I AM sitting on the top deck of a double-decker bus on my way home from my first attempt to do some Christmas shopping in Oxford Street.
As I stare out into the streets, the Christmas lights are on and the intoxicating festive energy reminds me of why I love to live in this city, despite my regular frustration with London Transport breaking down and how expensive it is to survive.
I am abruptly returned to reality by the sound of my mobile phone ringing. To my surprise it’s Lisa, a good friend of mine and fellow stylist from LA, who is over here preparing the wardrobe for some music videos and could do with some help on the styling.
“Darling it’s me, Lisa. How lovely to hear your voice — oh, hang on — please pull over at Patisserie Valerie. That will be two almond croissants. Great! On to Westbourne Grove please! … Don’t you just love London? I could never do this in LA!”
We agree to meet at my local Starbucks so we can catch up and she can brief me about the job over a couple of skinny lattes and a slice of cake. The video will be set in an 80s club based on the Taboo Club and the performance artist Leigh Bowery. It’s glam, glitzy and extravagantly outlandish with a touch of disco. Fab, I love it already. We kiss goodbye.
Having thought about the job, I decide to divide my search for clothes and accessories into two categories: vintage and high fashion. My first stop is Relic in the Goldborne Road. On arrival I feel like I have died and gone to heaven: it’s full of Vivienne Westwood vintage and Boy London originals in pristine condition.
Moving on swiftly, I research around Portobello Market and pick up some original Stephen Jones hats and chokers so bright they could blind you. Then I go to Westwood, Nicole Farhi, and Rafael Lopez where I find the most amazing mirrored dress. To top it all off, I make an appointment with the Top Shop press office, an absolute must for bags and accessories to dress up or down any outfit — remember, with accessories you can never have enough!
All in all a great day’s work. I catch up with Lisa again and make a couple of appointments for tomorrow at Benneton, Mandarina Duck and Ad Hoc in Soho to ensure we are covered all-round. I’d say it’s in the bag!
Walking home I notice my feet are sore, and I conclude that all this running around in beautiful shoes — essential as it may be — could do with a little time out, and I decide to book in see a reflexologist. The Green Room in Portobello Road offers a great selection of treatments ranging from pedicures, massage and reflexology. As luck would have it there has been a cancellation, and I make an appointment for the same evening. The treatment is amazing: a full in-depth massage starting from the toes and working all the way into the base of the foot. When I leave I feel as if I am walking on air. A gorgeous peppermint-based lotion is applied to finish the treatment, leaving me relaxed and ready to crash out in style.
As I prepare for the next day, I look at my weird and wonderful props and costumes. One pair of crazy platform shoes I have chosen for the models to wear catch my eye, and I wonder if I should suggest that they book the reflexologist to be on the set too. Or not to be on the set — that is the question.
Laia Farran Graves
The Green Room 020 243 8211
