The fash pack’s favourite sparkling beverage (aside from Champagne OBV) and the visionary designer adored by magazine editors and rap stars alike… Could Diet Coke have chosen a more perfect Creative Director for their 30th Anniversary year than Marc Jacobs? I think not. When I heard the news of this ingenius collaboration I have to say it brought a smile to my face. As you’re no doubt well aware, Marc Jacobs is one of my absolute, all time, favourite designers both in his role at Louis Vuitton and at his two own namesake brands. Diet Coke has also perhaps played a larger role in my life than is strictly healthy. As a teenager I was so obsessed with the stuff I often knocked back 13 cans a day! This was no doubt due in part to my parents disapproval and the fact we weren’t allowed fizzy drinks at school but whatever the reason for my over indulgence, those shiny silver cans have always been a constant presence in my life. Since then I’ve curtailed my Diet Coke habits considerably but as someone with an inexplicable aversion to water (so tasteless!) it remains my refreshment of choice. Suffice to say that two of my greatest life-long obsessions coming together got me more than a little excited.

On Monday I was treated to a Marc Jacobs x Diet Coke double whammy (not a bad start to the week, eh?) as I got to attend both the afternoon press conference and the lavish bash in the evening. The phrase “press conference” doesn’t exactly conjur up images of glamour or excitement but on this occasion those two words describe it to a tee. Initially I was dubious about the decision to hold both events in King’s Cross rather than a swanky Central London venue but when I arrived at the German Gymnasium I quickly took it all back. The entire space had been transformed into a playful, pink lit paradise complete with hair & make up stations, photo booths, lounging areas adorned with Marc Jacobs cushions and several elegant bars laden where ridiculously good looking waiters were serving champagne and afternoon tea. Given what was being laid on for the press conference, I couldn’t wait to see what the party would bring!

After a good old snoop around the venue and a cappuccino or three we were summoned upstairs and seated by nationality so that the presentation could begin. All Walks Beyond the Catwalk Co-Founder and former i-D Magazine Editor, Caryn Franklin (who just so happened to recieve an MBE this week) took to the stage and said a few choice words we were treated to a screening of the three Diet Coke “Sparkling Together” campaign films directed by and starring Marc Jacobs. I’ve seen a fair few fashion films and flashy ads in my time but have to say, these were easily some of the most brilliant. To summarise, Marc climbs into a photo booth with a bevvy of beauties, dresses up and messes around recreating a few of the most iconic styles from the 80′s, 90′s and 00′s. The result is a witty, irreverent, tongue-in-cheek treat which I’ve done the most awful job of describing. I’d advise watching it yourself over listening to me!

As the films drew to a close the screen drew back to reveal three Marc Jacobs clad models posing next to larger-than-life versions of the Diet Coke bottles designed by the new Creative Director. Luckily I was already brandishing my iPhone because two minutes later Marc himself appeared causing certain attendees (i.e me) to genuinely squeal with glee. After grabbing one of the new and improved bottles from one of the gorgeous waiters I forced myself back out into the cold in an attempt to go home and get some work done before the evening’s festivities. With a press conference like that, I suspected that Marc Jacobs for Diet Coke launch bash was going to be truly awesome. Within two minutes of returning to the venue in my gladrags it became clear that I wasn’t going to be disappointed.

Generally speaking, I don’t like to arrive solo at parties. 9 times out of 10 you’ll know half the room but whenever you turn up sans guest that’s inevitably the occasion when there’s no one there you’ve ever met. Any event involving Monsier Marc Jacobs is going to be seriously in demand so despite my best efforts, I hadn’t managed to wangle a plus 1 and had been feeling a bit nervous as I made my way there. After dumping my many, many layers in the cloakroom and grabbing a glass of champagne I spied the lovely Nik Thakkar (who’s company, Nephew London, had been heavily involved in organising the whole thing) and distracted him from his official duties until a few more of my usual party pals showed up. After an hour or so’s gossiping with young-designer-of-the-moment, Charlie May, Forward PR Founder Courtney Blackman and Fashion Monitor Publisher, Hannah White it was time for the evening’s unveiling. While I’d seen the films and bottles just hours before, I was more than happy to see them again!

This time around Marc rocked a particularly fetching pair of pinstriped pyjamas and once we’d all recovered from the excitement of him being there, it was high time to party. My first port of call was the bar (duh) where I was delighted to discover that they were serving 80′s themed cocktails AKA Cosmopolitans. We drank, we danced, we stalked Marc, ogled Tyson Beckford and girl crushed on VV Brown. All in all a fabulous, over the top evening of excess and fun… What better way to toast this most fash-tastic of collaborations?

Love Ella. X