London – Page 3

Alexander Wang x H&M preview event

Published on November 6, 2014February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So it’s finally here! The hotly anticipated and much awaited Alexander Wang x H&M collection hits stores and online today. I had the privilege of being invited to last night’s pre-shopping event at the London Regent Street store and man was it crazy. Imagine a Louboutin sample sale with 90% discounts, then multiply that by 1000 fashionistas and you may be somewhere in the region of what I experienced. The collection was conveniently located in a central cage, which we were corralled through at an alarming rate by those desperate to grab a piece of the Wang action.

The London pre-shopping event complete with DJ and copious crowds

Bodycon dresses were like gold-dust and the already ubiquitous Wang emblazoned sweaters barely stayed on the rails. Luckily the blessed H&M staff were on hand to replenish stock as quickly as they could. Sizes come up quite snug (with the fitted pieces) so bear that in mind when bidding today. My stand out items were the blue trimmed bodycon dress, the oversize hooded parka and, if your abs can take it, the fab crop tops. And don’t forget to check out the accessories including the gorgeous leather backpack. Was it worth it you ask? Well I may have come away a little battered and bruised but the brilliant man-sized shopping bag and free ‘Team Wang’ airtex vest more than made up for it.

Crop tops, £29.98 each

Hooded parka, £149.99

Figure-fit dress, £59.99

Crop top, £29.98

Leather backpack, £129.99

Overknee socks, £12.99

Stylish black on black branding

Me with my shopping bag

Ellie Goulding also attended the event. Here she is sporting the parka (Image: Ellie Goulding Instagram)

Alexander Wang x H&M launches today (Thursday 6th November) http://www.hm.com/gb/wangxhm

A colourful Etro collaboration

Published on October 16, 2014October 16, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Last night I attended the London launch of the latest Etro artistic collaboration. This winter the esteemed Italian label has worked with the Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa, renowned for her colourful, eclectic, almost cartoonish style. The accessories were festooned with flora and fauna, described by Hilary Alexander on Twitter as ‘bright pop-manga-paisley motifs of butterflies/flowers’. How about that for a hybrid of fashion inspiration?

The artist Mika Ninagawa with her Etro AW14 collection

Almost as colourful as the accessories were the gorgeous cocktails, with real flowers floating atop a delicious prosecco, sake and lychee mix.

The colourful cocktails (Image above from Instagram by @Jasmineguinness)

As if this wasn’t enough glamour for one evening, the DJs on the decks were none other than models Jasmine Guiness and Jade Parfitt, looking resplendent in Etro AW14.

Jasmine Guinness and Jade Parfitt kept the crowds entertained

The collection was launched at the stunning Etro store on Old Bond Street, all dark wood, glass and polished metal rails. After further exploration of the various rooms and floors, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the photogenic AW14 collection. Brocade, embellishment and sumptuous fabrics in rich shades of gold, burgundy and indigo had me dreaming of a decadent royal party. I was so transported I almost forgot about the pounding rain outside.

The gorgeous AW14 collection

Mika Ninagawa for Etro is available now at Etro, 43 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4QT. http://www.etro.com

Cocktail couture

Published on September 26, 2014September 26, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So it’s Friday (yay!) work is done for another week and you’re probably deciding what to do this evening. Well, if you like cocktails and fashion and are partial to a drop of gin then let me recommend the fantastic Couture Cocktails at One Aldwych Hotel. To coincide with Fashion Week and inspired by the style capitals of New York, London, Milan and Paris, this luxury London hotel has created four special drinks, each with its own unique style and flavour.

Last night I was lucky enough to try all four and my favourite was the delicious Alice Temperley inspired English Rose which combines Tanqueray London gin with rose liqueur and bergamot foam. It was delightful. Top marks also go to the minx of a drink, the Moschino inspired La Dolce Vita, served in a kitsch cat-shaped glass. The cocktails are available for a limited time only (this is the last weekend you can sample these four) so you best get your fashion skates on and head down to the Strand before it’s too late. Mine’s an English Rose thanks.

Alice Temperley inspired English Rose

The Calvin Klein inspired New York New York

Paris v Milan: the chic Chanel Blanc et Noir and the kitsch Moschino La Dolce Vita

Cocktail Couture is available until 2nd October at One Aldwych Hotel, One Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BZ. T: 020 7300 1000. http://www.onealdwych.com/home

Becks’ pecs make headlines

Published on January 24, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah David Beckham! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… Yesterday saw the announcement of the new David Beckham Bodywear at H&M advert, which brightened up my dull January afternoon no end.

This year’s TV campaign sees David sharing his toned torso with the world as he jumps across the rooftops of East London’s Truman Brewery, having been locked out a photoshoot in only his undies (as you do – thanks to H&M). What’s more David insisted on doing all the stunts himself including zip wiring across buildings and jumping over walls barefoot. Filmed by acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn – he of Drive and Only God Forgives fame (which both feature another undeniable hottie Ryan Gosling) – the new advert will premiere at the US Super Bowl on 2nd February 2014. In an added twist there have been two alternative versions filmed, titled #Covered and #Uncovered, and from 27th January the public can head to hm.com to vote on which ending they would prefer to see.

Although the full adverts are yet to be shown, H&M have released this teaser video and I think the titles are self-explanatory. So which would you prefer – to see Beckham covered or uncovered? Hmm…

All images – David Beckham Bodywear at H&M. The new collection will be available in-store and online from 30th January 2014 http://www.hm.com

A diet’s always worth breaking for a roast

Published on January 5, 2014January 5, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Ah January… The month of new beginnings, optimistic resolutions and unbridled expectation. If December’s excesses have driven you to a new fitness regime and stringent diet (and you have thus far managed to keep on track) then I salute you. However, on this bleak Sunday, if all you crave is a generous roast dinner with a side of style then I think I may have just the pub for you.

Located in SW19 (don’t be fooled by the glamorous Wimbledon postcode) the recently revamped Charles Holden pub sits just the wrong side of Tooting. But don’t let that put you off. With it’s generous portions of fresh food, spacious interior and a surprisingly good vegetarian nut roast, this is a funky little pub that’s perfect for drowning your January sorrows (yes I know it’s only the 5th, but why make life harder in the gloomiest month of the year).

Situated opposite Colliers Wood station – previously famed only for its Wacky Warehouse and an unsightly black tower block (once voted London’s most hated building) – The Charles Holden defies it’s surroundings with boldly coloured printed wallpaper, kooky artwork, pretty fireplaces and a great selection of real ales for pint lovers.

And, as I say, the Sunday roast is very good with meat and not two but three veg, plus roast potatoes, red wine gravy and a generous Yorkshire pudding. All for between £10-£13. Staff are friendly, the service is great and we didn’t have to wait too long for our food (one of my biggest bugbears with a Sunday lunch). And whilst most of my table opted for a roast, the beer battered fish and twice-cooked chips were equally delicious. As is often the norm, it’s advisable to book if you’re in a large party, but the venue is sizable so this shouldn’t be a problem. I am also told that come the summer (which currently feels like a life-time away) the beer garden is quite fabulous. So what are you waiting for? Surely a good roast doesn’t count as breaking your New Year diet? After all it’s at least 3 of your 5 a day…