"I met the Queen today" – this is something I never expected to say. I’ve worked with designer Alice Palmer for several seasons and she was invited to participate in Fashion Capital’s "London as a Global Centre of Fashion" Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Bromley. Alice invited her PR Alison Lowe, her assistant and me to the event – we refer to ourselves as "Team Alice!" We knew the Queen would pass by the pod and there was the possibility that she would stop and say hello – but the most we hoped was that Queen would say hello to Alice.
We were sent a letter about protocol: "when you first address the Queen you refer to her as ‘Your Majesty’ and ladies you must curtsy and men bow their heads. Only shake her hand if she puts her hand out first. After this you then refer to her as MAM (think of Jam or Ham)."
We all practised our curtsy.
It’s easy to know that the Queen is en route as you can the cheering of the crowds as her car comes closer, and as she steps out of her car there is a huge hip hip hooray and a rush of emotion came over me – again something I didn’t expect. Within moments the Queen is in our pod and Jenny Holloway, director of Fashion Capital is presenting Alice to the Queen and they are chatting about Alice’s knitwear. We are all then introduced to the Queen, gushing and shaking her hand – the moment is fleeting and all I can remember is how beautful her skin is and that you feel she’s really looking at you.
It was quite an unreal day.
Jenny Holloway of Fashion Capital with Alice Palmer
I like simple cuts and prints for summer – so I’m loving all the Linder Sterling dresses by Richard Nicoll! Linder Sterling is a punk visual artist renowed for designing the 1977 Buzzcock’s album cover. (She even wore a meat dress in the early 80’s) Her art collage style is very distinct and in an age of pinterest and moodboards collage has become very popular – and Linder Sterling’s been doing it for over 40 years. She used Cerruti campaign images shot by Paolo Roversi in the collages on Richard’s signature shape dresses.
I really love my job and sometimes you just get to do some really cool stuff and working with Kate Nash is definitely one of them. How cool is Kate! For more information about her tour go to My Ignorant Youth!
I’ve been a fan of Olivia Rubin for quite some time, and I’ve got quite a few of her dresses in my wardrobe, so I was quite happy to find out that she’s designed a collection entitled ‘Postcards From‘ for Dorothy Perkins. She’s previously done collaborations with ASOS, Oli.co.uk, Very.co.uk and Dune. Olivia is known for her signature graphic prints on a variety of simple feminine silhouettes and this collection starts at £35 so they’re perfect for a summer!
Olivia Rubin graduated from Central St. Martins College and while still a student she interned with couturier Jacques Azagury, Tristan Webber and Jade Jagger. Before launching her eponymous label 7 years ago, she worked for Alexander McQueen and John Galliano in Paris.
I'm a fashion stylist and consultant based in London. I'm Fashion Editor at Phoenix magazine, and I've styled for many musicians from Kate Nash to... (more)
.jpg "Wanting A Linder Sterling dress by Richard Nicoll")
