Happy London Fashion Week

With only 2 days to go, the Innu London team are frantically working every hour under the sun preparing for the most anticipated fashion frenzied event of the year, London Fashion Week.

As I’m sure you are well aware by now, we are opening the grand show for the House of iKons show in aid of The Princes Trust at the London Hilton Paddington at 3.30pm on Saturday, a charity very close to our hearts.

The Princes Trust helps struggling 13-30 year-olds who are unemployed or have problems at school. Many individuals the trust helps are homeless, have mental health issues or are in trouble with the law. It is heart-breaking to see young people with so much potential struggling their way through life and we could not be more honoured to be making a difference.

To show our dedication, Innu London have a cheeky surprise up their sleeve in order to raise some well deserved cash for this incredible cause. But unfortunately that is all I am allowed to say, so you will just have to come along and see for yourself…SHAME!

We are delighted to introduce the ‘Summer Fairytale S/S15 Collection’ to you adoring Innu fans. The collection boasts beautiful yellows, corals, turquoise and greens with hint of graceful grey here and there all handcrafted by the extremely talented Kimberley Melville-Smith in flowing chiffons and sensual silks. Not to mention the added touch of bling from our collaborators, Mozafarian Jewellers. The family run jewellery designers have allowed us to accessorise the evening dresses in the show with the most opulent diamond pieces. It is truly going to be an extraordinary lavish affair.

We are also delighted to announce that our very close friends from Seen in the City will be attending as well Andreea Pancuic, the brains behind the fabulous, Dreaming of Chanel.

If we’ve managed to get you as excited as we are and you STILL haven’t bought a ticket, you better purchase one IMMEDIATELY before it’s too late. We cannot wait to see you all on Saturday at 3.00 for some pre fashion show champagne and canapés. Make sure you book the afternoon show or you'll miss the Grand Opening.

Best get back to work now…

Until next time

Innu London

xxx 

P.S If you still haven't sorted an outfit, we can save your bacon, so you better check out our 2 day hiring service...

Brunching London Style

Who doesn’t love brunch!! The New Yorker make it an entire fabulous event fully equipped with a buffet full of poached eggs, smoked salmon, croissants and champagne all from a deluxe rooftop bar overlooking the skyscrapers of the Big Apple. Us Londoners tend to make it a more sophisticated affair making it our favourite meal of the weekend. The Innu London team have done all kinds of brunch over the capital from day parties to cosy spots in Notting Hill to luxurious locations fit for a Queen. We have summed up our top 5 brunch spots for you to enjoy….

1. The Woseley

Starting you off on a grand prestigious scale, The Woseley is considered by many to host London’s ultimate breakfast menu. Eggs Benedict are a personal favourite of mine when it comes to brunching and The Woseley make them with perfection. The restaurant is decorated with a Parisian style monochrome look making it ever the opulent location. This needs to be added to your bucket list immediately… but book in advance but as I'm sure you can imagine, it gets busy. 

2. Electric Diner

Moving on to one of the our favourite spots in London, Notting Hill, lies the infamous Electric Diner. With an all american menu including pancakes, eggs, milkshakes you name it you won’t be disappointed. If you arrive after 12pm do not worry and HAVE THE BURGER! Hands down the most delicious and flavoursome burger I have ever had in my life. But no matter what you have you will be wanting to walk some of those calories off. It is perfectly situated on the world renowned Portobello Road where you can wander up and down the atmospheric market and perhaps buy yourself a little unique treat. 

3. Duck & Waffle

If you fancy brunch with a view Duck & Waffle allows you to enjoy a perfectly fluffy cappuccino with a view of the iconic Gherkin and the City of London…not quite New York but still breathtaking. Their menu in a word is EXOTIC. A delectable array of worldy foods from pigs ears, oysters and grilled hearts certainly makes this brunch experience and little different. 

4. Cookbook Cafe

A healthy option for a weekend brunch with the girls. Don’t get me wrong, you can still gorge waffles, pancakes, the lot. With juicing becoming a new fad (ish) take advantage of their juice menu, boost, cleanse, energise and strengthen your body to give a natural start to your day. As the weather is picking up again, enjoy a relaxing stroll around Hyde Park which is conveniently located on its doorstep.

5. Bacanal

 Introducing the only London day party, Bacanal always pulls it out the bag. The New York style brunch has attracted a crowd of London’s elite for a one of a kind day party. Guests arrive at 1pm to enjoy a deluxe spread of Mediterranean cuisine and of course a cheeky drink or 2 for the table before the scene turns into a champagne spraying, table dancing club vibe at 3pm in the afternoon at some of the most exclusive hottest places in the City. We’re talking the likes of Nozomi, Buddah Bar and celebrity hideout, The Box. If there’s one thing you need to do this year, GET YOURSELF TO A BACANAL BRUNCH!!

As we like to think Brunch is a little luxury in itself we always make sure we are dressed the part, especially for the more upmarket places. We never turn up with anything less than an exotic skin Tote bag. Discover our collection here as it is must have this upcoming Winter season. 

For a day party you may want to opt for a St Tropez style dress to fit in with ‘the cool crowd’. 

Now when you organise your Brunch don’t forget to remind your friends about us opening the show at the London Fashion Week House of iKons event on the 13th September!! Tickets to see us do the grand opening of the show are selling fast so hurry so you are not disappointed. 

Until next time

Innu London

xxx

Notting Hill Carnival

The event on everyone’s minds this week is The Notting Hill Carnival. The streets of Notting Hill are quite literally swarming with Londoners, European and Afro-Caribbean smells and sounds and generally an incredible atmosphere. 

The festival first took over the West London area in 1966 and has been an August Bank Holiday tradition ever since. It is the BIGGEST street festival in the whole of Europe and keeps getting bigger every year. The very first carnival was an attempt to showcase the steel band musicians who played in the Earls Court of London every Weekend. When the bands paraded through the streets of Notting Hill, they drew black residents out on to the streets, reminding them of the Caribbean homes they had left behind.Having been forbidden to hold festivals of their own during the period of slavery, they now took full advantage of the relative new freedoms the ending of slavery brought them. Dressing up in costumes that mimicked the European fashions of their former masters, even whitening their faces with flour or wearing white masks, they established a tradition that continues in the costume-making of today's Notting Hill Carnival.

It truly is quite an experience, even the likes of Cara Delevingne show their support. But this is one of the only festivals where you absolutely, under no circumstances, allowed to wear WELLIES!!! Well… this isn't exactly a rule per say but funk it up a little. Think cool, casual and effortlessly chic. If you need a little help, Innu is here. 

Why not a handmade tee accompanied with denim cut offs or dungarees or some overly bright leggings? 

Not forgetting a little vibrant arm candy by yours truely… you know what to do. Take your pick! 

And while I still have your undivided attention make sure you come and support us and The Prince’s Trust during London Fashion Week on 13th September. 

Tickets and info are available here: http://www.houseofikons.com 

See you at carnival,

Love Innu London

xxx

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn

With the modelling debut of Audrey Hepburn's granddaughter at the mere age of 20, it is clear Emma Ferrer inherited her Grandmother's envious silhouette and influencial style. As she proudly graces the front cover of Harper Bazaar in 2 separate ensembles, it is clear that Audrey Hepburn's image and aura is still inspiring the fashion world today.

Audrey's most famous portrayal of Miss Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (my all time FAVOURITE film), gave her the opportunity to collaborate alongside the designers of Givenchy in her all black Chanel-esque LBD's, 'black alligator shoes' and bug eye sunglasses. These items, I can safely say, every girl needs in her wardrobe...well I certainly have all these staple items in mine. Innu London may not be able to cater for the alligator shoes or black sunglasses but we can help you out with our little black dresses from our 'Diamonds in the Rough AW14/15' collection...

Perfectly polished and poised in a loose cape, she looks like the campaign for Lanvin! Get her look with the Innu Throw.

No outfit is complete without a little accessory. Audrey was regluarly seen with a little black bag, big or small. Discover our black collection of large and small handmade bags here.

So there you go, why Innu London LOVE LOVE LOVE the girl who inspired many of our style's today!

Until next time

Love Innu London 

xxx

A Diamond Fun Filled Evening

Last night the Innu London team were invited to a very lavish affair at the Mozafarian jewellers new collection launch in the heart of Knightsbridge. Their pieces are indescribably mesmerising, the cuts, the colours, the designs just oozed luxury. Kimberley and I were lucky enough to wear our own set for the entire evening that beautifully complimented our bespoke Innu London evening dresses. Kimberley wore pieces that included a stunning yellow diamond, an unique ear piece, necklace and ring. It is safe to say the girl had ALOT of attention…

I however, wore a delicate necklace matching bracelet and a fist sized ring. 

 

We felt a little…lighter… after the event when we unfortunately had to give the jeweller back. But nonetheless we had an absolutely fabulous time wearing diamonds, eating smoked salmon canapés and drinking champagne (our favourite). 

As I have previously mentioned, we will be collaborating with the family owned company. Just picture this, beautifully handmade evening dresses hand crafted by Kimberleys own two hands depicting the elegance and class that Innu London possesses with an added touch a diamond sparkle....the show will be truely magical and mesmerising. 

Tickets are available here http://wwwe-tickets.com/event/house-of-ikons/. Remember to book the afternoon tickets as we are opening the whole show at 3:30pm (DEEP BREATHS...AND RELEASE).

In the meantime please visit our press page as Innu London have been so busy everyone seems to be writing about us at http://www.innulondon.com/pages/press

Have a great weekend, until next time, 

Love Innu London

xxx

Quintessential Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is one of those of things that everyone aspires to experience at least once in their lives. Introduced in Britain in the early 1840’s, it has ever since been one of those traditionally British affairs now enjoyed all over the world as an occasional indulgence or celebration. We have to say we are partial to a glass of bubbly and some delectable macaroons. So the Innu London team has decided to share our top 5 afternoon tea spots in London. 

The Goring Hotel

With this gorgeous weather and our love for champagne and macaroons we highly recommend paying a little visit to The Goring Hotel in Belgravia for a lavish afternoon tea on the veranda. Perfectly chilled Bollinger, fresh strawberries, delicate macaroons and a view to die for. What more could you possibly ask for? 

The Corinthia

One of London’s newest 5 start rated hotels, perfectly located just moments from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, offers a unique Afternoon Tea setting. Dine under the stunning ‘Full Moon’ chandelier featuring 1000 Baccarat globes in clear crystal and with bespoke William Edwards’ tea sets to create an intimate space. Whilst this glorious weather lasts why not book in their enclosed courtyard lined with maple trees for a splendid outdoor tea. 

The Ritz

Served in The Palm Court, ‘Tea at the Ritz’ is a quintessentially English Institution. Arriving at the Ritz is a typically luxury experience that everybody has to undergo. Immaculately dressed waiters serve you a selection of 16 loose leaf teas as well as finger sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones and the rest all from the deluxe Palm Court.

Designed originally for the ‘high society’, the dramatic decor of high walls with gold coated detailing, glistening chandeliers and romantic flower arrangements make this one of the most desired Afternoon Tea spots in the world. 

Grosvenor House 

Grosvenor House has been enjoyed by frequent royalties, celebrities and business leaders since 1929. Unlike other afternoon tea places, The Park Room and Library are tranquilly decorated with comfortable sofas with live piano entertainment for guests to indulge in. 

The Athenaeum

Awarded the Tea Guild prestigious award for ‘Top London Afternoon Tea’ in 2012. The Athenaeum must be added to your ‘tea to-do list’ per say, immediately. Diners are escorted into the secluded and elegant Garden Room overlooking Green Park to enjoy dainty delicacies, fresh leaf tea in exquisite china cups and of course a glass of their finest Champagne. 

I’m sure your taste buds are tingling as much as ours at this moment in time so grab your friends together and enjoy an opulent and relaxing afternoon at one of the top Afternoon tea spots in London. 

Don’t forget to dress for the occasion, perhaps a simple Innu London dress or maybe even add some vibrancy with an Innu snakeskin clutch bag. Explore our range of handmade luxury goods. This fabulous affair has also inspired us for a future campaign with an upcoming collection involving a lavish tea party in a Knightsbridge penthouse…

Until next time

Love Innu London 

xxx

The History of the Polo

The prestigious game of polo has been enjoyed all over the world for over 2,000 years. The Innu London team decided we’d dive deep into the history of the of the oldest sport and more importantly the history of polo fashion and share it with you divine readers. So here we go…

Equestrian polo was first played in Persia way back to the 6th century BC. The first ever polo field, Naqsh-i Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran was built by King Abbas I in the 17th century and is a truly spectacular site. 

The Naqsh-i Jahan Square

The 4 a side horse sport was soon passed onto other areas in Asia, including India, China and Japan. The word ‘polo’ got its name from the Tibetan word ‘pulu’ which means ‘ball’. 

In the 1962 the world’s first polo club, The Calcutta Polo Club was founded by two British soldiers. 

Since the sport spread to England, the British who have been credited for spreading polo worldwide, mainly to Western Europe, Argentina and the USA. The Argentinian team holds first place in the global rankings. As I’m sure you know, the famous and exclusive Hurlingham Polo club is the UK governing body , who drew up their own set of formal British rules in 1834 which are still in effect today. 

Hurlingham Club, London

British settlers organised the first formal game of polo in Argentina in 1875 in the capital of Buenos Aires. The locals took a shining to the sport and had several club openings in the following years to accommodate their new love for polo. Unsurprisingly, the South American country is credited globally as the mecca of polo due to their high level of talent. 

Only a year later, polo was introduced to the USA. Now over 77 countries worldwide play polo, indoor, outdoor and on the beach and has been re-recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1998.

The USA polo club in Wellington, FL 

Now, the summer is peak polo season, particularly in London… we don’t even have enough hands to count all the events on our fingers. The main polo events that take place are sponsored by Cartier and Veuve Clicquot, not forgetting the world championships. Others include Polo in the Park, The Sandbanks Beach Polo, Hurlingham Polo Open and British Polo Day which is now a global tradition occurring in 11 countries worldwide. 

Innu London at the Sandbanks Beach Polo this year

The Cartier Polo

Cartier first sponsored the International Day in 1984, shortly becoming the largest and most prestigious polo spectator events in the world, attracting over 25,000 people at the Guards Polo Cup. From this, the Cartier went on to sponsor the Queen’s Cup with only the best polo players in the world, making it a highlight for the sports elite and spectators alike. 

Similar global events including St Moritz Polo, Cartier International Dubai Polo and the Cartier World’s Elephant Polo Championship are just a few of what Cartier and the polo have achieved together. The likes of Kate Middleton and the other royals have attended these events as well as other A-listers such as Emma Watson, David Gandy and the Delevingne clan.

Here’s a quick fun fact for you…the Audi International was sponsored by Cartier until 2 years ago when the royal family no longer attended and the sponsorship was swapped. The Audi International takes place on Saturday 26th July at the Guards Polo Club. More information here: http://www.guardspoloclub.com/tournaments/audi-international-polo-2014

The Veuve Clicquot Polo

Veuve clicquot sponsor polo events from LA, Miami, New York to the Gold Cup which happened to of taken place at Cowdray Polo Club last weekend, also which happen to be the most elite events of the year. Major celebrities including Chloe Moretz, Lily Allen, Tasmin Egerton and Jodie Kidd are regular attendees of such a high profile event. 

The oldest sport in the world has been influenced fashion over the years. From Hermes,  Belstaff, Gucci and of course Ralph Lauren, these fashion brands have designed equestrian style fashion for the affluent societies of the world, and are often labels regularly seen at the polo events.

Since the polo began it is almost as if society has provided a uniform for such an occurrence…chic, sophisticated and elegant, finished off with an over the top headpiece ( well at least for the ladies). Here are some outfits from over the years of polo and you’ll see the attire has not changed much…

Discover the Innu London evening wear range and I can assure you there’ll at least be one thing to tickle your fancy…and I do hope we haven't bore you much!!

Until next time

Love Innu London

xxx