Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraiser

On Tuesday night I attended Heather Kerzner's star-studded fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Marie Curie Cancer Care is best known for its network of 2,700 nurses, who provide vital and free end of life care to patients with terminal illness in their own homes, or in one of its nine hospices.

The beautiful ballroom at Claridges, filled with celebrity florist Rob van Helden’s heavenly pink peonies and red roses, looked almost as stunning as the glamorous guests, including Kate Moss and Jamie Hince, Ronnie Wood, Yasmin Le Bon, Holly Valance and Nick Candy, Tamara Beckwith, Geri Halliwell, Sarah the Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice.

Above:  Wearing a Nanette Lepore velvet dress and turquoise Chanel shoes.  Below: (clockwise) David Bailey and Sarah the Duchess of York, a rocking Ronnie Wood, Holly Valance, Richard Dennen and Kelly Eastwood, a papping Kate Moss, Matthew Freud with Heather Kerzner, Kate Moss and Jamie Hince. Photographs by Christopher Jackson.

During the lavish dinner, Heather Kerzner and model Saffron Aldridge movingly expressed their own personal gratitude to the Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses. Matthew Freud followed, cheekily referring to his infamous scuffle with Hugh Grant (“it’s nice to attend one of Heather’s parties and not get punched… although the night is still relatively young!”) went on to introduce ‘When I Die: Lessons from the Death Zone’, an intimate short film (below) he co-produced about his friend Philip Gould’s final days.

An auction followed, led by the charismatic Lord Harry Dalmeny, that raised over £620,000 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care. The amazing lots included an opportunity to have your portrait taken by David Bailey, a private party at Annabels, and an absolutely stunning George Pragnell Diamond Daffodil ring.  The ring, shown below, in the shape of a daffodil (the Marie Curie’s emblem) was designed by the jeweller’s grandson, Charlie Pragnell, in recognition of Marie Curie’s outstanding work.  I was allowed to wear the stunning ring, with its rare and glittering orange-yellow diamond centre for around five minutes before I was reminded I had to give it back... They were a happy five minutes. ‘My’ beautiful daffodil ring was later auctioned off for £50,000. Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Kate Moss took to the stage to model a last minute donation from Ronnie Wood; a painting of Rod Stewart by the Rolling Stone himself. The piece was auctioned off for £12,000 after Lord Harry Dalmeny managed to push the bidding past £10,000 by saying that Kate Moss wouldn’t even get out of bed for so little… Reaslising he’d got his supermodel’s mixed up (“Oh, no, that’s not you – that’s the other one!”) Kate went on to confirm that she would indeed rise from bed for less than £10,000. Damn recession.

We were later entertained by the legendary Grammy award winning R&B artist Sam Moore, who was joined on stage by Ronnie Wood in a surprise set that included 'Stay With Me' and 'Mustang Sally' (which was directed at Wood’s new girlfriend… Sally!) 

My place at the front of the stage allowed me the perfect view of Ronnie Wood’s studded Louboutin loafers, and in what must be the most glamorous mosh pit ever, I spent a good part of the evening dancing next to Kate Moss.  Just your average Tuesday night…

After a hugely fun and successful night, Heather Kerzner commented, "I am so impressed by the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care it was natural for me to lend my support. People don't like to talk about death, but we all have to face it and I wanted to help bring money and attention to this incredible charity whose nurses, like angels, bring peace to terminally ill patients and their families during this devastating time."

Below: In the Marie Curie Photo Booth with Katy Wickremesinghe and with Charlie Pragnell (wearing the stunning George Pragnell Daffodil Diamond ring he designed.)

Official UK Olympics Song Released Today: Anywhere In The World (Mark Ronson ft. Katy B)

The official UK Olympics song, Mark Ronson and Katy B, 'Anywhere In the World,' was released yesterday here on iTunes.  Expect to be hearing this A LOT soon!

Mark Ronson travelled around the world, recording young athletes, and the individual sounds of their sport, to mix into the track, including a table tennis paddle, an arrow hitting its target, and the sound of an Olympic runner's heartbeat at 120 BPM.

Lucien Freud Exhibition

With tickets being likened to gold dust, I was lucky enough to recently visit The National Portrait Gallery‘s Lucien Freud exhibition.  Showcasing more than 100 of Freud’s portraits, the vast range of paintings are divided into different time periods, allowing visitors to follow the progression of his style through the revered artist’s legendary 70 year career.

Having not been too familiar with Lucien Freud’s work before this exhibition, which was curated with the help of the artist himself before his death last year, I feel I have now had the best of introductions. 

I was really amazed at Freud’s ability to produce almost tangible portrayals of his sitters by using an enormous amount of paint to create a magnificent 3D, structured effect.  The artist’s merciless love of human flesh is also clear to see and there is, what seems to be, room after room of creamy, contorted, lifeless, and thickly applicated painted bodies. I did eventually find the enormous and iconic portraits of Leigh Bowery and Big Sue’s swirly, fleshy and mountainous naked bodies a little, for want of a better word, over-baring.

Left: Reflection (self portrait) 1985.

Below:  Lucien Freud was the father of some fourteen children and my favourite portraits displayed in the exhibition were those of his pregnant girlfriend Bernadine, Pregnant Girl, 1960-61, and of his new born baby daughter Bella Freud, Baby on a Green Sofa, 1961.

With art lovers flocking to see this show, more than aware that they are unlikely to ever see another exhibition of Lucien Freud’s portraits as good as this, a new record has been set for visitor numbers at the National Portrait Gallery.  The exhibition closes on May 27th and the gallery has just announced that the show will remain open until midnight from May 24th-27th to help cope with the demand. Tickets are on sale today only - here.

Above:  An unlikely friendship blossomed between Lucien Frued and Kate Moss after he painted a life-sized nude of the supermodel whilst pregnant with her daughter, Lila Grace, in 2003. Kate Moss later described the artist as ‘the most interesting person’ she had ever met, while Freud moaned about how the model had aaalways been late for her sittings. This photograph was taken of the two friends in 2010 by photographer David Dawson.

Kate Moss Covers British Vogue June 2012

With red lips, retro curls, a white gladiator Versace dress and Kara Ross Crescent earrings, Kate Moss smolders on the cover of this month’s 'Going for Gold' British Vogue.  

Only weeks ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games and Jubilee celebrations, this remarkable, and distinctly patriotic, edition of Vogue pays tribute to both British sporting legends and national treasures alike. 

This is thirty-eight year old Croydon-born supermodel Kate Moss’ 32nd British Vogue cover and she was shot by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott looking every inch an Olympic goddess and British beauty.

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Snap!  Does Kate Moss’ pose, clutching a thick coil of rope look familiar?  A couple of years ago photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott used the exact same rope (right) in their Emporio Armani campaign, featuring yet another national treasure (and British beauty!) David Beckham.

Versace studded leather and silk dress (from £4,030) and Kara Ross Crescent earrings, (£100) are available from Harvey Nichols.

Maximalism: Anna Dello Russo

Fashion icon/addict Anna Dello Russo, Editor and creative consultant for Vogue Japan and frequent FROW showstopper, has designed a unique collection of accessories for H&M.

Known for her extensive couture wardrobe and wildly elaborate style, ADR's unashamedly maximalist accessories range will include jewellery, clutch bags, sunglasses and of course, shoes (she has over 4000 pairs...) of accessories for H&M.

ADR reveals, "I wanted to create precious accessories that are impossible to find; pieces everybody can have fun, turning an ordinary day into a fantastic fashion day."
 
Available in selected H&M stores from October 4th 2012.

I call myself “the vestal of fashion” because for me fashion is a muse and you must seduce her. How? You have to feed the creative fire, so it doesn’t vanish."

"Wear lots of jewellery... the sound of jewellery banishes 
bad thoughts and bad ghosts."

"Some people take drugs... I take collections!"

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"I don't want to be cool - I want to be fashion!"

“I don’t have this routine life. I don’t go into the office; I’m travelling around the world. I’m lucky. But I never liked easy clothes in my life. My mother said, ‘You want a pair of jeans?’ and I said, ‘No, mother, I want a couture dress!’”

Credit Buy: Alex Monroe Love Bird Ring

Award winning British jeweller Alex Monroe’s handmade designs are inspired by nature, inherently English and a firm favourite amongst London's fashionistas.

The quirky, and always cute, jewellery is very wearable and distinctive, making any piece you choose a super sweet addition to any outfit.

The Bumblebee Necklace has long been popular amongst celebrities but it was his Love Bird Ring (below) which caught my eye last week - perfect for Spring! Tweet Tweet...

Trend: Spring Shorts

I think wearing shorts are the perfect fashion solution for Springtime. Despite showing more leg than you would in a dress or skirt, by keeping your arms covered up in a silk shirt or jumper this look instantly becomes less provocative. 

Denim shorts (worn with opaque tights and ankle boots if chilly) are an effortless and casual substitute for daytime wear, whereas a pair of tailored velvet, sequin or lace shorts are a brilliant, more luxe, evening alternative.
 
The British highstreet is currently flooded with shorts so this look is very attainable; I recommend Topshop for their short shorts and Zara for their silky shirts.

Below:  British fashionista Alexa Chung, and her endlesssssssss legs, are frequently seen out and about, come rain or shine, in this comfortable and cool look...