backbone of French fashion, let alone world fashion and to this day is talked about when it comes to the authorities on fashion. Oh the stories she could tell us over dessert...
Hilary Alexander
After 26 years as the Telegraph's fashion director, Hilary Alexander hung up her fashionable flats (I've never seen her in heels). But she is not going to leave the fashion circles just yet, she is still writing a weekly column for the newspaper, so that means I will still bump into her at London Fashion Week. I see Hilary every season, casually making her way to the Front Row. Never making a fuss about "don't you know who I am", which is often what I see at LFW, quietly waiting for shows to start by tweeting from her seat. I love that such a well regarded fashion journalist is so social media savvy, yet down to earth.
Alexander Lee McQueen
What can I say about Alexander McQueen. Words can't describe how I felt the day that the world lost this great man. My best friend bought the Alexander McQueen book: Savage Beauty for my birthday and I'm pretty sure I held my breath when I opened it up! McQueen was one of the most influential, imaginative and inspirational designers at the turn of the millennium. His tailoring was superb, his design striking and powerful and I can't honestly think who I would have at the head of my dinner table more than him.
Diane Von Furstenberg
Not wanting this to be a dinner party with too much of a European focus, there has to be one guest from across the pond, who for me, I could sit and talk to for hours about how fashion has changed over the years. The iconic wrap dress designed by Diane Von Furstenberg in 1973 has been replicated throughout the fashion industry. Simple design, that has been influenced fashion of generations. Her designs are coveted by stylish women around the world, a mix of boho luxe and the ultimate maxi dress and I'm sure Diane would have some amazing stories to tell from her years in this industry.
So who would be at your fantasy fashion dinner party? Canapes at the ready, champagne is on ice.... who's on your guest list?