Diet Coke throws fashion party of the year for 30th Birthday

– Sparkling celeb-studded bash celebrates iconic brand and new Diet Coke hunk –

Last night saw the fashion fabulous crowd of Diet Coke fans gather at London’s Sketch to celebrate the brand’s 30th birthday. Guests including Pixie and Peaches Geldof, Pearl Lowe and Danny Goffey, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Laura Whitmore, Zoe Hardman, Jamelia, Ben Grimes, Jade Parfitt and the Made In Chelsea cast enjoyed a sparkling night that looked back at the brand’s dazzling 30-year history and also saw the unveiling of a new Diet Coke hunk.

The biggest surprise of the night saw pulses race when Andrew Cooper, the new Diet Coke hunk entered the room to the famous Etta James “I Just Want To Make Love To You” soundtrack. Back, and sexier than ever, the new hunk ad is set to become one of the most talked about campaigns, and men of the year.

Event host, Hilary Alexander treated guests to a journey across Diet Coke’s 30 years, talking through the exciting campaigns and collaborations that have helped the brand become a cultural icon. She also officially opened a specially curated three decades themed exhibition, which allowed guests to view some of the most exciting moments from the brand including celeb-led campaigns ‘Just for the Elle of it’ (1987), Whitney Houston’s Diet Coke advertising campaign (1988), Paula Abdul’s ‘There’s just one’ (1992), the first hunk Lucky Vanous’ test shots (1994) and Heidi Klum’s Oscar dress from the Diet Coke Heart Truth campaign (2009).

Quirky designer and stylist Patricia Field was there and showcased her limited edition range of ‘Diet Coke City Collection’ bottles. These follow in the line of previous campaigns such as Moschino, Karl Largerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Diane Von Furstenberg, firmly cementing the brand as the ultimate fashionista accessory.

Music for the night saw style superblogger Bip Ling hit the decks, combining the ultimate party track favourites from the past three decades in a mega mix specially created for Diet Coke. VIP’s including Lilah Parsons, Jack Derges, Phil Clifton and Wretch 32, also enjoyed three-decade themed cocktails entitled ‘80’s Just For The Taste Of It’, ‘90’s Diet Coke Break’ and ‘00’s Love It Light’ all made using Diet Coke as well as decadent canapés.

JW Anderson Spring/Summer 2013 collection | London Fashion Week 2012

I walked into Bedford Square to see JW Anderson’s SS13 collection and was awed by the venue. The marquee built in the square was beautifully designed and there was a beautiful reception to greet the press and celebrities that were there. Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldof, Corrine Bailey-Rae and Nicola Roberts were all FROW, as was legendary fashion writer Hilary Alexander.

The clothes were divine. Metallic clothes with the occasional splash of colour and geometric hemlines were the order of the day. Frost Magazine has an interview with JW Anderson here and some backstage photos.

JW Anderson Interview | London Fashion Week 2012

I went along to JW Anderson’s show last night in Bedford Square, and, boy, was I impressed. Legendary fashion writer Hilary Alexander was also there on the front row. We were also lucky enough to get an interview with JW Anderson.


Fashion week always approaches quickly, do you get excited?

It is an exciting week and it obviously gets a bit stressful but it’s all part of the process.  Everything always happens at the last minute!

Your new collection has just launched at Topshop, are you pleased with it?

I am super pleased with it.  The store layout is incredible and it was so exciting seeing hundreds of people turning up. It was amazing to see everything from blankets, jumpers to iPhone cases selling so quickly!

What is the key concept behind your Spring/Summer 2013 collection?

It centers around the idea of filling a white canvas which then becomes part of the garment. I have tried to combine extremely technical methods with a feeling of heritage.

What’s your secret to keeping cool and focused during fashion week?

Drinking lots of water and eating lots of fruit. I also try to keep my phone turned off, as it means I can really concentrate on the task in hand and keeps me from getting distracted.

What’s your secret to success?

Believe that it has already happened and a lot of hard work!

What are you looking forward to most at Fashion Week?

That minute before the show!

How do you keep fit / looking so good?

Drinking lots of water and turning off for 2 hours of the day

Why are you working with BRITA?

The is such an innovative product and is a cost effective alternative to drinking bottled water when you’re out and about.  I don’t think you should have to pay for water.  It should be everyone’s right, but it should taste good.

 

Celebrities visit the ‘Tunnel of Love’ with the British Heart Foundation.

Celebrities visit the ‘Tunnel of Love’ with the British Heart Foundation…

Fashion and art come together to help mend broken hearts

Last night saw the greatest names from the worlds of fashion, art and music descend on Proud Camden in support of the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) ‘Mending Broken Hearts Appeal’.

The BHF Tunnel of Love party is in its second year and attracted a host of high-profile faces in support of the ground-breaking appeal that aims to give hope to millions of heart patients and their families worldwide. Fashionable guests including Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe, Laura Bailey, Cara Delevingne, Sir Peter Blake, Katie Hillier, Patrick Grant, Mollie King, Pixie Geldof, Peaches Geldof & Tom Cohen, Sir Harold Tillman, Suki Waterhouse, Alice Temperley, Clara Paget, Miles Kane, Jacqui Ainsley, Gemma Cairney, Lara Bohinc, Little Boots, Tallulah Harlech and Hilary Alexander celebrated the work of the charity at this 1920’s-themed night featuring games, such as the Radley Roulette and performances from Frisky and Mannish and live music sets from the Broken Heart DJ’s .

The evening included auctions of fashion and striking contemporary art from Damien Hirst, Sir Peter Blake, Jim Dine, Cartier, Mulberry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Antonio Berardi dress and Stephen Webster which raised thousands of pounds for the charity. Top British Cara Delevingne caused a bidding war during the live auction hosted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s and eventually went home with a trip to the Maldives with Soneva Fushi.

Guests were also treated to cocktails by La Maison Fontaine Absinthe and Rhum St Barth. Prosecco and wine was kindly provided by Tunnel of Love sponsors Marks & Spencer.

All of the proceeds from the Tunnel of Love party support the BHF’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

At the moment, there is no cure for a broken heart. Once your heart muscle is damaged by a heart attack, it can never fully recover. But there is hope. Scientists funded by the BHF are striving to develop the technology to repair damaged heart muscle so that one day we could literally mend broken hearts within a generation. Together, we can mend broken hearts and make medical history.