Erdem & Zagliani Trunk Show at Browns

A while ago I got the opportunity to assist top London Stylist, Iman Pasha, on a shoot for Sketchbook Magazine. As luck would have it the lovely Iman and I bonded over our similar taste in clothes and shared handbag obsession (although sadly my collection does not yet include 12 Chanel's and 2 Birkins) and she asked me to stay on to help her with her next project: a super-exclusive double trunk show for hotter-than-hot designer, Erdem and luxury accessories giant, Zagliani in collaboration with iconic British boutique, Browns. As you can imagine I almost passed out from excitement at the prospect of attending such a ridiculously fabulous evening.

But as fabulous as such an event may be, co-ordinating the whole thing is nothing short of a stress-inducing nightmare. After working on the project myself I have some serious respect for the organisational skills of Iman and her pr representative, Hind. After weeks and months of careful planning, endless spreadsheets, rescheduled appointment times, last minute cancellations and press negotiations the day of the trunk show finally rolled around. And unsurprisingly, the evening was every bit as chic as one would expect.

Browns's gorgeous South Molten Street flagship store was the perfect location for the event which took place on the beautifully decorated second floor of the shop. Every wall was adorned with the divine creations of  Erdem and Zagliani . Dainty tables set for afternoon tea, antique chairs and enormous vases of exotic flowers added the finishing touches to the luxurious decor.

The dilemma of what to wear to such stylish soiree sent me into a panic basically the second I recovered from my initial excitement. But conveniently for me, Iman and I just so happen to wear the same dress size so I was able to raid her incredible wardrobe and borrow a suitably show-stopping cocktail dress. I was ever-so-slightly sad when I had to return this little beauty at the end of the night. Sadly I came straight from the Central Saint Martins open day and had to get dressed and do my make up in a nearby pub toilets, not so glamourous!

The hostess herself looked absolutely stunning, wearing Erdem and toting a Zagliani clutch, of course.

Iman Pasha

By the time Guests started to arrive everything was set to go, and what a guest list it was! The international fash pack really turned out in force for what has to have been one of the hottest dates on the London Fashion calendar. Attendees jetted in from all over the world to get their hands on Erdem's fresh-off-the-catwalk spring/summer 2011 collection and Zagliani's bespoke skins. The evening was covered by some of the most influential fashion publications around including Vogue UK, Vogue India, Elle Turkey and the Middle-Eastern edition of Harpers Bazaar. Stylists, buyers, socialites and fashionistas sipped champagne and nibbled dainty delicacies in between trying on Erdem's stunning pieces and browsing Zagliani's lust-worthy selection of bags.

Iman Pasha, Erdem & stylist Neda (wearing an AMAZING dress by Carven)

Noor Breish & Erdem

Sarah Harris & Erdem

It appeared that everyone wanted to be snapped with man-of-the-moment, Erdem! I am a die-hard Erdem fan so was thrilled and ever-so-slightly starstruck to be able to meet him. I was not disappointed as the talented young designer was charm itself. Champagne glass in hand, he flitted from guest to guest helping them pick from his mesmerising new collection and sharing his fashion expertise, in between photo calls obviously.

Lorna from Vogue India & Zara Martin

Sally from Harpers Bazaar & Browns representative. 

Mrs Joan Burstein

And if the evening wasn't spectacular enough already, I was thrilled to discover that the legendary Mrs B would be attending! Since she and her husband took over Browns back in the 197o's, Joan Burstein, aka Mrs B, has been one of the most important and influential figures the fashion industry. Mrs B was not only responsible for Browns's transformation into the internationally renowned institution it is today but she has also single-handedly launched the careers of some of the worlds most famous designers including Manolo Blahnik and Paul Smith. This truly inspirational business woman was one of the very first people to bring high-fashion retail to the streets of London. Mrs B is adored and revered by designers and shoppers alike and after meeting her myself I can certainly understand why. Obviously the woman has exquisite taste and unrivalled savvy when it comes to spotting talented up-and-coming designers, but what really struck me about her was her sheer vitality and seemingly boundless enthusiasm. Fashion-forward as ever in a chic black dress with an asymmetric zip detail on the back, Mrs B stole the show when she arrived at Browns and for all of us there that evening, meeting her was nothing short of an honour.

Elle Turkey's Gulben Capan

Zagliani chief designer Mauro Orietti Carella & Tala Samman

Kristen Knox

Kristen Knox of genius fashion blog The Clothes Whisperer proved that she could play dress-up with the best of them, whilst her famous blogging pooch, the adorable Butters begged canape's from anyone who fell foul of his irresistible puppy-dog eyes.

Lorna from Vogue India & Zoe from Browns. 

Mauro Orietti Carella & Me

Having recently helped Iman to edit an article on luxury accessories label, Zagliani, I couldn't wait to meet Chief Designer and the man responsible for the reinvention of the brand, Mauro Orietti-Carella. The Italian brand was founded over 70 years ago and before Mauro arrived on the scene was in grave danger of becoming nothing more than a distant memory. The dermatologist-turned-designer gave its signature style bags a much-needed makeover to meet the demands of a modern market. Even more impressively, Mauro realised the similarity that crocodile skin and human skin possessed and discovered that by injecting his exotic skin bags with silicon he could create a unique long-lasting contemporary accessory that is strong and durable, yet deliciously soft. When he wasn't being hounded by guests desperate for their own custom-made Zagliani bag, I spent a lot of the evening chatting to Mauro and am pleased to report that he was utterly lovely. As for his design talent, anyone who created this hot pink alligator skin dream (below) just has to be a genius!

As you have probably gathered by now, the evening was an enormous success and well worth all the agonising weeks of preparation. After more than 4 hours on my stiletto-clad feet I was absolutely shattered and despite being sad to leave all that fabulousness, SO ready for a large glass of Pinot Grigio swiftly followed by bed.

Hope you enjoyed that glimpse into a casual thursday evening for the fashion elite, I know I certainly did. Love Ella. X