You'll have to forgive the lack of posts, we're still reeling from Wednesday night's Vanessa G launch party, and needed time to fully collate our thoughts…
I was absolutely delighted to be invited to the launch of up and coming designer Vanessa Gounden's Vanessa G debut collection. The event was held in London Whitehall's swanky Banqueting House, and was attended by an impressive host of fashion A-listers. Some of the famous faces included Jade Jagger, Poppy Delevigne, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Emilia Fox, Konnie Huq and many more.
I can honestly say that I've never been to/seen/heard of an event that was prepared with more, or even the same amount of attention to detail and overall meticulousness. You would never in a million years have guessed that this was the designer's first runway showing, and the pictures of the set design alone are enough to prove that.
Our fashion owl also has great hearing as well as a great, well functioning set of eyes, and the overall consensus was that no one had seen a fashion show quite like it.
"i've never worked at a fashion show before..but I'm pretty sure they're nothing like that" - eavesdropped directly from a stunned member of security.
When you're a new designer trying to make your name known and get one stiletto on the ladder, establishing a signature style or trademark from the word 'go' is one of the advised routes to take. It's evident that Vanessa G took this theme and ran with it, as every corner was adorned with roses; this included the garments as well as the decor of the venue and products. Mirrors were another key theme, which you can see for yourself in the pictures. The appetisers were even served on elaborately decorated mirrors - talk about attention to detail!
Each garment from her debut Autumn/Winter collection tells a story. The collection reflects Vanessa's wealth of life experiences, which include being an activist in the South African transformation process, as well as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Upon first impression, Vanessa Gounden isn't a fashion designer. She's more than just a fashion designer. She's also an artist, and it's clear to see that she views every individual thread on every garment as a piece of art.
There's no turning back for Ms Gounden now; she has well and truly put herself on the map, and I would be happy to bet money that the hottest celebs will be lining up to showcase some of her fabulous designs. If it's statement glamour they want, they have found the place to get it.