The Vogue Festival; a celebration of the iconic title’s dominant place within its industry, bringing together the fashion industry’s leading and most influential designers, models and creatives alike.
Editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman states about the 2012 event that ‘It is clear that giving our readers the chance to see and hear the people whose talent is reflected in the pages of the magazine surrounded by a fun, fashion environment, attracts an engaged and lively audience that are part of the unique appeal of this event.’ – say it ain’t so!
I was lucky enough to of bagged a ticket for one of the Vogue Festival 2013′s most sought after events. Yesterday (Sunday 28th April 2013), Victoria Beckham herself was sat on a raised stage on a sofa just 6 rows in front of me. Imagine my glee.
Having arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hall at around 10:30am, I was ready. The sun was shining, and the Ray Bans were out. Hopped up on a Starby’s Iced Caramel Macchiato for breakfast, and wearing my beloved ‘sexy pants’, I felt right at home.
Walking through the doors felt like walking into a different world – I felt like Carrie Bradshaw when she first stepped through the rotating doors of US Vogue in the Condé Nast building…
It was buzzing – glam, chic, beautiful people everywhere, organised chaos. It was Vogue.
I was pleasantly surprised by the small and intimate theatre room to which the scene was set. The excitement grew.
After a short introduction by Perry Oosting, the President of Vogue Festival Sponsor, Vertu (he mentioned celebrating the ’3 V’s; Victoria, Vogue and Vertu’), we were met by Alexandra Shulman. After a very stern warning that ‘unfortunately, anyone found to be taking photographs or recording will be removed from the auditorium.’ (BUZZKILL), it was time.
In came Victoria. She was greeted my an ear-shattering applause and *shock horror* she was smiling – seriously guys, this mis-conception that she never smiles has got to stop.
Wearing one of her own designs from her AW13 collection, she started out saying ‘a lot of people wanna hear me talk… I hope I say something good!’. After some polite chuckling, the interview began.
Shulman first spoke to Victoria about her inspirations for the collection which ranged from the California lifestyle having effect on her Victoria line, to her RTW line being inspired by son Romeo running into the house after school one day in a baseball tee, to her husband David and his signature beanie hats.
Speaking breezily and with ease, she joked and laughed and was extremely confident in what she was talking about, making it known that she knows her clothes inside out – from fabrics to stitching.
She spoke about the amount of work it took – a year long project with conversations lasting months about set, music, hair, make-up, styling, all for an 8 minute show! ‘[it's] a lot of pressure, but I love it!’ she gushed.
Got this cheeky snap at the end!
The British Vogue EiC then asked if she would ever show a collection in London, to which Victoria replied bashfully ‘Never say never’. It’s clear that Victoria has built a dual living situation for her family, constantly moving between LA and London, but with her children being schooled in LA, for now I personally think that is her main base. Boo.
Not at all giving London the cold shoulder, she stated exclusively, that London would definitely be the place for her first stand alone store. On a possible venture into retail, she considered ‘for me it feels like it’s time to do something a little bit different.’ - after the successful launch of her e-commerce site, bricks and mortar isn’t far along the road, it would seem!
Stating that she welcomes constructive criticism, and was aware of the pre-conceptions her chosen path would follow her with, she was always determined. She jokes ‘…there was a lot of raised eyebrows… for those who could raise their eyebrows!’ a hearty laugh from the audience this time.
Victoria Beckham came across wonderfully – she was funny, lovable and completely and utterly charming. It was the way she spoke with so much passion that made her so endearing and likeable.
It was a fantastic day, and I only wished I could of stayed for the other talks to soak up more fashion fabulousness! I did however, get to go and play – the Vogue cover board, the YSL & Dior make-up counters and the gift shop were all a hit!
The whole point of the event is for fashion nuts to get real up close and personal with the people that have inspired them through a series of talks, debates, makeovers and workshops. It’s a great opportunity for young people to really learn about the industry from the people who are changing it. Ticket prices, at £40 were modest, and able to be kept at a low price due to its lead sponsor – thank you Vertu!
This 2 day event is in it’s second year, and I can only see it going from strength to strength – although, this years line up which included VB, Mario Testino, Cara Delevigne and Donatella Versace will be pretty difficult to top, but if anyone can do it, Vogue can.
Walking away from the venue (around 3 hours after the talk, as I refused to leave this wonderful world), I felt inspired, empowered and determined.
I’m off to find the number for VB’s PR office…
