I was recently invited to Jacques Vert’s Coatwalk fashion show displaying elegant British brands in support for Macmillan Cancer.The fashion show took place at One Great George Street an incredible Grade II listed Edwardian piece of architecture located in Westminster.
The building was designed by James Miller, built in 1839 with an exterior clad in Portland stone. I arrived windswept as I strolled inside the neo-palladian interior wishing I’d arrived equipped with a warm coat, bit ironic ey? Before I hunted for a new coat to take home I admired the interior. I entered through the main foyer and my eyes were instantly drawn to the dramatic rotunda above.
The entrance was a grand space with a sweeping central staircase coated with a deep red carpet.
Mum and I helped ourselves to some bubbles at the drinks reception and waited for Lauren to join us.
Whilst waiting for the show to begin, we checked out the formal spaces. The rooms on the ground and first floor have not been changed and still serve as the main function rooms for the building.
The Smeaton Room had impressive high ceilings with large windows for natural daylight to pour into the space. The dark French walnut panelling looked stunning against the intricate plasterwork and chandelier.
The rich tones continued through to the soft furnishings with deep reds, golds and greens. We admired the luxurious patterned carpet, and Lauren’s shoes.
Into the next room we had a preview of some of the elegant British brands beautiful coat collections.
I tried on a cosy warm cape that I didn’t want to take off.
We were lead up the red stairs, passed the architectural columns and caught a closer glimpse of the rotunda above.
Before we knew it the show was about to start and we were ushered into the Great Hall, an incredible space to burst into.
The Great Hall is 13 meters high, with marbled columned walls, embellished with gold leaf details. The oak floor contrasted the spectacular painted ceiling and crystal chandeliers that twinkled above.
Natasha Kaplinsky introduced the show and the drama unfolded, the models strutted across the Great Hall wrapped in delicate coats.
This vibrant yellow coat would definitely brighten up a rainy British day.
The next walk was a powerful scene paying respect to the heritage of the building. One Great George Street was used during the Second World War for night-time fire watching. Shockingly the building was also hit during the Blitz but the bombs managed to burn out before any damage was caused to the building.
The models were wrapped in coats and proudly waved the British flag as they strolled.
Models popped out on a rotating floor using Vogue magazines as masks.
Macmillan survivors participated in a brave walk, incredible emotions burst throughout the Great Hall and the crowd erupted onto their feet.
After the impressive show everyone flocked to purchase the latest coats from the fashion show.
Back in the grand foyer we enjoyed canapés and nibbles before we headed home.
I couldn’t help capture some of London’s iconic buildings along our way home.
Macmillan are a charity that always need our support. Don’t forget to get involved:
TEXT: MAC22 TO 70550 TO DONATE £5
