The party where all that glitters is truly golden

"LIBERTY ROSS will be wearing a white silk dress by Emanuel Ungaro," trumpeted the press release. What possible event could be of such importance that it necessitated such a grand statement of intent?

No, the Oscars hadn't come early: it was merely the annual party held by British Vogue to celebrate their Christmas issue - this time, themed around gold.

Did I say "merely"? Forgive me: for this was one party that was far from mere.

With a list of attendees that would put many a top party organiser to shame, the Vogue affair was as swank as they come.

Held in an intimate salon at the Ritz, the champagne flowed and the conversation tinkled merrily. Joely Richardson hugged Naomi Campbell as Julien Macdonald looked on, pleased that both had chosen to wear his (demure by Macdonald standards) creations for the bash. Joan Collins swept in looking fabulous, Vanessa Feltz swept in looking not quite so fabulous, while Marianne Faithful looked as lovely as ever in a black strapless dress.

Extra brownie points go to Stella McCartney for wearing a fetching pillbox hat complete with fishnet veil: many designers sent out Forties looks on the catwalk this season, but few have the courage to wear them.

Of course, the big pre-party question was: if it's the Gold issue, does one wear gold? And will the canaps be gold? Save for the odd quilted jacket and strappy sandals, most guests had sensibly decided not to dress as though it were a theme party, opting instead for less ostentatious garb. Model Liberty did not wear the white silk dress as promised, but an equally gorgeous black one, slashed deep at the back. Erin O'Connor looked stunning in a high-necked blouse.

Of course, there will always be people who never dress up, whatever the occasion. Model Jasmine Guinness wore her battered old trainers, while designer Luella Bartley turned up in a biker jacket and jeans. If you're cool enough to warrant a ticket to this select bash, you're hardly going to be turned away at the door for looking too Hoxton.

There was nothing as vulgar as gossip at the Vogue party, although close observers did detect a slight frostiness between Naomi and Stella.

With a throwing-out time of 9pm, this wasn't the sort of affair where you started dancing on the tables and playing drinking games. In a time where women's magazines are launching like well- intentioned missiles, the Vogue party quite simply affirmed its standing in the fashion firmament. "I'm the mutha", it said. And with a guest list like this, it certainly is. Very gold, very Vogue.

Copyright 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.