Fave Fives of the Week #7

Hello everyone! How is it August already? Just like the year so far, the last fortnight has shot by with more insights and I’ve been privy to a few secrets! I also met the lovely Kate Nash and Miss America 2011. This Week’s Fave Fives brings you a little bit of music, magic and girl power….

No 1. The Barts Dark Society – Chelsea Cloisters, London

This monthly event is held to teach the ‘magic’ behind the magic. Conjuror to the stars Mr Deceptionist, was our teacher. He looked more like a comedian than a magician and had a laid back non-commanding air about him. My niece Louisa and I were among the clusters of friends, colleagues and press putting the world to rights while eating and drinking.It was a definite challenge to capture our attention while he presented a brief outline of what was to come. Deceptionist took it all in his stride, as soon as he started to perform we became gripped and by the end of the session he had us eating out of the palm of his hand. At one point, I even stood on stage and assisted him.

He asked us to keep secret what we’d learnt. I can tell you that I learnt to saw a person in half! Just kidding – no I didn’t. I did learn how to make a coin disappear, a bit of levitation using a bottle and a cool card trick. Oh, and I can make a coin disappear. There were other tricks shown but I seriously can’t remember ‘how-to’. He is very good, but I’m not sure he’s a hypnotist too!?

www.deceptionist.co.uk

No 2. Fashion meets Music – Swarovski Crystallized, London

Celebrity Stylist, Rebekah Roy chaired this talk with singer Kate Nash hosted by The Industry, to explore image and its role in the music business. More specifically, Kate’s experiences. The honesty and openness in which she spoke made me listen intently to her answers to questions put forward from Rebekah and the audience. She spoke of her frustation knowing that she would sell more records if she sexualised her image à la Beyonce or Rihanna. But that just wasn’t her, she also does a lot for charity.

I wasn’t that familiar with her music and a friend in attendance Mr Darkwah sang a snippet of one of her tracks during the after talk drinks. I knew it, but always thought it was sung by Lily Allen! I made a pledge to myself: buy Kate’s album. During the drinks I left Kate alone until the end to have a chat. She is lovely and had no airs and graces – which made me want to support her music all the more. I loved her (what I call) ‘taxi shoes’ (Taxi shoes; amazing shoes that you can only wear from taxi to event then taxi to home). I asked who designed them-Terry De Havilland. Rebekah is her stylist and a fab one. You can see that from her relationship with Kate – it’s personal, frank and very cool. Just like the evening’s event.

www.theindustylondon.com

No 3. Miss America 2011 and Joseph Ribkoff AW11 collection – Marylebone Hotel

My main reason for attending was to view the Joseph Ribkoff AW11/12 collection and I ended up meeting Miss America – Teresa Scanlan, brand ambassador for the line. It’s a really versatile, wearable collection for a career woman who is always on the go, with looks that easily go from day to evening – perfect for Miss America actually.

Meeting Teresa was an education and a revelation. At just 18years old, Teresa would put a lot of women twice her age to shame when it comes to people skills and confidence. She was full of genuine positive energy. I kept thinking how? When she is literally travelling worldwide 20,000 miles each month! She told me the real benefits of the Miss America Pageant. This organisation is the world’s largest provider of scholarships for young women –with $45million donated last year! Teresa’s year long reign involves working to support charities and community projects as well as meeting many influential people across the globe.

It’s been an amazing journey for her so far. The Miss America Pageant has evolved into a real force for good and it seems my pre-conceived notions were so wrong I’m glad to say.

I asked how she kept her little crown rooted to the top of her head – I was intrigued. She gladly showed me her creative technique to make it stay – very impressive. Another secret I’ll keep to myself. Next steps for Teresa after her reign; to study law, become a judge, and then ultimately enter politics. I have no doubt she’ll do it all and much more.

www.missamerica.org

JosephRibkoff.com

No. 3SilpadaUK launch –Nat Mags Building, London

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the plush all-white suite, was the variety of A/W designs displayed. Many design influences came through these handcrafted pieces – delicate to bold and great colour lines. I had a play and the differing pieces worked well layered or stacked.

As the UK MD Jeanette Zachs talked and walked me through the collections, I assumed it was all costume and was pleasantly surprised when she told me all the jewellery was .925 sterling silver. I must say the pricing is amazing! Another interesting feature Silpada offers women (and men) the opportunity to become reps for the company with 30% commission on retail sales. This is because the two founders are best friends and working mums who wanted to build a business that gave them flexibility and a healthy work/life balance. This US brand has quality pieces that will appeal to many stylish women including myself. Since the launch I’ve put an order in for three stunning pieces.

www.silpada.co.uk

No.5 Orgazma Press Launch–Privée, Knightsbridge

The launch party for Orgazma – the energy drink with an aphrodisiac twist was entertaining to say the least. There was a live act, an energetic singer called ‘Dario’ who was a dead ringer for Jean-Claude Van Damme. He sang and shimmied through a medley of classics from Elvis Presley to Ricky Martin, including my prediction/premonition of ‘All Night Long’ by Lionel Richie. When he got to the “Tam bo li de say de mo ja – Hey Jambo Jumbo” bit it was hysterically funny and I somehow managed to mute my laughter. I wondered if he had drank a few cans of Orgazma prior. The night was so much fun and very memorable.

The consensus was, that Orgazma was a better tasting version of Red Bull. You can judge for yourselves when it hits the supermarkets.

www.orgazma.co.uk

I love writing about and experiencing a wide range of things as it opens up my mind and gives you a rounded perspective on key parts of my working life.  Who’d have thought I’d gain such insight from Miss America and Kate Nash – two young women on the face of things seemingly different yet equally inspiring and clued-up. Not so different really.

Also, I can now say that “I can show you a trick or two!”and really mean it.

Until the next edition,stay Karma – stay Happy.
CamilleA – Karma-Style