Yesterday and Friday saw Vogue’s first ever Festival, held at the Royal Geographical Society. So naturally I had to go along and check it out, particularly as it involved talks and panel discussions from key fashion industry figures- there were guest appearances from Dolce & Gabbana, David Bailey, Nigella Lawson, Stella McCartney, Kate Hudson, Christopher Bailey: the list was endless. And I’d heard there would be pop up hair and make-up stands from Josh Wood and Giorgio Armani, as well as a studio for photo-shoots. It sounded like an event not to be missed!

Some snippets from the day:

1. Vogue Festival 2012 Wristband, 2. One of the beautiful flower arrangements at the Registration desk, 3. Giorgio Armani make-up stand, 4. Wall of Vogue Covers, 5. Some of the cute snacks available

The main draw for me though, was having the chance to see the beautiful Tom Ford in conversation with Alexandra Shulman. Hearing him speak about his influences, work and personal life was really worth it: he’s such a funny and charming guy- clearly a perfectionist, but he doesn’t take himself too seriously at all. There were definitely a few great quotable moments; keep reading for the deets!

On sexuality:

When Alexandra Shulman asked him about his open homosexuality, Tom jokily responded- ‘I’m not gay!’ and then proceeded to ask the Vogue Editor if she’d ever slept with a woman, which she vehemently denied. He suggested that with everyone, there was perhaps a ‘sliding scale’ when it came to sexual preference. But on another note, I’m telling you- that Richard Buckley is one lucky guy!!

On making it:

There were a lot of questions from the audience about how to succeed and break into the design industry. One of the extended jokes throughout the talk was Tom’s generic response to all these- ‘Equity and Networking!’ He recounted his own struggle for a break, stating how he persisted by calling one employer for a job every 10 seconds, and telling her he was down in the lobby over and over again until she gave in. And the reason she hired him? Tom said she liked his ‘pretty hands’!

On his cosmetics: 

He playfully slated Shulman for not wearing his nail polish-(she retorted that she was wearing Chanel), to which he replied: ‘I read your book!’ Tom revealed that it was important for him to test out all the make-up, not only on models but also on himself. His perfume choice for that day?- Neroli Portofino.

On inspiration: 

He credited film as a major reference point, and also his bathtub for allowing him the space to do most of his thinking- (he joked that a slightly soggy notebook was never far from reach!) He said he was always inspired, and that his downtime involved working on sketches- he said he enjoys what he does so much that it never feels like work. Lucky man!

Shots of the waiting crowd:

So after the wonderful Mr Ford, it was on to the Models Q&A with Eva Herzigova, Natalia Vodianova, Lily Cole and Jourdan Dunn, chaired by Calgary Avansino.

Natalia was great- surprisingly really blunt, although I, and all the audience were surprised by some of her comments. She and Eva, for example, unanimously agreed that models don’t need to diet, yet said she follows the ‘Blood-type’ diet which only allows certain foods in adherence with blood type. All of them also underplayed their exercise regimes, with Natalia even stating that she ran a marathon without training! She added more salt to the wound when she told the audience that she rocked up to an event in Givenchy Couture only 2 days after giving birth. A superhuman breed or what?!

An interesting point was made by the highly loquacious and intelligent Lily Cole, who remarked that modelling is perhaps the only profession where people are chosen to form a collective, rather than choosing it as a career path in the same way others would choose to become lawyers/doctors etc.

The final talk consisted of a panel comprising Richard Young, Joely Richardson, William Banks-Blaney and Rachel Zoe, moderated by Fiona Golfar. It was lovely to hear Rachel, who came across as such a ‘human’ and sweet person, with a clear passion for styling. Her enthusiasm was so amazing to witness- you could tell by her candour that fashion is the sole love that gets her pulse racing.

One of the best anecdotes was recounted by photographer, Richard Young, who recalled the moment he received an extraordinary tip-off from Versace, 4 days before the Premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral. He was advised to stand to the right of Elizabeth Hurley if he wanted the best shot, as Hugh Grant would be on her left. And sure enough, he captured the money-shot that night; Hurley’s infamous Versace safety-pin dress.

This then fuelled a discussion as to how important styling is on the red-carpet; it was agreed that it can launch a person’s career, or lead them to superstardom, regardless of ability. Certainly in the case with Hugh and Liz, his career rocketed while she became an overnight sensation.

Rachel Zoe after the talk in the neon-blue lit hallway! :

A great day overall, with a lot to take away and mull over. I hope to be back next year! For more pics of the event, check out my Twitter feed @StyleScoopDaily

Enjoy the rest of your Weekend! :) Sarah xxx