On Thursday 18th October I attended Fashion Rocks in London at the Royal Albert Hall.
On my way I was very excited as I sat in the car in my Azzaro dress feeling a million dollars. But when I stepped out of the car, the first thing I noticed that not everyone had made the same effort, dress-wise. Some people had clearly come straight from work without changing. Although disappointed in the lack of effort in some, others did make up for it. I noticed Gucci, Herve Leger, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Dior on those who had read the invitation's dress code which clearly said Evening Dress.
The show started fashionably late as expected, but when it finally did, it was very clear that the show was made for TV. After each performance there were long intervals in which videos of the designers and performers were shown, which after a while were repeated. Guests were clearly annoyed at the delays, with some not returning to their seats once the show restarted.
Dame Shirley Bassey opened the show with a goosebump-worthy rendition of Goldfinger. She collaborated with Jennifer Lopez' favourite designers Marchesa.
Alicia Keys was by far the best performer of the night, singing her hit No One. I forgot what a great singer she is live.
Other performance on the night were, The Gossip for Christopher Kane, Joss Stone for Calvin Klein, Lily Allen for Chanel, an out of key Marc Almond for Yves Saint Laurent, Razorlight for Burberry, Shy Child who played musical chairs with the models for Stella McCartney, Roisin Murphy for Gucci and Timberland, the only performer who managed to get the crowd on their feet and dancing for Dolce and Gabbana.
The surprised appearance was a fresh faced Whitney Houston, who looked beautiful wearing a white Valentino Couture 2007 strapless dress.
Like me the crowd was wishing she would sing, but unfortunately she did not, she did say, "I will always love you", which got a chuckle from the crowd, staring in awe at a bona-fide diva.
Nicole Scherzinger performed for Valentino and after her performance the man himself came on the stage where others like Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Stefano Pilati for YSL and Stella McCartney did not. Valentino Garavani was presented an award for his services to fashion by Gwyneth Paltrow. The sad thing is by this time many had left or not returned to their seats so his reception was lukewarm, which I found disappointing considering all this man has achieved.
The show ended with a rendition of the ever popular classic "Lady Marmalade" sung by the Sugababes and super diva Patti LaBelle.
I am glad a had a nice souvenir in a brochure. I have nice quite reached the heights of getting a goody bag, but I am working on it.
See all the red carpet dresses here & here
redcarpetfashionawards.blogspot.com