The secret diary of the BFC’s Caroline Rush…
Last night was Hilary Alexander’s party – a celebration of a career in fashion! The party prep started many weeks ago with the idea to throw her a proper bash. The Telegraph agreed and the wonderful Tash joined forces with the BFC team to make the night as special as possible for Hilary. The fashion industry were delighted to help make it happen, so great big thank yous to all those who contributed to this wonderful event.
Yesterday at 12 noon, Team BFC headed to St Pancras with a van load of pictures, Andrew Martin artefacts and guest lists. With regular updates from Louise (Carter) and Clara (Mercer) I couldn’t wait to hot foot it out of the office at 6pm to see the room. First, a quick change into an Osman dress.
Arriving at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Hilary had come down early to see the room where the party was being held – it had been transformed by Inca and Team BFC to her front room, full of framed photographs of her throughout her career and sketches sent by a whole host of designers – the tears were in flow, and they weren’t the last!
The room filled quickly with brands, retailers, designers, friends, journalists, stylists, commentators, PRs, agents, models and musicians. Harold Tillman, the best dressed man in fashion, said a few words. Suzy Menkes made a great speech and gave Hilary a photo album of her with designers from all four fashion capitals and Tony Gallagher, Editor of The Telegraph introduced the film – Hilary, This is Your Life.
The rest of the night went in a whirlwind of chats, gossip and end of the night dancing. The hardcore (not naming any names – Sarah Mower, Nicholas Kirkwood, Gavin Myall, Scott Wimsett and of course Hilary, Tash and Olivia) danced to Hilary’s playlist of Abba, Queen and dance anthems long after midnight. Oh what a night, it was our industry at its best: generous, giving, supporting, loving and most of all, great fun. Hilary, we love you and all aspire to have careers as impactful as yours. Thank you to all who supported – it was a great party for a great woman x
you’ve been framed!
there is nothing like a dame vivienne and gallant andreas
mcqueen and i
Print perfect – Jade Parfitt and Jasmine Guiness
Two creative heads
power points – Katie Grand, Sarah Mower and Professor Louise Wilson
Roland Mouret and Stephen Jones in a red carpet moment
