COCO LA LA (The preview night event)

"What a wonderful night!"

Our charity event was set for 2nd October, I had decided after the of BIBALALA that the next event would gain a little benefit for a charity, and as I wanted to support a local charity, I chose Trussell Trust foodbank project. Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Trussell Trust food banks provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK.

My little shop won't hold many people all at once so I knew my limit would be about 25 people and decided that £5.00 a ticket would be a fair price with all the ticket money going to the Charity!

This small event coincided with the 1st anniversary of me getting the keys tosuccess  my shop, I will have been officially open for 1 year on November 10th. I thought a tribute to the iconic Coco Chanel a fitting theme as she is unmistakingly thought upon as "The Queen of Fashion"

As I am not a "Chanel" outlet the idea of the night was merely an 'Homage' to the lady, I had many versions of the 'L.B.D' in stock and quite a few "Chanelesque" jackets , oodles & oodles of pearls  & Chanel "lookie likie" bags!!!!

"oodles & oodles of pearls"

I set about dressing the window, which I must say I was quite proud of!

Some "Chanelesque Bags"

Hand made Fashion Designer cards

Mooshy La La's AttiQue was twinkling in the Autumn evening, filled with a heady aroma of Chanel No.5  & longiflorum lilies, and just after 5pm, a group of beautiful ladies & a few handsome hunks descended on my little trove of gorgeous things

Each guest was presented with a complimentary set of vintage majorica pearls "Every woman should wear strings & strings of pearls!" ....so Coco told us!!!!

The prosecco was flowing, Edith Piaf was giving her best "La Vie en Rose" , & petit fours were being devoured!!! With lots of laughter & frivolity, many  decided to make the most of the opportunity to try on some exclusive vintage pieces and indulge in some retail therapy, my hand made designer greetings cards almost sold out completely, but luckily new stocks will be arriving in time for the festve season! The few hours flew by in no time! Afabulous night was had by all!!

A gift for each guest

THE CHANEL LOOK

Chanel is renowned for her 'Simple' relaxed style,  she gave women comfort, doing away with a restricted corset and drawn in tight  waist, the cumbersome bustle and fussy birdsnest hats.

She gave them the drop waist, the shorter hemline, the comfortable easy-care fabrics, loose layers, pockets, simple straw hats & the ability to wear dramatic BLACK without the need to be in mourning!

Her arrival in the resort of Deauville, where she opened her boutique in 1913, sent shock waves when she adopted the fishermans striped jersey quickly followed by wide trousers, & beach pyjamas and the look quickly caught on and "Casual Chic" was born!

Chanel outside her boutique in Deauville with her aunt Adrienne

Get that Deauville look with classic striped knitwear, cool linen trousers & lots & lots of pearls!

CHANEL & BLACK

Chanel was influenced by the stark black & white worn by the Nuns in the orphanage 

where she was brought up........

       In 1925, Chanel launched her signature cardigan jacket, and the following year matched its success with her little black dress. Both items continue to be a staple part of every Chanel collection.

The second World War then halted the fashion industry, and after a self imposed exile Chanel returned in 1954 with her classic designs updated to fit the new modern world.

A style which is timeless as we still see today!

Myself & my colleague Sue Morris at ‘Coco La La’

Chanel died in January 1971 at the age of 88 in her private apartment at The Ritz hotel Paris.

KARL LAGERFELD

 In 1982 Karl Lagerfeld took over as chief designer of House of Chanel. While retaining the spirit of Coco Chanel he catapulted the brand right back to the top of the fashion league with his own impeccable twist on Coco's initial prototype!

The impact of Lagerfeld at Chanel 80's & 90's

   I would like to thank everyone that came to Coco La La & donated to Trussell Trust Food-Bank project, Sue Morris for her constant support at Mooshy La La, & Misha Lily top class pearl engineer.

 Thanks to
Photographer Ben Hargaden,
Makeup Jennifer Peet

Models Jasmine Lundon, Sarah Keogh & Elle Keogh