Head in the Clouds...
So last night I trekked over to the 123 store on Bethnal Green Road for the launch of Amelia Gregory’s new book ‘Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration’. I could have kicked myself for getting there so late (I’m painfully shy most of the time and had had a mini anxiety attack at the thought of going to an event attended by so many talented people and no one whom I knew) as by the time I got to the venue, the party was in full swing and I had already missed 6 Day Riot . Dammit. The Pipettes and DJ set by William from the Mystery Jets followed.
I headed downstairs to what appeared to be the ‘chill out’ area and plonked myself down in the corner. My eyes immediately locked on to the incredible cake created especially for the event by Lily Vanilli and anticipated its execution. At this time, a more adept blogger would have made sure to take a photo of such cake, but being short, I chose not to push my way through the small crowd that had gathered around the splendid creation and thus lost the opportunity to capture its image on my decrepit DSLR. I should probably kick myself for that. I should also inform you that I didn’t take many photos at all! Shame on me. I do hope you will keep reading anyway.
Now… I did however, quickly gravitate towards the makeshift book store and purchase my very own copy of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration. A book filled with beautiful fashion and jewellery illustrations and interviews by fashion designers sharing the environmental concerns that are deep rooted within the book’s philosophy. And as you would expect, the book itself is produced with paper that has been sourced from responsibly managed forests and is printed using vegetable inks and environmentally friendly glues.
Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration
Clutching my purchase, I embraced the happy and friendly vibe of the party and decided to mingle. I shouldn’t have been anxious about not knowing any of the other guests, as I quickly found myself engaged in conversation by some of the loveliest and complimentary folk I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Amelia must have a way of attracting not only the most talented people, but also the nicest people to her.
On the right: Michelle Urvall Nyren
Prince Cassius
Charles Ampadu
Some of those in attendance were (unfortunately I can’t remember everyone by name!) Incredibly talented illustrators; Michelle Urvall Nyren, Jenny Robins, Antonia Parker, Emma Block, Danielle Meder, perfectly coiffured Prince Cassius, one of Britain’s best dressed men, fellow brummies; Designer Stylist Charles Ampadu and Anna Hickman-Evans of MaggiAngus, the beautiful and talented designer Lira Leirner, the wonderful writer and music editor of Amelia’s Magazine; Helen Martin and blogger Hannah Sews of Seeds and Stitches.
Helen Martin
Louisa of Cent Magazine
Designer Satoshi Date with Danielle Meder
Amelia’s family were there to support her too. Her mother Ursula, who wore a gorgeous necklace by Tatty Devine (the designer was also a guest at the party) and spoke lovingly of her daughter’s determination and constant hard work to achieve her goals, whilst her father Bruce made sure I had bought his daughter’s book and chatted about our ignorance concerning photography and complimented one another on our chosen brand of camera.
On the left: Amelia's cousin Camilla Raeburn On the right: Amelia's mother Ursula wearing a Tatty Devine necklace
Amelia's brother Josh and her father Bruce
Most importantly though, I was sooo excited and absolutely delighted to meet the inspiring, multi-talented and very welcoming Amelia Gregory herself. And I’m happy to say that she is just as sincere and awe inspiring in person as she is in the online realm. She looked very lovely in her Beautiful Soul cape and her amazing shoes by Nina Dolcetti. I do so want those shoes!
Amelia Gregory
I can’t dance. I don’t dance. So, as the party moved upstairs and the guests accompanied the music by displaying their creative footwork, I headed for home and anticipated discovering the contents of my goody bag.
And what a wonderful array of gifts it held! Cosmetics from Dr. Hauschka, a lovely necklace by Tatty Devine, a variety of delicious teas by Pukka Herbs, beautifully illustrated postcards and the final issue of Amelia’s Magazine!
By the way, did I mention how delicious that cake was?? Yes, I did manage to grab myself a little piece before it completely disappeared!
If you haven’t already bought your copy of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, you can do so from the Amelia’s Magazine shop and many good independent book stores throughout the UK.
Thanks to Amelia Gregory and her team of wonderful friends and minions for putting on such a wonderful event!!
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