Last night, hundreds of us piled into the National Portrait Gallery to celebrate a special event, The Late Shift Extra: Vogue 100 After Hours.
I was there with the girls for a truly magical evening; full of inspiration, and a trip down memory lane. As well as enjoying the exhibition itself, Vogue 100: A Century of Style – showcasing an array of Vogue covers (with lots of: “Oh yeah, I remember that cover” moments) and the most divine, and captivating, fashion photography – with some extras thrown in too.
We listened to a talk with British Vogue’s Picture Editor, Mike Trow, on how he sets the vision and direction behind a Vogue photoshoot. Central St Martins’ students treated us to a live catwalk show through the gallery. MAC Cosmetics gave us a pop of colour with their lipstick make-up stations. We hung out with Kate Middleton (well, with her portrait #squadgoals). Drank delicious bubbles from the speakeasy bar, and starred in our very own photoshoot in the Out of Order photo-theatre.
So much fun to be had… Here’s a little photo diary of what we got up to.
First stop, the Vista bar: Taking in the views of London’s skyline and one of its most iconic hotspots, Trafalgar Square, from the top of The Trafalgar Square hotel.
The chicken chimichurri burger was the perfect pre-event fuel; highly recommended – yum.
Arriving at the National Portrait Gallery: I have lived in London four years and never been here (shame on me). Bucket-list officially ticked, and what a mighty occasion to do it with too.
Here we are… the girls! Strike a pose.
Celebrating 100 years of Vogue: Showcasing over 280 prints and video snippets from the Condé Nast archive.
Mike Trow, Picture Editor at British Vogue talks us through his career at the publication and his vision behind a Vogue photoshoot.
Central St Martins’ catwalk show through the National Portrait Gallery. Mesmerising.
Hanging out with the Princess, Kate Middleton (well, kind of) – as you do.
MAC lipsticks. Last night we were loving the shade: “D for Danger”
Out of Order photo-theatre set up a photoshoot studio in the gallery, equipped with props galore.
Caption competition definitely required 🙂 Oh my…
Which is your favourite Vogue cover?
To mark the event, the National Portrait Gallery are running a lovely little competition for us to share our favourite Vogue covers from its hundred year history.
The prize: a signed copy of the Vogue 100 catalogue among other glamorous goodies. Definitely worth an entry!
To enter, just share a photo on Instagram using #MyVogue100 and tag the @nationalportraitgallery – telling them what this cover means to you (note: make sure that your account isn’t set to private, otherwise they won’t be able to see your entry).
So many covers bring so many memories, but for me personally, this one deserves a special mention. Drum roll…
The first British Vogue cover to grace our newsstands in September 1916.
Vogue is my all time favourite fashion go-to; and when I moved to London four years ago, one of my lovely friends bought me this as a going away pressie. I was starting a new chapter, changing careers and study fashion journalism, and it was the perfect send off. It hangs so beautifully on my wall, and reminds me of that moment I took the leap of faith to try something new. It brings me so much happiness, every day.
Love,
Get involved: The Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition is running until 22nd May, an absolute must-see for all Vogue/fashion/photography lovers.
Just for a taster: Watch the Vogue 100: A Century of Style short video here.