When the highly anticipated Wednesday evening rolled around last week the only name on everyone's lips in twitter's fashion world was Vanessa G. With so much hype around the event I made my way to the Cosmopolitan offices (to meet the girls) feeling very lucky to have an invite to the hottest ticket of the week. Deciding for the event to sport some fierce vintage leopard print trousers (excuse the picture being taken in the bathroom's of Banquet House , it was the only time I had a moment to myself all day)...I was ready for the night - in true Deni style...
Our car dropped us off into the brisk London night and as we made our way to Banquet House there was a queue around the corner (always a sign of a hot event) , but with VIP invites in hand
we were escorted straight in *thankyou very much* ...as we stepped in to the rose-lit halls of Banquet House it was immediately obvious that this event was Glamour with a capital G (Vanessa G , that is) , a bevy of smartly dressed waiters stood with Veuve Cliquot Champagne cocktails in hand (don't mind if I do) and before long the gliteratti arrived. Jade Jagger, Poppy
Delvigne, Jade Parfitt & Sophie Ellis Bextor resident DJ for the after show wearing Vanessa G
The lovely Cosmo girls and I sipped our cocktails discussing the celebrity arrivals and grandeur of the event. Everything from the presentation of the finger food on hand (cheese plates sat in extravagant bird cages surrounded by rose petals) to the perfectly lit entry had WOW factor!
Before long we made our way upstairs where the show was due to begin. As we took our 3rd row seat - not too shabby - yet again I was overwhelmed by beauty of the venue and then there was the small thing of the set (which was btw in no ways small). Covered by a screen which projected
a short film & finally the Vanessa G title was soon removed to reveal what appeared to me the facade of a building , and before we knew it the army of models made their way out in a display of exquisite florals, silks and prints. The influence of art & poetry was evident in the romantic silhouettes and the whole production had a some what cinematic feel to it as the models walked along the raised catwalk surrounded by picasso-like paintings and fields of flowers. Take a look...
Once Vanessa G took her well deserved bow , it was time for the after show party. As Sophie Ellis made her way to the decks the tunes begun spinning and the crowds begun dancing and that's when the fun really began. At one point in the night I found myself dancing with the lovely Vanessa G herself , as well as this being her debut collection it was also her birthday. "Happy Birthday & Congratulations on a great show" I told her and then took her for a spin on the floor. Her infectious smile and lust for life was amazing, here was a woman living the dream. Successful, happy and loving every minute of life - she was truly inspiring and a whole lotta fun!
Before the night wrapped up I made my way over to thank the love Sophie Ellis Bextor for her brilliant DJ'ing and in true gay form I declared my love for her dance-floor classics (remember Murder on the Dance Floor) , she was so sweet and seemed to really be enjoying herself...
Before long it was time to head to Bungalow 8 for the exclusive after-after party with my friend Henry Conway and the crew from Tamara Kretzer PR, which was definitely a good decision. Bungalow always delivers and the members only 'club that needs a key to get you in' - as Carrie Bradshaw once said , truly delivered. Jamming the hottest hip hop tunes , drink flowing it was the perfect way to end a great evening! As I hung up my dancing shoes at 3am I thank Vanessa G for a glamorous-fashion-affair to remember! xoxo Deni
were both impressed and intrigued. With whispers of Celebrity DJ's , custom made sets and tweets that the entire Vogue India team were being flown in for this very event - the question on everybody's lips was "...who is Vanessa G?" Vanessa Gounden's bio consists of philantropist, entepreneur and an activist in the transformation process of South Africa. Her Debut collection will combine unique pieces of art from unsung artists transformed into timeless classics, ready to wow the fash-pack! With Sophie Ellis Bextor confirmed as the resident DJ, a bevy of A-Listers and Fashion's elite sure to pack the front row, the location of Banquet House is sure to provide a regal aura which couldnt be more perfect to host this luxurious event. Two seasons ago I saw the Julien McDonald show at the beautiful Banquet House and remember feeling like the location itself made the experience all the more breathaking. Vanessa G will bring to the Banquet House a never before seen custom designed and built set which will no doubt leave London's Fashion World speechless! I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at what the collection has the offer so here's a little taster. If this gorgeous coat & dress are anything to go by, classic refined Sophistication & Luxury are sure to be the themes of the collection ! With just over 48 hours till 
I immediately dialled the number provided and before I knew it an interview was scheduled for me the following Friday at 3.30pm. I hung up the phone and let out an overwhelming squeal and yelped "Oh my god, Oh my god, Oh my - effing - god". I immediately called my Mum , oblivious to the fact that it was 3am Australia time she was clearly asleep when she answered the phone. "Hello..." , "Mum, are you with Dad, put me on speakerphone"..."You're on speaker"...."Ok, guess who your son has an interview with next week", "Who?"..."Vogue guys, Vogue. Dad all those years I spent spending my wages on buying Vogue every month and now I have an interview with them"..."Deni we're so proud of you" , and as I hung up the phone I got a little choked up. Who would've thought that just two days prior I'd have introduced myself to the Editor and that the following week I'd have an interview with fashion's equivalent to the Bible. Before I knew it Monday rolled along and my first day at Cosmopolitan Magazine was before me. I stood before my wardrobe wondering what to wear. Cosmo is fun, sexy, flirty with a dash of playfulness , so I knew that leopard print, sequins and slogan tee's wouldn't be a problem. However for the first day I decided to embrace my smart sensibility - check G-Star shirt & vintage bow tie!
I made my way over to my first highly anticipated show of the season - Meadham Kirchoff. During my first LFW whilst interning at Goodley , the Meadham Kirchoff show was by far the most intense , stressful show I worked but as soon as the lights went low and the show began it was mind blowing, overwhelming and extraordinary all at once. Last season was no different - so this season I made sure I arrived to the Topshop venue ahead of time to avoid crowds. I picked up my copy of The Daily , glass of Moet on arrival and made my way over to my seat...
...as I was an early bird I decided to make my way over to the runway to inspect the set on the catwalk , a combination of what seemed to be images of the M&K boys from their youth , peace notes and candles I sensed yet again another incredible Meadham Kirchoff experience on its way
Once seated , I funnily enough happened to sitting next to one of the Fashion Directors from ELLE magazine , through the world of PR I knew exactly who she was and wasn't sure whether to introduce myself to her..."Great trousers" she said , "Where are they from..." and just like that conversation started and before I knew it she offered me an interview in May for a paid internship at ELLE - one of my favorite UK Fashion publications , I was starting to think these trousers could be a lucky charm. Suddenly the lights went low and music begun - witch theme style music blared over the sound system and screeching violins followed with a mass of models
Once they made it all the way out onto the runway they begun to alternate back and forth and across like a well orchestrated chess game, I was overwhelmed, excited, it was truly amazing. Lasting a mere 2 and a half minutes it was the quickest show I had ever been to and by far one of the best -the looks , all of which seemed inspired by a mix of witches, the amish and the jews
after the show I spotted a very familiar face. 5 years ago while studying at the Paris Institute of Fashion , one of my lecturers was the famous Diane Pernet , an incredibly talented woman who was among the first fashion bloggers - she is truly one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. I approached her tapping her on the shoulder "Diane , my name is Denis , you were my lecturer 5 years ago at PFI , I just want you to know you inspired me so much" , "Well 5 years on its obviously paid off , you're doing well it seems" , and I updated her on what i've been up to since
- it was such a great moment to be able to think back to that time and see how far i've come... After my dose of high-edge fashion it was off to BodyAmr for a quick dose of Glamour - being stopped twice along the way to have my picture taken - the pink trousers were a winner! BodyAmr was a beautiful collection combining his signature draping , silks , embellishment , fur and leather and boasted lots of colour and Miss Amber Rose & Nicola Roberts in the front row...
...as I made my way back to Somerset House I had a few hours to kill before the last (and always my favorite) show of the season - Ashish - however after being stuck in an elevator that seemed to last forever , a guy in the elevator asked me to take his spare invitation to the Amanda Wakely show as his date was a no show. With time on my hands I decided to go along , the collection - to be quite honest - was nothing to write home about, what followed however is another story. As the last look hit the runway and the show was over I noticed large amounts of flashbulbs circulating the front row - who is it - I wondered, so I pondered over to see the editor of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman being interviewed in the front row - that's who it is...
As I then made my way out of the crowded show , moving at snails pace sandwiched between a mass of people I then turned to my right to see A.Shulman right next to me. "Ok Denis...you have to introduce yourself , you can do it" - ran through my mind and before I knew it I turned to her and said "Hi Alex, could I trouble you for a moment of your time" , to which she stopped and turned towards me and smiled. "Basically , I'm a fashion assistant who's moved from Australia to London to pursue my fashion career and Vogue has always been my dream , to intern with Vogue would be an incredible honour , how do I make that a reality" , "Well put all of that in an email including your CV and email my managing director" , "Thankyou for your time" and with that said my heart skipped a beat and little did I know that 2 minute moment in time would lead to the opportunity of a life time (but more on that to come in another post). Fuelled with inspiration I was ready for the last show of the season - Ashish. The invite was by far the cutest I received all week -shaped like a small train ticket stub it put a huge smile on my face...
I took my seat and the usual team of their A-Listers took their seats. Paloma Faith, Marina (from the Diamonds) , Nicola Roberts , Amber Rose etc...took their seats and just before the show begun the gorgeous M.I.A made her way in! Then suddenly it began - to the beat of M.I.A's vocal the sequin party started and yet again Ashish delivered his incredible expertise in my always favorite sequins - introducing menswear , every look made me squeal and the energy in the room was undeniable - it was everything the Ashish show promises and more! Purely amaz!
The finale was welcomed with roars of applause and as I made my way out , smiling ear to ear - always an after effect from an Ashish show , I couldn't believe the week that had been. From styling a show , to being interviewed by Janice Dickinson. Celebrating 6 months of working with an amazing girl I now call one of my best friends. Attending the breathtaken Matthew Williamson to the truly inspiring Meadham Kirchoff. Topped off with a brush from Vogue and a stellar Ashish show. It was truly another LFW I won't soon forget. To top off the week my lucky pink trousers recieved some press attention featuring in both the METRO - a free newspaper 
with the highest readership as its handed out at every tube station across London , to then appearing in the Street Style pages of The Daily - the special supplement put together by The Daily Telegraph every fashion week to update the Fashion world on the collections each day. 
There's something so liberating about walking around in a bold colour and it taught me something , no matter who laughs , stares or admires you, never be ashamed of what you are and what your dreams are...keep following them , because when I stop and think about all that's happening to me , this little boy is realising his big dreams are slowly coming true! xoxo Deni
The rest of the collection included lots of texture - studs , spikes , fur , suede , velvet , leather , silk, patent leather and a whole lot of attitude. Yet again Holly Fulton put on an amazing show and received a roaring cheer from the audience and when you're standing in a crowded tent but you don't even care because of the amazing fashion that is before you - you know you're on to a good thing , this shy scottish designer continues to prove herself and is one to keep on watching...
The beauty of Cabinet's range was just what I needed to cap off my evening before the last day of London Fashion Week...xoxo Deni
With a cab on the way (I wont even begin to calculate how much i've accumulated in taxi fees though my bank balance will tell you its a sad sight) I made my way into Covent Garden for the first show of the morning - Jayne Pierson. I took my second row seat , ear glued to my phone as I chatted away to a family friend back home. I often frown at people talking into phones at fashion shows thinking they come across aloof and 'too cool for school' but as shows never run on time it really sometimes is the only way to kill a bit of time when you're on your own. The lights went low and the conversation ended and out came the first look - leather , boxy , 80s. These were the themes that echoed through Pierson's collection and for a designer I knew nothing about I was pleasantly suprised and genuinely enjoyed the show and her design aesthetic which for me meant a great way to start my morning and an immediate hangover cure! 
I passed by a few lovely bloggers who eagerly snapped at my stud print skinny jeans and made the short walk over to the BFC tent at Somerset house for the Jasper Conran show. The most commercial collection I saw all season , its always good however to see what the more mature clientele will be wearing as in this world of fashion and styling you just never know who may be your next client. In a collection that reminded me of Michael Kors , suede dresses walked passed sequinned oversized jumper dresses and feathered/fur overcoats sat beside gowns & trousers. 
As soon as the Conran show was over I was straight back into a cab and speeding off to a show I was really looking forward to. Last season, I by chance, went to the Charlie Le Mindu show. A designer who's expertise begun in hairdressing , he's combined his two passions (fashion and hair) and shocks the fashion scene with an individual vision unlike any others. Even with a seated invitation the wait was 40mins..."Would those of you with blue stickers on your invite please move forward" , I took a sigh of relief of my priority invite and walked on in feeling bad for the queue of people who had to battle the cold for some time more. Once in I took my seat in second row and the buzz in the room was absolutely electric. The crowd was the usual Charlie mix - from transvetites to international press and very influential editors. Everyone wanted to see what he would do next. As the lights went low, suddenly the sound of squealing pigs and bombs exploded over the speakers & then it happened - a naked model with a head piece reading VIOLENCE and dripping in "blood" walked eerily down the runway. It was a clear message & when I thought I couldn't be more shocked than last season - I was! Every look that 
followed made me think harder, or shocked me more than the previous. Transparent Latex trench coats and gas mask adorned models made their way down the catwalk and after each look I couldnt help but feel the collection was inspired by Nazi germany and World War II. Male models with the words CUNT sprayed on their skulls - made a debut on the runway with Charlie's first entry to menswear. The finale however was truly amazing. What appeared to be a wedding dress combining lace and hair - juxtaposed with a head piece of taxidermy - a white dove in mid flight sat a top the models head and I didnt know whether to cry or scream
with applause as I noticed the hem of the dress dripping in blood. Charlie came out to do his bow wearing a white butchers apron covered in "blood" and as he wiped his hands of a job well done the audience clapped and cheered some standing to their feet (myself included) when a collection
like Charlie's leaves you breathless its a moment you remember! His show did everything you'd expect from him , it shocked me , suprised me , scared me even at times and I still had chills 15 minutes after walking out and onto the cobbled stone streets of Covent Garden making my way back to Somerset House. As I arrived to meet my lovely Laura Whitmore pre-Osman show , I was still reeling from the energy of Charlie's show. Upon entering Osman a blue rippled runway gave me clues that the inspiration would be some what ocean inspired. As the first model strode out with her cleopatra style wig it was clear the inspiration came from the seas of Egypt and for a collection that would normally consist of neutral tones Osman did something new and added a hot punch of colour. Neon Pink , bright blues, oranges and hues of green sat along side his usual colour palette and yet again it became obvious that colour is going to be a strong winter trend. 
above and beyond anything I've seen this season and the effortless chic styling was everything Matthew Williamson stands for - a colourful, cultured, international woman. Who whether she be jet setting around the world or attending private yacht-parties on the riviera - she will always look fabulous in a kind of 'I just threw this on' type of way. As the finale of girls strode the runway and Matthew popped out for his bow (my camera wasnt quick enough to snap him) the show was over and I made my way through the crowd - only to be star strucked by Alexa 
