Life as it is

Updates. It's been a while. Try to not be dissappointed as we move quickly through the troughs and peaks which are my last 2 months.

Fashion week was incredible. The people, the atmosphere, the shoes. Oh the Shoes. Envy for 5 days straight is not healthy for any human.
However, being pounced on whenever I entered the terraces of Somerset House was nourishing. You needed a pass to clear you for all sections of fashion week, exhibitions, press areas, catwalk spaces. But anyone could go to the ground floor outside area. So it was a media feast as bloggers, tv presenters and photographers scrambled over each other to get the latest morsel of fashion - whether it be a delectable stacked heel shoe or a caramel floor skimming coat. This was my excuse to let designer lady put her clothes on me - I would go up to the ground floor (we were exhibiting in the basement galleries) and be photographed in her dresses - instant press.
It must be said there is no greater cure for a somber state than entering a space and being immediately photographed. At first I was a bit put out that no one asked, just snapped away. Then I realised it was the norm and actally a 'would you mind if I get a shot of your shoes' was quite the rareity. Also I noticed that there were cereal trendsters, would would hang out in this area, all nonchalant. They'd act completely normal when asked for a photo, whilst secretly languishing in delivering a coooler then cool snap to the joyous photographer.

Despite the immense hard work in the run up, during the actual week, I felt completely precious. With all the parties, lunch dates and socialising it really didnt feel like work.
The highlight of my week was the Amanda Wakelely show. I'd been hoping to catch a show, was getting lunch one day, when a stranger asked 'Are you going back to somerset house? Want my Amanda Wakelely show ticket?' Uhhh hell to the y e a a.

I'm cutting a long story short, but yes, that week was incredible. Did I come back to the real world with a bang? A long conversation with my bank would answer with the affirmative. I was completely broke. Worse than broke. I had to finish with designer lady right after LFW because I simply couldn't afford to intern anymore.

Since the end of September, I've been forced to resort to the only way I know how to make fast money. Retail. Urgh.
I have had to swallow a lot of pride with a side of humble pie. I went from hanging out on Mount St., mingling with Chelsea socialites and Samantha Cameron (thats right.) to being told how to fold a pile of shirts. And then being told I was doing it wrong. And then again.
Soul crushing doesn't even cover it.
However, for now, it is a means to an end while I try ever so frantically to get a foothold on that slippery ladder of the elusive fashion industry. I'll keep you updated.
xoxo desperate girl

7 days and counting

It's 7 days until showtime and I’m still absolutely loving it here. The amount of tiredness I’m currently experiencing however, is insane. I’ve worked every day this week (standard) and working tomorrow too. But we’re shooting the look book so it will be fun. Also business lady totally said I had to come because she ‘needs me’! and im just a sucker for needy..
I’ve been involved in this process right from the start. Watched the production of the collection, written press releases detailing inspiration behind the pieces, assisted in casting models – no way am I missing out on the actual shoot.

Lunch at the Mayfair on Monday was lovely, I introduced Designer Lady to a vip she'd been wanting to meet for an age. She was happy, I had done my job, it was all good.
Afterwards I project managed the building of an installation we have in an exclusive boutique in Chelsea. An installation is a section of the shop with the designers clothes, and you make it stand apart from the rest of the shop. We had flowers hanging from the ceiling, wrapped a mannequin-tree in luxurious silk pieces, had rose petals everywhere, generally made the space look stunningly gothic-ly whimsical.
I'd like to say it was a complete drag hanging out in Kings Road all day after being fed at the Mayfair but.. I really can't.
So blessed to have this job, though it is completely draining my resources. Saw an advert for credit cards on the train today

'Chasing the dream, living the nightmare?'

That's how it is for me, just not so dramatic. I'm doing this incredible job, going to amazing places, but slowly and surely I am getting more and more broke. What to do? The same as everything else.
Worry about it after fashion week.

Chosen one

Designer lady is attending a luncheon tomorrow at the MAYFAIR HOTEL with the BFC. The BFC as in BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL. British Fashion Council as in Alexandra Shulman and other total fashion heavyweights. As in editors of Vogue/ Tatler/ Elle.
Who has she chosen to go with her because Business Partner lady is unavailable?
ME.
As in big. freaking. deal.

The calm before the storm

Kicking back in the studio, Absolutely Fabulous playing in the background, drinking delicious hot choc from the adorable cafe next door (fyi the most delicious waiter works there, incidentally he makes the most incredible sandwiches. hes delicious in more ways than one - multidelish!) sent a few emails, prepared a sample send out for a magazine shoot, (blogged - shh.) .. its all been rather relaxed here today.

LFW still looms in the distance like some sort of ominous hooded figure, but for now, why stress!

Always an exception

I know know know I should NOT be blogging at work but.. my title says its ok, plus noone can see me, so. That makes it alright.
Business Partner Lady TOTALLY just said that I get to choose my own little dress from Designer Lady's collection to wear at LFW.
I GET TO WEAR HER CLOTHES...
Imagine me trying hard not to hyperventilate as I imagine twirling around in the many creations I've had my beady fashion eye on since I've been working here.
I love my job.

Ahhh..

The dude designer upstairs (who's name I had never heard.. the one that's kind of a big deal) totally just told me I have a nice skirt on. Fashion approval from a designer is like being given a big warm bowl of melted chocolate.
Sweet.

Do you know who I am?? .. No.

This week I took DL's dogs out to the garden roof of the studios. On my way I was asked 'are you the dog walker?’ by some guy with the snottiest voice. He introduced himself with the pretentious tone that incinuates his introduction is unnecessary because you should already know who he is.
Of course I acted as if I hadn’t a clue who he was. Which wasn’t too hard since I didn’t.
(Naturally, I read about him in Vogue the day after. He is kind of a big deal. Crap.)

Cute intern friend and I discovered another adorable little café right next to the studio. Its called something like ‘Mouse & Delotts’. So today I’m talking to the woman serving me..
‘so do you own this place?’
‘well I’m mouse’
.. I laugh, completely forgetting the name of the café and thinking shes making an odd joke..
‘you’re what, a mouse??’
‘no.. I’m mouse. of mouse and delotts.. I own half the company’
‘oh.. right.'
Crap.

Really need to stop this i-have-no-idea-who-you-are-which-is-awful-because-actually-you’re-rather-significant thing I have going on.

Oh I have yet to learn…