Karena Sedgwick – BLOG

London Fashion Week Front Row

March 01, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 11:07:31












Karena Sedgwick

Website: http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

Email: karena@mynewbestfriends.co.uk

Mobile: 0777 3691240

Thanks to EVERYONE for making me your front row face for London Fashion Week for Grazia

Oh the shows, the parties.... I heart NY Fashion Week!

February 18, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 23:48:09

What to do on a Saturday morning in New York when you have some free time before your assigned shows for Fashion Week start? Oh darling, SHOP of course! I was still reeling that I didn’t hook up with my friend to get the details of where we went on our last NY visit when we hit the vintage and flee markets hard, it was like a little treasure chest in my suitcase upon return to London in 2008! I really wanted to wander around and find myself more one off pieces to adorn my jewellery box and my vintage section in the wardrobe. No luck in my search, even the world wide web didn’t help. I resorted to the high street and worked 5th Avenue and the surroundings. Not that I had the budget at all, I still wandered into Chanel, Bergdorf, Bulgari, Tiffany, Vuitton to window shop and get my high end fix. I could have spent hundreds of thousands but resorted to a pair of half price laboutin style peep toe platforms at Saks.  Time flew past in my fashion daze and I walked to Bryant Park for my next show. Twinkle by Wenlan.

Wenlan, known for her strong knit pieces and girlie party dresses was inspired by playful gothic and Dark fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel for her fall 2010 collection. Pieces ranged from chunky sleeveless knit sweaters with funnel necks to mustard yellow velvet dresses with lace embroidery along the neckline and playfully draped cocktail dresses with prints featuring tree branches or peacock feathers or recreating the look of bushy trees at dusk with an interesting contrast in textures, using glossy fabrics paired with matte pieces.

 

Yet another collection I would happily don every single piece myself!

Trends: Chunky knits, velvet, lace embroidery, draping, playful prints

Palette: muted grey, navy, mustard yellow and olive with pops of purple, fuchsia, and marigold

wenlan

As soon as the Wenlan show was over, the herd erupted out of the promenade and onto the buses waiting outside to transfer those with tickets to the Irina Shabayeva show across town was about to showcase her debut collection following her win of Project Runway, a hit US programme.

Irina beautifully demonstrated the manipulation of the textures and furs, used the colors black, white and grey to express her ideas and integrated large black accessories such as feather earrings and black stoned necklaces.

Shabayeva

As was the trend for me in New York, time to nip back to The Hudson, my hotel of choice for a quick change and a mad dash out of the door. I met my friend Laura and we went to the ELLE Magazine party for the cast of Ugly Betty. I was apprehensive thinking it would be packed, full of pretentious wannabe’s and generally a lot more naf than it had promised to be by the media. As far as these big wig PR Parties go, it was pretty ok. I danced my little boots off until the early hours. I caught a glimpse of some of the cast members, rocked to Pras from the fuggee’s who made a special performance on stage and networked galore! Was it worth another hangover? Luckily, this time I didn’t get one! Surprisingly enough after the amount of free vodka had been served!

 

uglybetty

 Keep posted for my final installment of NYFW before I got back on that plane ready for London Fashion Week!

 http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

Little Boots, Christian Siriano and CRAZY eyewear!

February 18, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 23:46:24

It was Friday 12th February. I woke up in my swanky but limited hotel room, by limited I mean, it was so minimalistic there was not room to swing a cat! Let alone, unpack my 5 wardrobes of high street mixed with vintage, mixed with a few one off couture pieces for Fashion Week. Ouch, my head. Last night was a bit of a blur, I remember heading to Bowery with a crowd of real fun Ex-Pats and their local New Yorker Friends.  Crystal was a doll, we swapped tights and then played darts! This is how it started!

Click here to see the legendary Crystal!

I couldn’t feel sorry for myself for too long, I got out of bed and made my way back to Bryant Park for the third time. Albeit, not until 2pm, but I had the Christian Siriano show to get too, and doll face was I excited about this one! Straight from Project Runway to day 2 of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, I was excited that his hard work and achievements had paid off and the his talent was once again about to be reveiled to the waiting world media.

So, was it everything I had hoped it would be? Yes! And More! I even spotted Mena Survari and Leigh Lezark (the USA equivilent of me!!!) I just adore the way Christian played with textures and my particular favourite piece would be his beautiful metallic brocade dress with fluttering chiffon sleeves. The collection was inspired by European women of the 1960s – iconic.

christian_siriano

Trends & Textures: Crystal-studded sunglasses in black and navy. Oversized, hanging bows on dresses. Lots of drapery on tops and dresses. Fuchsia seems to be a big color. Wool ruffled coats, chiffon blouses and chiffon draped sleeves. Lots of metallic. Black slim fit hight-waisted pants. Satin cocktail dresses with drapery as well.

I missed the Nicole Miller show in the Salon as I got chatting to a group of fashionista’s whom were hanging with me in the Maybeline lounge charging our Blackberrys. Not only was it a perk to have charging stations and Mac Books at our disposal to use to tweet our latest thoughts of the huge Amex Twitter wall at the back of the tent, we also got free Lash Stilletto mascara, cherry red lipstick, notepads and pencils.

As, I have previously alluded to, I was overwhelmed with the ecletic fashions within the press tents, I especially fell in love with the wacky and wonderful eyewear that seems to be the next big trend – check these babies out!

DSC02479

The hungover munchies hit me so as I walked back through Times Square, I stopped at my favourite novelty resturant – BUBBA GUMPS BABY! Shrimp salad and a cold beer please! Officially now a true New Yorker! I enjoyed talking through the highlights of the late Alexander McQueen’s biggest industry achievements with my new fashionista friend before he had to dash to the airport.

Two hours later, I was startled by a knock at my hotel door. I decided to treat myself to a powernap but slept through my alarm. My hot date had arrived. I clicked my fingers and in no time at all I had evolved from sleepyhead to glam girl, all dolled up and ready for the 7 / 10 Press party with Little Boots at The Grand Tribecca Hotel New York, on what could only be described as the coldest night in history. The free drinks were flowing and so was the conversation and people watching. Among the crowd was British designerHenry Holland and his BFF Agyness Deyn, whom earlier survived the sheer embarrassment of falling on the runway (TWICE!) for the ‘Fashion for Relief’ show in aid of Haiti. Check it out here if you don’t believe me! Agyness Video Here!

The hottie and I didn’t really rate the pretenciousness of the Little Boots party but I must tell you my highlight – enroute back from the restroom, I bumped into PIXIE GELDOF. I love her. Hate her sister, well not hate just think she is a non entity and complete twat to be brutally honest but Pixie is just a sweetheart. She was so gracious and lovely to talk to, she made my evening. I am loving her FW blog for The Love Magazine – everyone needs to check it out!

 

littleboots

Keep posted for the next installment of New York Fashion Week!

 http://twitter.com/karenasedgwick

Back to Bryant Park I go - Oh how I love NYCFW!

February 17, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 01:10:52

So, here I was, feeling very jaded after a heavy birthday night out with my lovely friend and designer Chantell Walters at The Hudson Bar and Lounge, Manhatten, NYC. I sprung out of bed and just couldn't wait to be back at Bryant Park with my press pass proudly hung around my neck. The world’s Media queuing on the pavement opposite the entrance to the main tent, eagerly awaiting with their camera’s to catch a glimpse of a celebrity. I entered from the West side of the tent, walking across the steps and straight into the tent, flashing my pass at the security guard as I walked through bursting with pride and confidence. The guard nodding at me and I dodged the circus of interviews happening just within the lobby to collect my first of many freebies that were thrown at me from every which way throughout my time at New York Fashion Week - Fall 2010.

Upon entering the tents I was overwhelmed instantly with what can only be described as the worlds most beautiful, eclectically dressed, stylishly dressed  and energetic people I have ever had the pleasure to be within the same tent with.  Although we were all very excited, the mood was very sombre and low due to the news of Alexander McQueen's death earlier that morning.  Rumour has it that Anna Wintour actually ran out in tears mid BCBGMAXAZARIA show when she received the news via text, I saw a lot of tears that morning, rightly so. I shed a few myself when the news reached me. Alexander McQueen, real name – Lee, was a hugely respected and talented member of the industry, we will never forget him, what a huge loss.  

I grabbed myself a coffee to calm the nerves of being amongst some of my all time idols, feeling slightly underwhelmed by my own outfit compared to most others that were head to toe in couture. Let me tell you, my outfit rocked but I wasn’t wearing that must have $3000 Chanel dress or THOSE Laboutins, and believe me, my budget could never stretch to the latest Birkin, I was like a kid in a candy shop, aethstetic heaven looking around and people watching though, something I find so interesting, wherever in the world I am.

I made my way to the first show I had been accepted as a seated guest for which was Ports 1961, a very eagerly awaited collection. I sat H5 13. This will probably mean nothing to you but it was 5 rows up from the end of the catwalk on the right hand side. GREAT seat and great showbag, complete with my own ‘flowerpot’? we debated what this pottery actually was later as I met with an old school friend for drinks, he stands by his opinion. I think its a bowl and saucer!

 ports1

In my humble opinion, the collection was both as classic style as as it was a big thumbs up to a more futuristic approach. I saw draped dresses in painterly prints, chunky wool jackets with futuristic detail laidened upon with leather leggings, which looked devine. There were neoprene dresses that looked like liquid silk, while accessories such as bold statement necklaces and knee-high boots screamed flawless glamour. By the end of the show,  I had already planned my entire wardrobe collection for next season and contemplating the cute little leather caps and the fabulous 80’s blown-out hair!  

ports1961

Themes and Pallettes:   Playful & Fresh, technological and natural   Mulberry, Tobacco, Iris, Rosemary juxtaposted against the lighter neautrals of freesia, chicory, clover and pepper with rubberized sage and ginger  

Trends: Tweed, Shiny fabrics, Statement necklaces, Draped dresses, Big, 80’s-style hair, Leather caps, Colorful and patterned tights    

CLICK_HERE

That evening was the eagerly anticipated Red Dress fashion show. United together by one cause, the Heart Truth enables designers and superstars work together to bring awareness to the number one killer of women in America: Heart Disease. On March 5th some of the dresses worn on the runway will be available for bidding on www.clothesoffourback.org. The proceeds from these auctions will go to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health to support women's heart health research.

Many of the companies that we know and love also help put this event together, such as Johnson & Johnson, Diet Coke, and Bobbi Brown (to name a few).

Jordin Sparks was wearing Badgley Mischka. Kim Kardashian looking Goddess-like in Marchesa. Felicity Huffman was looking anything but desperate in Oscar De La Renta, and Heidi Klum stole the show in John Galliano  

hearts

So folks, check out the full album to see what I did later after the show, it included a quick tour around the Empire State building for the 4th time (yawn) but then a great night with a old school friend and his ex-pat New Yorker colleagues at a few choice bars off 5th Avenue and in Bowery. A great first day of NYC FW shows - another update soon peeps!

http://twitter.com/karenasedgwick

Greetings from New York Fashion Week - Day 1

February 11, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 00:08:17

Written by Karena Sedgwick   
Wednesday, 10 February 2010 22:38

With roughly 16 hours to go until I depart for my journey to JFK, to pop my New York Fashion Week cherry, I receive an email from British Airways. 

"Dear Ms Sedgwick, we regret to inform you that flight BA177 has been cancelled, please call customer services" Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I have counted down the days for months! I immediately called them, managed to hold back the tears as they told me that all flights to New York would be cancelled for at least 48 hours due to adverse weather conditions on arrival. I had two options. (1) Take the last seat on the last flight to JFK which was due to leave within 3 hours (2) Cancel trip and get a refund. 

Half an hour later, I was at home. Mum, my sister, my son were all helping me throw clothes, shoes, accessories, birthday cards and presents into a suitcase. Ten minute later I was out of the door. An hour after that I was standing at check in. An hour after that I was sitting on my plane. 4 hours later we were still sitting on the tarmac due to weather radar equipment failure. 7 hours after that, we touched down at JFK airport, after British Airways had upgraded me, spoiled me rotten with champagne and sat me 3 seats behind MATT DAMON!. It was 02:30 in the morning local time, my birthday. I climbed into my bed at The Hudson Hotel on Upper West and opened my birthday cards and presents. Tired beyond belief and extremely sad not to have had the time to say a proper goodbye to my 2 year old son, I shed a tear and fell asleep. 

07:00 local time, I woke up full of excitement. I started planning my day. Everything I planned was secondary to picking up my Press Pass for New York Fashion Week at Bryant Park but just as I was about to leave, my lovely Izzibag mentor Anne Agoren (who sadly missed the last flight out to JFK so won't make it in time to have her lovely designs showcase at the show on Thursday) Twittered me to tell me not to head to Bryant Park until late in the day as the queue is always ridiculous on the day before Fashion Week starts. 

I head to breakfast, I just love those spicy potatoes they serve up with everything! Then, I treated myself to a few hours at The Museum of Modern Art, one of my favourite galleries in the world. I specifically went to see the Tim Burton exhibition, being a huge fan. It was fantastic. Followed by a viewing of the Monet exhibition. The weather took a turn for the worse, and believe me, it was already tragic! I have never known snow blizzards like it, it was bashing me to bits from every which way! I took shelter in Starbucks and picked up a few emails to arrange the night ahead. 

I walked down 6th Avenue straight to Bryant park. I got in place in the queue to get into the Press tent to pick up my pass. My first experience of a 'wintour' like attitude happened in the footway of the door. It took me almost 2 seconds to collapse my umbrella so the rude women who looked much like 'Kim' of 'How clean is your house' shoved me out of the way, huffed and puffed and muttered something about how important she was to the staff within the tent! Sorrry BIATCH! 

I left the park beaming. Now, a fully fledged member of the press pack for New York Fashion Week. Shows start tomorrow, its going to be a hectic day. Week, infact. I also have the Little Boots party to attend on Friday night and guest list for the ELLE magazine for the cast of Ugly Betty party on Saturday. But, for tonight, I am not daring to brave the snow storm. I will have a peaceful birthday in the Hudson birthday with my designer friend Chantelle Walters. 

New York Fashion Week is certainly exciting but I must admit, I am litterally bursting with excitement for my FRONT ROW debut at London Fashion week thanks to Charles Worthington and Grazia!

nyfwday1
http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

The madness is about to begin!

February 08, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:22:03

Written by Karena Sedgwick   
Monday, 08 February 2010 00:40

Just a quick post from me, it is after all 00:46. Two days of sheer madness in the office before my out of office is turned on and I jet off to The United States of America for my 4th stay in Manhatten to enjoy what will be the most excited of all trips - New York Fashion Week. I'll be in blogging and tweet heaven for five of the seven days that Mercedes Benz treat the world to NYC FAshion Week. There I'll be, skipping from one show to another within Bryant Park and beyond, along with my fellow fashionista's. I cannot wait. 

Yesterday I had the first day off that I can remember. I did nothing, no work. Nada! A great treat before the craziness begins and a much needed rest after two consecutive party nights....hmm am I getting old? 

Thursday night saw me rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lady Sovereign, Bianca Gascoigne and Danny Dyer at the official afterparty for Danny Dyers new movie Malice in Wonderland at the Penthouse 1 Leicester Square. A great night, I was in a soup of reality TV celebs, the champagne was flowing and I met some very lovely and interesting people, and caught up with my lovely ladies, Nina Malone and Reeme Idris at The Collective, as well as danced the night away with my sister who was celebrating her 24th Birthday with me and the gorgeous Richie. Luckily it didnt take me too long to realise I was at the wrong party when I first arrived, I accidentally went to the wrong floor and ended up in the midst of a lesbian singles night, I thought it was weird that I couldnt see any male hotties! 

Friday took me to Tunbridge Wells. Royal Tunbridge Wells if you must know. I met for cocktails and a catch up with the lovely Lady M, Kass and Rhi. We had a champagne / Lobster dinner at The Brew House hotel, followed by more cocktails at The One Bar & Lounge, followed by vino at Sankys, followed by more cocktails at TN4. Yesterday, I woke with a headache but it was a great night. Thanks to Louise, the manager at The Brew House for looking after us.

So, I am off to the land of nod for now but follow me on my exciting trip and journey throughout my February fashion weeks extravaganza, I'll be right there tweeting for you from Bryant Park and lets not forget, I'll be FRONT ROW for London Fashion Week shortly afterwards too. 

                                       malice1   penthouse  malice2
http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

New York Fashion Week, final preparations!

February 08, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:21:10

Written by Karena Sedgwick   
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 22:52

tommy

The race is on to finalise work arrangements so my company doesn’t go into meltdown whilst I swan off to New York, I mean, there are hundreds of thousands of people all doing the same thing day in day out as me for the Global Pharma company that DOES make the world a healthier place, but seriously can they cope without me for a week….. I cant bare to think about it (insert your own LOL here)

By day, I fulfill my duty to be a super organised Exec PA but by night, I am busy planning my trip for what will be my first accredited New York Fashion Week Industry Guest Visit. I have sent the begging emails and it’s a waiting game for responses. Luckily they are coming thick and fast. But, it’s not all good news.

You know that feeling you get when your new hottie texts you something sweeet, and your heart flutters and you blink double speed and your frown turns upside down – that’s what it’s like to receive an acceptance or an invitation to a NYC Fashion Week that you weren’t even aware you had applied for!  Triple that and double by 30 and that’s what it feels like when you get a personal invitation to attend the Tommy Hilfiger Men’s and Women’s Fall/Winter 2010 Collection with a personal message from the chief PR contact asking for your address in NYC so that a ticket can be couriered over for their show when you arrive at your destination in Manhattan, along with details for the Director of communications who will be in town if there is anything you need, signing off – this must be an exciting time for you, all the best x

WOW WEEeee!

For any of my twitter followers, you’ll know the date clashes with my work trip to Madrid so I am leaving NYC Fashion Week early and have had to decline the very generous offer. Oh, the tears.

I am really starting to look forward to my trip, less than 7 days to go now. I’m thinking of going all Tavi on you, although instead of eccentric chic, I would look all - old fat freak (compared) so my outfits will be a little more demure. I will try my very best to keep a video/picture blog because I know how special this trip is going to be to me for years to come and how much all of you will want to share this special time with me. Roll on 10th February!

Oh, and keep your fingers crossed for me for that free British Airways birthday upgrade to celebrate in style!
http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

Just 10 small days to go... NYC FAshion Week - woohoo!

February 08, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:20:22

Written by Karena Sedgwick   
Sunday, 31 January 2010 17:51
nycfw1

That's right, not long to go until I depart enroute for New York Fashion week. My fourth time to the big apple but first time with industry accreditation, guest invitations in my pocket and determination to do, see and go wherever I want! In ten tiny days not only will it be my birthday, I'll be sitting on the same plane with one of my favourite accessories designers 'Anne Agoren, founder of Izzi bags'. We'll sip champagne, chit chat about our schedules, swap tips and contacts. Im keeping my fingers crossed I get the sneaky peek at the World Cup Izzi bag soon to be launched! It will be an amazing birthday, especially when we check in to our swanky Ian Schraeger hotel in Manhattan, unpack and see the night in with a martini or two! 

I have been busy doing the usual 'begging' to be placed on the guest list for the shows but along with the million other emails that each designer or PR company will receive, I don't expect an immediate response. I have been lucky enough to have a few acceptances already so can confirm I will be attending the Nolcha Event, Irina Shabayeva, Carlos Miele, Vassilios and Lela Rose shows if they fit in with my busy schedule. Im confident I have many more invitations winging their way to me so I will keep you updated.

Now for the important things, have I applied for my Visa? No. Note to self, must do that immediately. Have I planned my outfits? Kind of, I have the wardrobe staples that are a must and need no help for a party outfit or 5 but what should I wear to the shows? It is so blatantly obvious to wear the designers own creation to their show and unless your a millionaire or a friend of the designer, who can actually afford to drape themselves head to toe in couture? Not me. I was doing a little research and it really is not as daunting as you would think trying to figure out what ensemble to pull together for a high fashion event. Luckily for me, Erdem is designing me a little number for London Fashion Week (man that sounds good saying it out loud!) but I have no Erdem for NYC FW. I have read article upon article and spoken to some contacts I have in the industry - all of which have said the same things:

1: Wear comfy shoes, you'll be running from tent to tent all day

2: Wrap up warm - it can hit serious sub zero temperatures throughout February

3: It's not what you wear, its the way you wear it

It's a no brainer! I'll follow these 3 little rules and under a big warm coat I'll be wearing something super cute, on trend and everyone will ask 'oh darling, who are you wearing'! ..... i cant wait to see their face when I say ' PRIMARK, INNIT!!!

I just cannot wait, 10 little days to go! 

Changing the subject, before I head into the busiest month of the year, February, I have taken the weekend to totally chill. Yesterday saw some of the family head down to Bracklesham Bay on the South Coast. My parents, 2 of my sisters, 2 uncles and 3 aunties, partners and children as well were all having a lovely Saturday together in the loveliest house on the beach. It was the most fun day of the year so far, I love spending time with my family, we always have such a riot, lots of laughter, lots of reminiscing and lots of lovely food and wine! See for yourself:

BB1

BB2
http://twitter.com/karenasedgwick

Celebrate with your new 'face of Front Row'

February 08, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:18:57

Written by Karena Sedgwick   
Saturday, 16 January 2010 13:03

It's true. 

On Monday 11th January 2010, mid morning as I walked from my meeting room to my hotel suite to get my laptop charger from the abode I would call home for 3 days along with my Leadership Team from my 9-5 job, I received a call. I don't usually take calls during working hours as I don't like to mix business and pleasure. Today, however, I had been waiting on this call since the second i opened my eyes. 

UK Front Row Marketing: Hello, it that Karena Sedgwick

KS: yes (quiverring)

UK Front Row Mktg: It's the UK Front Row Marketing team here, we just thought we would give you a call to tell you the decision that the judging panel have come back with for the 'Make me Front Row' competition you are a finalist for.

KS: Oh god, ok, is it good or bad news?

UK Front Row Mktg: Well, after careful consideration, the judges have deliberated over the candidates efforts and blog and have now chosen the winner.

KS: Oh my god I might cry

UK Front Row Mktg: Karena, the winner is (LONG PAUSE) YOU!

KS: Agghhhh, YEESSSSSS, YESSSSSS NO WAY, REALLY, NO WAY, OH MY GOD, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT, I AM ABSOLUTELY ECSTATIC, YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MEANS TO ME, MY DREAM HAS COME TRUE, OH MY GOD. 

At this point, I was streaming with tears and could barely breathe, I thought I might just hyperventilate. The poor girl who called me must have though I was a complete fruit cake! I was shaking so much I couldn't even dial! I don't think I have ever been overcome with so much emotion, and believe me, I have never been one to get so carried away, especially with happy tears! 

I couldnt think, I just knew there was one thing I had to do next (as soon as my hands stopped shaking!) Call Miss Zoe Sanderson. Zoe, one of my best friends was right there with me, every single step of the way throughout my quest to win the competition. She got to work on canvassing votes during the first stages and then when I hit the finals and the style challenges started, it was Zoe that would sit with me and plan the how, where and when over a cocktail or two at our favourite London venues. My camera-women throughout most of the challenges, my voice of reason and my first choice for sharing champagne with in the MOET bar is all thank s to Zoe Sanderson. I don't think she could comprehend what I was trying to say through my blubbering!

Next, of course, I called my mum, my second biggest fan! She was delighted and to hear your parents say 'we are so proud of you' is just the most magical feeling. Luckily for me, I have the best mum in the world. Throughout the past few months, its always mum who steps in to babysit at short notice so I can wander off into the world of fashion and work, wine, dine, schmooze and network. I am so lucky, she is so supportive and shares my dream of one day making it big into the industry. I work ridiculous hours and try as best as I can to do it around nap times for my toddler but there have been many a time when mum has had to take over bath duty, bedtime, night duty and the agony that is getting Frankie-Ray to put his toys away! Thanks to my mum, the best! 

I had to go straight back to work after my call, I couldnt focus or comprehend what had just happened. I got to work with a text to all my lovely friends who had been behind me since the beggining, a special text sent to Carly Stratton, Sherri Lombardelli, MarleneSuter, Nibras,  DJ Nikki Beatnik, Mr & Mrs Koster, Samuel Hextall, My sisters (all 3 of them!) Reeme Idris, Nina Malone, Rachel Montague-Ebbs, Alice Ratcliffe (Miss Fashion Whore), Lellow Lucy, Anne Agoren and Cara Loader to name but a few!  The replies were instant and made me feel even more like a million dollars.

The rest of the day was a bit of a daze. I just remember screaming into my pillow and dancing around my hotel room as the immense satisfaction hit me. I cannot believe it. There I will be, sitting front row at London Fashion Week, next to the most influencial and talented people in the industry as I watch my favourite designers showcase their S/S collections to the worlds media. A dream come true. I'll be wearing an outfit especially designed for moi, my hair and make-up will be immaculate and I will be writing for the UK's number 1 Fashion Glossy, and my personal favourite - GRAZIA. This is what dreams are made of and I cannot wait to share this with you all. 

The past 5 days have been alot of fun. I have been approached by all manner of media to get a scoop on how it feels to be crowned Ambassador. I have never been in the position of being the interviewee before, slightly odd feeling! It's not so bad when you have a journalist in front of you asking specific questions that then then tailor to make a better article but I am slightly nervous about the radio interviews I have next week and whether I come across sounding like a complete pleb rambling on about rubbish like an epileptic spider trying to paint on canvas. We'll see! 

We have less than a month until Fashion Week frenzy begins. I am looking to get my booty over to New York now that my industry/press application has been approved. I will be joining Anne Agoren, Founder of Izzi Bags and possibly (hopefully) joined by my business partner too. Five days of non stop schmoozing, in awe of the fashions about to hit Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New York as I try and get myself to the biggest and the best of shows and events - bliss before I embark on the biggest event of 2010 and possibly my life (baring having a child!) as I take my seat at London Fashion Week. FRONT ROW!!!!

winner1

Thanks to absolutely everyone who has voted, supported and taken an interest in my quest to win this competition, its mostly all thanks to you!!! Now..... WHO WANTS TO CELEBRATE WITH ME??!!!!
http://twitter.com/karenasedgwick

Online Style Writer in line for hot seat at LFW

February 08, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:17:36
Written by Karena Sedgwick   
Thursday, 07 January 2010 22:43

So, here is the article that I was telling you about. Holly @ The Surrey Mirror is a great writer. My guess is she didnt have much to do with picking the photo. It is truly hideous, I look awful. Full Stop.

article1

Holly's words read: When a trend-setting mother set up a fashion blog she never dreamed of her virtual musing could lead to real-life schmoozing with the fashion elite. But the yummy mummy could soon be rubbing shoulders with famous fashionista's if her online style tips win her a top prize. 

 

Karena Sedgwick, 27, is a finalist in a national competition to win front row seats to a top catwalk show at this year's London Fashion Week. If she wins, she bags the tickets, a back-stage pass, a designer dress, and a professional makeover.

Karena of (address here) said "If I win it would be my ultimate dream come true. This s literally all I want in life. Sitting in the Front Row at London Fashion Week is something i have dreamed about ever since I was little".

The single mum started her fashion blog 2 years ago during maternity leave. It quickly escalated into a business, and could now transform her dreams of a fashion career into reality. She said "I got really bored during maternity leave. I'm just not used to sitting still. So I started my blog and soon fashion became my life". 

Her passion for fashion takes up all her spare time, as she blogs and arranges charity fashion events alongside her full-time job at a pharmaceutical company in the borough, as well as raising her two year old son Frankie-Ray.  She said "I normally wake up at 5am and blog for an hour or so, I get ready for work at 07:30, come home and have my son in bed by 20:30 and stay up working on fashion events until midnight". 

But her loyal online following bagged her a finalist spot in the competition after 15,000 web-users voted for her. She said "there were three stages to the competition, and the first involved writing a fashion blog, which I was used to doing anyway". "I then had to give someone a style makeover and luckily my friend is Carly Stratton, winner of last years Shipwrecked, so I took her to the flagship TopShop in London and managed to blag my way into the VIP section. I had just finished when the staff realised I wasn't supposed to be there. And for my thrid challenge I had to give someone a hair-makeover using Charles Worthington products. Using contacts I had made using my blog, I was able to book the Flagship Charles Worthington studio for the makeover".

Now only a panel of judges stand before Karena realising her dream and carving out a career in fashion. But even if she doesn't win, Karena says she will still dedicate her life to the industry. She said: 'Everything in my life has to fit around fashion. I couldn't think of anything worse than wearing a pair of jogging bottoms. ' I dont want to lose my style just because I've had a child-it's a poor excuse. But I will work every hour I can to secure a successful career in fashion so I can give my son a wonderful future". 

Karena blogs regularly about her passion for fashion - giving her online fans an insight into how to make it in the industy. Here are some of her blog's best bits........

DECEMBER 3rd 2009: My outfit today was inspired by my mood. I teamed a cute little fail-safe black dress with 60 denier brigh yellow opaques, a long black woolen cardigan and killer black heels. Obviously a waist cinching black and silver belt and silver accesories were to complete my outfit. Did you already guess my mood was confident, bold and super ecstatically 'look at me, I'm a freakin winner already?!! I cannot believe it, I am so extremely happy to have made it as a finalist.

DECEMBER 17th 2009: You know, it's so lovely when you have these things to do and you can call upon stunningly gorgeous model friends. My new best friend is Carly Stratton who is famous for having survived the Channel 4 Shipwrecked programme. She is stunning in the flesh and totally made my first style challenge experience a really fun one. And that is what fashion is about. 

JANUARY 3rd 2010: Fashion is my life, it is my happy pill, where my heart lies, what excites me and what keeps the world spinning.
http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

Maniac Monday!

January 07, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 12:08:10

I was so excited about 2010. I was even looking forward to going back to work and getting stuck in to making my boss really proud of me and the successes I had planned. I made extra effort to style my hair out as I did look like a mad professor when I woke up on a cold winter Monday morning, I was worried it would stay like that even after a shower! 


vintage_waves

Luckily Charles Worthington came to the rescue once again, thanks to the volume moose, hairspray and shine spray, my vintage waves rocked! Bad pic but you get the gist!! Similar to the style i chose for my style challenge. I wore a black jersey dress to work as it is always casual the first week on return. I teamed with contrasting opaques and slipped my new sale purchase from Topshop on my feet. I just love these shoes boots!!

Enroute to work, I took a call from my local counties newspaper asking whether I wouldnt mind doing an interview for them about my quest to make it 'Front Row' for Grazia, they commented how it would make a good inspirational feature to other young women because I am a single mum who is dedicated to her full time day job but yet, has many ambitions to make it in the Fashion work also. Of course I acceepted!  2 mins before I arrived at work the interview was over. I cracked on in the office and was actually really glad not to be feeling in-limbo between chillaxing, eating, drinking,being merry and preparing to get back to work. Later in the day I recieived a call from The Surrey Mirror journalist telling me that the feature they wanted to include about my quest to make front row was just what they were looking for so I had secured a 'good page' but this would require photos. As I had to without fail make it to the bank at my local town at lunchtime so agreed to meet the journalist and photographer at our favourite fashion boutique, Gerrards, in Reigate where a photo session would take place, just opposite of my high street bank. Luckily all of my errands were wrapped up in 45 mins and I was heading back to the office, courtesy of mummy who offered me a lift as she was in Reigate town and going to the Supermarket close to where my office is situated so was going that way anyway. All was well, I was excitedly telling her about my plans to see Avatar 3D that very evening and that I had tickets to Breakfast at Tiffanys on stage with Anna Friel the very next evening (I ended up having to cancel both) About 4 mins from work, as we were driving up the steep 'Pebble Hill' a car was driving like a maniac towards us downhill, as he got closer, we noticed he was on his mobile phone and heading into our lane and that was it, he lost control on a bend. SMAASSSSHHH. 

carcrash1

I dont know whether I passed out or just closed my eyes and blacked out for a second or two but all I remember is screaming, then opening my eyes with an airbag stuffed in my face, a sudden surge of the most immense pain you could ever feel and the sheer panic to see whether my mother was alive. Thank god, she was. I struggled through the pain to get out of the car which was burning and the thick smoke was choking me. My mum was stuck but within seconds, other drivers on the same road had come to our rescue, That is when the maniac got out of his car, BARE FOOT in the depth of winter, so young I would question whether he was even old enough to drive and just said, oh no, are you ok? A 20 min traumatic time later, we were in the back of the ambulance and on our way to A&E. Luckily I escaped with just whiplash, concussion and severe bruising. My mum too. How annoying though. I dont think this pain compares to recovery of an operation, even a caesarian. I would even correct my previous blog to say, i would rather suffer wisdom tooth pain. So thank you to the fecking idiot driving like a wanker for causing me injury and pain, ruining my Monday and putting a dampner on my fantastic start to 2010. I hate you!!!!! (not really, I just don't like you so much right now!) At least despite everything, I chose to wear a rocking smart casual outfit and matching underwear that the Ambulance crew saw whilst I was under inspection - Pheewwww!!!!

Fashion Blogger's Catwalk Dreams

January 07, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 12:07:13

Thanks to the Surrey Mirror!

http://twitpic.com/x1ebc

Congratulations, you're a finalist!

January 03, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:33:35

One of the best days of last year was seeing that statement pop up on screen via email from the 'front row finalist' Charles Worthington Team on 30th November 2009. It seems like we have all come so far since our blogs were launched and all 10 of us finalists took a seat on the campaign train. It has been so exciting, so much fun and great to be exposed to such lovely competitors. Tomorrow, the judging panel meet for the first time at eighteen hundred hours! I am so nervous as my fate is now in their hands. If I had 30 seconds to stand infront of the accredited bunch of talented people to pitch why I should win the competition, it would sound a little something like this "I think I deserve to win as a fair reflection of my incredible amount of hard work, passion and determination to make it in this wonderfully creative and inspiring industry, Fashion is my life, its my form of happy pill, where my heart lies, what excites me and what keeps the world spinning. There is nothing I want more than to win this competition, it will make my dream come true and something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Please, please pick me as your front row winner"


Ask me anything

January 02, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 15:08:39

As you know, I asked you to 'ask me anything'. I took 3 hours out of my xmas break to host a live webchat with anyone out there that wanted to know a little more about me, my passions, my thoughts, inspirations - anything. I was overwhelmedand a little flattered with the amount of questions submitted from my twitter / facebook / website followers.... here are all the questions for you to take a peek at if you haven't already. Thank you lovelies xxx

What are your fashion credentials/previous experience?

I guess from a formal perspective, my CV is not as accredited as it would be if I were applying for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. I started taking my passions seriously about 2 years ago when i realised that it didnt just have to be a pipe-dream. I have a few fashion events that I have managed under my belt and alot more coming for 2010. My contacts, friends and any dealings I have had so far have been through sheer hard work, networking with the right people and doing alot of favours in return for knowledge, advice and work experience. I have a dream you see...!!!!

2 days ago  

Are there any bands/artists you love that you think will be big for 2010?

I am addicted to Ladyhawke so I am really hoping that we'll see alot more of her next year. I have heard the names to watch out for in 2010 are Toro Y Moi and The violet may. I also hope to see alot more of my lovely friends Cherri V, The Zemitones and Roko.

2 days ago  

What has been your biggest bargain this year?

I love a good bargain! Back in the summer, I wandered into a little boutique at Spitalfields and there was this most gorgeous dress, nude cocktail dress, with a scalloped bust line and spaghetti straps, full of sequins that really caught my eye. As I got closer, I realised it was on a sale rail. Originally it cost £240 with a St.Tropez price ta., I paid £20 on the promise I couldnt bring it back if it didn't fit. At that point I thought, I'll just alter it myself if need be, I didnt care! I adored it for months before one day in November of this year, I had an occassion to go to and thought I would see if it fit, I tried it on and it fit like a glove! Biggest bargain of the century!!!

5 days ago  

I really want to get into fashion but I am not sure exactly what it is I want to do, what do you advise?

I would recommend having a look at The London College of Fashion prospectus, have a read and see what appeals to you. Perhaps sign up to one of their courses. They offer a wide range of full and part time, even short courses that will give you a great insight into the different area's of the industry. You will meet lots of key contacts at LCF too. They also have mentors and advisors that would be more than happy to give you professional advice. http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/

5 days ago  

What will you do if you don't win the Grazia/Charles Worthington competition ?

CRY CRY CRY CRY CRY!! no seriously, I am up against really strong competition so it wouldnt be a total shock. I just hope that the judges will appreciate my passion, the time and effort I have put into my challenges and blog so far. I dont think any of my fellow competitors had the savvy to blag their way into the biggest high street mecca VIP area with a TV personality friend to do their first challenge. Or make friends with the Charles Worthing team at their flagship store to have complete control of their studio to complete their second challenge and hire a professional photographer to capture the day. Or have friends/family and colleagues all over the world to show their support. Or spend endless hours contacting all the best of the fashion blogs, publications and contacts via social networking for support........ its been a long hard journey but will be sooooooooo worth it if I do win!

5 days ago  

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Mother to a 7 year old (eeeek!)
Successful website owner and fashion blogger
Successful string of fashion lines, perhaps with my own boutique in central London as well as affiliations with major department stores and designers.
Successful Fashion Productions manager with a whole CV full of amazingly high profile projects.
Sitting in my London apartment with my nearest and dearest friends and family around a great big dining room table, having a lovely meal to celebrate my engagement to either: One of the Candy brothers, Jude Law, Prince Harry, Christian Bale or Tom Ford (it would be a marriage of convenience!)

5 days ago  

What do you need more and less of next yr?

More sleep, more hours in the day, more room in my wardrobes, more money would be nice!
Less - insomnia because I am bursting with design idea's, idea's about how to better my website, idea's for projects for my 9 to 5 job. Less alcohol, I can never say no to champagne.

5 days ago  

What will you do if you don't win the Grazia/Charles Worthington competition ?

CRY CRY CRY CRY CRY!! no seriously, I am up against really strong competition so it wouldnt be a total shock. I just hope that the judges will appreciate my passion, the time and effort I have put into my challenges and blog so far. I dont think any of my fellow competitors had the savvy to blag their way into the biggest high street mecca VIP area with a TV personality friend to do their first challenge. Or make friends with the Charles Worthing team at their flagship store to have complete control of their studio to complete their second challenge and hire a professional photographer to capture the day. Or have friends/family and colleagues all over the world to show their support. Or spend endless hours contacting all the best of the fashion blogs, publications and contacts via social networking for support........ its been a long hard journey but will be sooooooooo worth it if I do win!

5 days ago  

What one item couldnt you live without?

Where do I even start with this question? I don't think I could possibly answer, possibly my macbook followed closely by my string of pearls which just go with everything!

5 days ago  

Which High Street stores should we watch out for in 2010?

NOTE TO SELF: RENEW DRAPERS SUBSCRIPTION!
You would be surprised at what M&S have up their sleeves, they are on the mark with their work wardrobe for the late 20’s/early 30’s ladies, sharp tailoring and designs on trend at completely affordable prices.... and their acceosries are to die for at ridiculously cheap prices. I think H&M have a lot of potential following their recent success and I just know that Kate Moss has another collection in the midst that fans will go crazy for. Internet shopping for high street fashions has had its 15 mins of fame and I expect that profits will be on the up for high street shopping next year

5 days ago  

If you could you would.........

Have a threesome with Jamie Dornan, Jude Law and my ex MW in the goodies cupboard at the Vogue office London – being totally candid with you!!! ha ha ha!

5 days ago  

What was your saddest moment of the last decade?

Got to say, I was pretty sad to hear that YSL died. But to be fair, we have lost so many iconic and amazing people recently. Including my dear nan...RIP to them all

5 days ago  

HELP! I dont have a dress for NYE yet and only £50.... HELP!

Ok, don’t panic. Firstly, check out ASOS – but make sure you also check to see whether they can deliver in time and if there are any voucher codes you can use for free delivery or additional discounts. 
I find Lipsy always have something that you can dress up or down and accessorize to suit for most occasions. French Connection also have a 50% sale on and there is a hot pink one shoulder number that would make any girl stand out of the crowd…. Unless you’re standing next to The Saturday’s!

5 days ago  

If your house was on fire what one item would you save first?

Obviously my son!!! I would immediately head back for my Gia London dress that has been staring at me since November whispering ‘wear me, wear me’ but as I keep telling it, we’re not in the right season yet, I will wear you in Spring! I just hope moths don't get to the £260 worth of loveliness, it's worth every penny!

5 days ago  

What is the last book you read?

I wish I had time. I have a pile I haven’t even opened the cover of yet. If I manage to stretch time boundaries to make a 48 hour day, then we’ll talk again!
I do have a lovely for Taschen, it doesn't take much time to appreciate great pictures though, i love wandering around the bookshops of Charring Cross whilst waiting to meet friends for lunch.

5 days ago  

Whens your birthday?

Random question! 10th February. Roughly 2 wks before London Fashion Week. Please send me my Stella McCartney lace tailored jacket??! to wear front row. PLEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!

5 days ago  

which city do you think has the best fashion week?

I think without a doubt London always is far more fashion forward than Paris or New York but they are close contenders. I am hell bent on getting to Berlin in 2010 as I have heard that they have lots of good graduate or untold designers events in conjunction with the Berlin Fashion Week going on around town.... i always have my face glued to my macbook for a few weeks a year watching the live streaming online. 2010 is going to be the year of ethical fashions.

5 days ago  

Whats ur NYs resolution?

To say goodbye to anyone that isn’t a good friend and to adopt a Granny! I tried to adopt a granny to spend xmas with my family this year but apparently Age Concern say you have to be CRB checked so that will happen early 2010 and next year, I will write postcards from every country I visit, I will see my Granny every opportunity I get and my new granny will be right there with us at Xmas dinner!

5 days ago  

What has been your best and worst moments of 2009?

Best –
The first time my little baby (who had to sleep in my bed because there was apparently monsters in his) cuddled up to me and muttered, love you mummy.

Meeting Reeme and Nina @ The Collective. I have learnt so much and been given so many amazing opportunities that has levered my way in the industry I really have a passion for. 

Waking up a few months ago and realizing for the first time in years, I am truly happy. I am loving my life. I am glad of the choices I have made and have so many god damn amazing things to look forward to in 2010.

Worst-
Being burgled

Saying goodbye to what used to be my very bestest friend in the whole world, but seeing that some friendships are too destructive to be healthy

When I had to say goodbye to the love of my life as he left for China only to find out he had been in a relationship for over 3 months with someone else but still telling me everyday he loved me and my son...at that point i was still suffering with postnatal depression so was a bit of a mess! :-(

5 days ago  

Who do you think has been the biggest Style influence in 2009?

Without a doubt - Alexa Chung

 

If u win the Grazia comp, whos the 1st person u'll phone to tell?

I think I will be in shock for sometime before it sinks in but I think the first person I will call will be my friend who has been there with me for every step of the way - Zoe. Followed by mum, 3 sisters, best friend, Samuel, Reeme, Nina, Carly, Sherri, friends at work, friends who helped from Oz, New York, Athens, Paris - actually, probably everyone in my phone book! I will be MEGA excited!

5 days ago  

If you could have an internship with anyone in the industry who would you choose?

Oooh this is a hard one. I guess firstly I would have to say Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief for Vogue, I would love to shadow her - you wouldnt get a better insight. In terms of a designer, I would love to spend some time with Henry Holland as he seems to work his ass off but always manages to have a little fun with it and that is a good work ethic. If I were to chose high fashion it would have to be Karl Largerfield, the man has practically shaped the industry into what it is today and I would love to hear all his old stories about Coco and days gone by when pure glamour was what ruled the world!

5 days ago  

What magazines do you regularly read?

I subscribe to Grazia/Timeout/Harpers Bazaar/Dazed & Confused (awesome issue this month by the way) Vogue and regularly buy when stuck at the airport Elle / Marie Claire and for 2010 am definitely subscribing to LOVE and ID magazine - especially after peeking at the Feb edition mag cover - Lara Stone is a true beauty!

5 days ago  

What will be your biggest achievement in 2010?

Hopefully (all fingers and toes crossed) it will be winning the Grazia/Charles Worthington competition. If not, I look forward to continuing my journey of motherhood, bringing up a very polite and well behaved 2 year old. I have many charity fundraisers and new fashion production projects I am involved in as well as many opportunities to do some good for the world for my day job. Ultimately I would like to say all those are a given and I will be exceptionally proud if my new fashion line takes off the ground next year. It's innovative and creative and in my opinion, an original concept that all fashion lovers will fall in love with!

5 days ago  

What is one thing you really wanted for christmas but didnt get?

I am absolutely obsessed with Stella McCartney at the moment. About a month ago, I fell in love with one of her pieces from her latest collection and featured it on my website in the hope that my family would make some miracle happen and get Santa to leave it under the tree for me on Christmas Day. The Stella McCartney Lace Tailored Jacket is ultra chic, the cut is feminine and flattering and the shoulders are almost dickensian, I cannot stop thinking how amazing it would look teamed with a string of pearls, skinny black jeans and my new DIY Laboutin inspired black petal sandals! But at £1695... it's not something likely to make it into my wardrobe anytime soon! :-(

5 days ago  

What is/was the ultimate style of the "noughties"?

For me, being a burlesque fan I would have to say the 40's inspired recreations of the showgirl underwear that brought us back from grungy combat and ugg boot fashions to womanly and chic underwear and outerwear. I am also impressed with all the A-list collaborations on the high street, from Kate Moss for Topshop, Jimmy Choo and Sonia Rykiel for H&M - I suspect this is a trend to take us into the next decade, I cannot wait!

5 days ago  

Does it take you forever to get ready in the morning, deciding what to wear and what accessories match?

Funnily enough no. I just take a key piece that takes my mood on each particular way and the rest comes naturally. I have always had an eye for style and what works with what staple pieces. As I get older, I get more and more confident and daring to try new things too. I very rarely get it wrong, at least no one has ever made a negative comment, all the girls in my office tell me how fabulous my work wardrobe is and my friends the same with my social wardrobe. Fashion has been instilled from birth i think.... although please dont ask my parents for photographic evidence from my teenage years!!!

5 days ago  

Do you really think you have what it takes to make it to front row?

I know I do. I have never wanted anything as much as to make this dream of mine come true. Make sure you vote for me! Thanks for your question.

5 days ago  

Where do you find the time for everything you have going on? Does your boyfriend/husband help out too?

I am a work-a-holic! I just cannot sit still for 5 minutes without thoughts running through my head. I have a dream, and I will work my ass off to get it! I don't want to die without trying that is for sure! I am a single at the moment, just the way I like it for now!

5 days ago  

If you won the lottery what would be your first purchase?

Hey thanks for your question! Without a doubt it would be a classic vintage Chanel 2.55 - an original from 1955 and then one from every re-designed collection every since!

Ah don't make me blush!

January 02, 2010

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 01:20:15

I have left the macbook for 24 hours whilst I party hard into the New Year. 2010 is going to be absolutely amazing, I just know it. What a great start for receiving all these lovely messages of support from friends/colleagues. I couldn't be happier, especially as my favourite model, British Fashion Council's acclaimed Model of The Year took the time to send me well wishes! 
I cannot believe it is less than 2 weeks until I find out who is crowned the winner for the Charles Worthington/Grazia competition. Eeeek, Im so scared, my actual dream really could come true!!! Eeeeeek! x

Win Win Win! Good luck Karena, you love fashion and have dedicated enough blood, sweat and tears to earn that front row seat! My fingers are crossed! Xx

Reemé N. Idris, Stylist and Director

www.the-collective.biz

 

Karena, As one of the most up and coming Fashionista's that I know, I wish you much luck in your mission to be on the Front Row. You definitely deserve it and your blog keeps everyone entertained and on-trend. Can't wait to hear all the goss from backstage and wish you the very best of luck sweetie!

 

Rachel Montague-Ebbs, Tunbridge Wells

http://thetrialsandtribulationsofladym.blogspot.com/

 

On behalf of London Designers Fashion Show and Fashion Fusion Expo we wish you good luck and all the best.

 

Eric Manu. Director

 

Karena, I hope that you will triumph in your quest for front row glory. You are a shining example for all of us who wish to achieve something. Your flair, style, determination and beauty should eclipse all other suitors for the spot. Very much enjoy your work, brings some needed levity to my day.

 

Guy Randall, Website Designer -London

http://www.monigma.com/

 

Looking forward to meeting you, too. Merry (belated) Xmas and good luck for getting that Front Row Seat, you deserve it xxx

Geogia Jagger, British Model of The Year

 

@karenasedgwick Good luck in the Front Row competition. Who could resist the temptation to "ask you anything"? http://bit.ly/82p0U5

danceworks1 (Dancework studios, http://www.danceworks.co.uk/) London

 

Good Luck huney- it was a pleasure working with someone as dedicated and lovely as yourself:) I wish you continuing success in all you do. You also clearly deserve the win- for all the hard work, dedication and love you have put in this! Mwah xxx

Nibras , Hair and Make-Up Artist

 

Love your style, almost there. I can't wait to see you on the front row! Signing off, Agent Lynch xxx

Agent Lynch, Burlesque Star

http://agentlynch.com/

 

Hey, just wanted to wish you the bestest luck for the grazia competiton, you're the best fashionista out there, your rivals should bow at your jimmy choo's!! Good luck, roko xx

ROKO, Musician

http://www.myspace.com/roko2009

 

"Good luck Karena! Fashion is known as a lethal industry but it`s people like you who restore my faith in it. You are a kind and wondeful person as well as a fabuolus fashionista and blogger. Good luck xxx"

Amy-Claire Thompson – Editor at ‘confessions of a fashion editor’

http://confessionsofafashioneditor.onsugar.com/

 

izzibag

just want to wish you good luck for your next stage of the Grazia competition, I expext to see you in New York for NYCFW, u can come with me

Anne Agoren, Founder of izzibag

http://izzibag.com/

 

"Fantastic blog my darling, a front row seat surely awaits!! xx good luck RFH"

Rosalind Francis Holmes, Designer & protégé of Giles Deacon

 

You don’t need luck as I can not think of any one who is more deserved of such a prize! Your advise has been so helpful, no matter how big or small. I am so glad that I was recommended it, you are such a dedicated gem! Love you and your blog! Well done and I am keeping my fingers crossed, I can not wait see the photos of you doing what you do best! X

Nikki Bruce, Designer at Urban Spark

http://www.urbanspark.co.uk/

 

Gorgeous, not that you need it but good luck with the Grazia comp - no-one, like NO-ONE deserves that front row seat more than you.

Samuel J Hextall, Winner of Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend & Presenter

What a year!!

December 30, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 19:05:13

 

Without a doubt, 2009  has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Probably the best and the worst year since my existence on this little planet began. I am thankful that this year is ending on such a high and as I sit back and reflect on all the weird and wonderful places I have been to, things I have seen, people I have met, friends  I have made and achievements I have accrued, I am excited that we are less than 48 hours away from the turn of a new decade, its going to be full of fun with lots of good things to come…. say goodbye to the noughties and welcome to the fashion forward tens!

I was lucky enough to get tickets to the Frost Vs. Nixon press screening. A film I very much wanted to see after its huge success on stage at The Donmar. My secret crush on Michael Sheen started here!

A spa weekend with my good friend Emma, ex boyfriend and his flatmate was in order. Emma and I jetted off to Sunny Seville, by day we relaxed and had the ultimate pampering and by night we partied hard, loved it!

Unfortunately, being snowed in I had to give up my tickets to see Lady Gaga and Lilly Allen at Koko but it wasn’t long before the snow cleared, we celebrated my birthday in style with a great big luau house party! Another week glued to my laptop screen as I watched the news and highlights of London Fashion Week, what a week! Nicely finished with an awesome fashbashsoundclash after party at Bungalow 8.


Another spa weekend, this time in Southport, Liverpool. I was treated like royalty and the staff even waited poolside to top up my glass of wine as I chilled in the Jacuzzi at Formby Hall Golf resort and Spa with the gorgeous wags!

I joined my fellow fashionista’s at the long awaited re-launch of H&M Oxford Circus, we drank mini bottles of POP as we took advantage of the 20% discount – the perfect evening!


April was a busy month as I started my new role with a brand new European wide team. I had another trip back to Seville, just another opportunity to party hard and pickle my kidneys! I said goodbye to the lovely Janeywoo who set off on her travels to Australia for 18months but hello to the new Matthew Williamson collection for H&M, bonjour!


California dreams took me to San Diego for a week of sunshine with friends, nice! We drank cocktails on the beach, ate sushi at the finest restaurants and watched Hatton get knocked out stone cold within minutes of his fight starting! I got back and continued my Burlesque lessons with none other than Agent Lynch, my beautifully talented friend. I also took writing lessons with the highly accredited David Randall of the Observer/Independent. As well as all this I also found the time to catch Miss Polly Rae, my former burlesque teacher live at Leicester Square and sat through a gin/champagne and gourmet meals master class at Hampton Courts Foodies Festival/


This is the month I never sat still. In-between working and organizing ‘Fashion Rocks for The Children’s Trust’ then dealing with trying not to be sued by the Royal family for using the words ‘fashion Rocks’ in the same sentence – apparently copyrighted to them! I travelled between Helsinki, Berlin, Stockholm and Lisbon and had my palms read by a very creepy but correct clairvoyant!


Following the fun we had in Stockholm, my friend and I escaped to Glasgow for the weekend. We stayed in a swanky hotel, visited terrible bars and shopped until we dropped, I spent a fortune in the Urban Outfitters sale. The very next weekend we head to the Hayward to check out ‘Walking in my mind’ exhibition which was 80% naff so to better the weekend, I met up with my good friends and watched their band play in a cute little venue in Hoxton, have you checked out The Zemitones yet?


The first photoshoot for my website took place in the smelliest, most foul location in Brixton. The shoot was so great, I haven’t even asked for the pictures from the day! Luckily I was a million times more delighted by the photography exhibition that was RANKIN. My most favourite photographer.

I finished the month walking through Tivoli, the fun park in Copenhagen – delightful!


My favourite month of the year, London Fashion week was upon us again and I was lucky enough to be given press passes to the Un-told event of the year as well as one of the first to take a peek at Christopher Kane’s new collection for Topshop. I was distraught to have physically missed most of LFW as I was working in Berlin for the entire week but I signed up to the blackberry app which meant I didn’t miss a single thing. I also caught up with my lovely friend Agent Lynch who graced the stage at Volupt and took advantage of all of the great offers that the ‘Fashions Night Out’ retailers were offering. Just 253 days until the next one!



My 5 months of non stop working on my ‘Fashion Rocks’ event paid off. I spent every waking hour I could planning the charity fundraiser of the year and it was a complete success, thanks to the help from The Collective who are better described as my wonderful and talented friends Reeme Idris and Nina Malone. My son hit a milestone on Halloween by turning 2, we had a fantastic family party and dressed him up as a pumpkin! Work was crazy but I enjoyed a very successful trip to The Netherlands which was a lovely little break!

Exclusive guest list entry to the Wired music event at Shoreditch House saw me and my friends schmoozing with the likes of Jamelia as we danced the night away to Cherry V. Next came the launch event of the entire year – the Jimmy Choo collaboration with H&M and a trip to see the very eagerly awaited ShowStudio exhibition, and Norman Parkinson fashion photography collection at Somerset House.

Nothing compared to the wedding of the year at lillibrooke manor too see my 2 favourite people get married. Roko my musician friend and my lovely gorgeous business partner Kirsty let me share their special day with them and I can honestly say it was the best wedding I have ever been too! I even caught the bouquet!

My Charles Worthington/Grazia style challenges and It’s a wonderful life screening at the BFI were the highlights of this month but then I had my end of year review with my boss that I aced! This put a huge smile on my face before taking a break for xmas. By break, I mean working non stop on the 2010 fashion events I am helping to organize along with The Collective which include The Ghana Education Project, Wimbledon Fashion Week and Models in Paradise. I am also busy planning the launch of my fashion collection next year! Exciting stuff!!

 

So in a nutshell, these were the highlights of my year. I am so excited to welcome 2010, not only do I have lots of wonderful opportunities lined up, and hopefully a front row seat at LFW!!! I have a wonderful collection of friends to share my experiences with a little boy to watch grow into a clever, handsome, kind little 3 year old!

Ask me anything......

December 27, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 21:54:08

So lovelies, with all this social media at our fingertips - lets get to work. 

From 22:00 - 23:00 Today (Sunday 27th December)
From 10:00 - 11:00 Monday 28th December
From 22:00 - 23:00 Tuesday 29th December

I will be online to answer any questions you have about me, my journey so far into the fashion industry, this fantastic competition, my day job, my website, my likes/dislikes/my inspirations - anything you want.

All you need to do is log on to this link below and ping me a message




Christmas Time, Mistletoe and Mulled Wine......

December 26, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 21:56:33

I sit here RELAXING in my home office with a lovely homemade glass of mulled wine. Christmas is bliss. The last week or so has been frantic, even more than usual, so the night before last as I  said goodbye to my macbook for a while and put santa's tray on the doorstep ready for his arrival I knew that it was the start of something beautiful! Time with the family, lots of festival food, champagne breakfasts, relaxation and best of all PRESENTS! The perfect end to a really great week.
Monday took me to the most important meeting of the year in terms of my 9 to 5 job as Exec PA to the Vice President of a Global Pharma Company - End of year Appraisal! I aced it, 6 years in a row now I have over achieved which means a nice little nest egg come March to invest into starting my first innovative and chic fashion line. Yessssss! 
That wasnt the only fantastic news though. I was elated to speak to Georgia Jagger before she jetted off to LA for xmas and Emily Deyn before mummy Deyn / Agyness and herself all had a NY reunion. This was all before receiving the ultimate Xmas present - Complimentary membership to the exclusive high fashion MOLTON HOUSE for 2010 - oh the schmoozing! 
                 
The only minor disappointment, actually, major catastrophy! for me this week has been with my new Flipcam. For the past few weeks, I have been on the campaign trail at every opportunity to get fellow industry experts, celeb contacts, friends and family, colleagues and international fans to have their picture taken with my special powerpoint poster, directing everyone in sight to RATE ME, MAKE ME A WINNER! Over 200 pictures later, my flipcam - without warning died on me. I have tried everything to retrieve my pictures but no luck. Its more dead than a dodo. Insert your own expletive here! 

All is not lost, I have been lucky enough to have a bunch of my favourite friends rally around to get me another picture to end the water leaking from my eyes. They did a very good job so thank you all. Especially Eileen in my New York office, DJ Nikki Beatnik, Samuel Hextall, Lellow Lucy who is currently enduring 40oC heat in Melbourne and my little iggle piggle! 



In terms of a campaign, I have shamefully been whoring myself out big-time on my social networks which seems to have paid off as some of my most admired fashion bloggers / websites  and celebs have sent me messages of support or included a mention/feature/comment about me and my dire need to win this competition and make that front row seat at London Fashion week - just a teeny 59 days to go now, how exciting!!!
A big thank you to everyone at:
 
Now, what's next I hear you say - well for tonight, I am just about to customise my old black strappy sandals to make a pair of DIY Laboutin Petal Sandals before pencilling in the diary a trip to see Grace Kelly's wardrobe at the V&A in April and lastly, I will jump into bed and cruise the internet for my equivilent of hardcore porn - SALE SHOPPING!!! Bring it on!!!

Merry xmas all and a very happy and successful 2010 
Love



Style Challenge Complete!

December 21, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 01:02:05

It was the Sunday before Xmas (eve eve eve eve eve eve) and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…. But Karena Sedgwick was awake at 4am, too excited to sleep thinking about her impending style challenge due to take place in 12 hours time!

The brief given by the fabulous judges was:


I knew exactly what kind of a hairstyle I was aiming to achieve. I could have gone nuts and parted the hair into 9 sections to use all the products but didn’t think the ‘I have fallen asleep drunk and been dragged through a bush backwards by a big dog’ look reflected the kind of style that suited my personality.  I dabbled with creating a wild retro look but I have always had a love of the elegance and grace of the golden age of Hollywood Hairstyles. I thought technically be quite tricky but I chose this theme, with a modern twist anyway.

Luckily for me as you know, I had a whole brand new Charles Worthington Front Row stylist kit to play with and boy oh boy did I have fun! 

I spent best part of a week on the phone to Charles Worthington House, begging them to let me complete my style challenge in the their flagship salon, being a Charles Worthington Competition, it seemed the only fitting location.


On arrival, I was given a guided tour of the 5 storey sumptuously beautiful townhouse to enable me to decide which studio I wanted to work in for the next hour or so. I chose the larger studio where they typically do colouring, it had a real relaxed and intimate atmosphere and fantastic lighting!

My good and totally stunning friend Sherri Lombardelli kindly offered to come and be my model for the afternoon, luckily for me, she has long gorgeous and very adaptable locks. As the wonderfully generous CW team brought us refreshments and mince pies we got cracking!

I washed and dried Sherri’s hair earlier in the day, and to protect Sherri’s hair before blow-drying I applied the ‘Stay Cool Heat Defense Spritz’ as well as a little ‘turn up the volume blow dry spray’

When Sherri’s hair was dry and neatly combed, I sectioned into small pieces and spritzed each section with ‘Rough and Tosseld Salt Spray’ before wrapping each section around a conical styling wand, an easy way to create vintage curls. At every ¼ head stage I used the fabulous smelling ‘Forever Lasting Hairspray’

Once all sections had said hello to the conical wand and the full head of flowing curls were ready for the next stage, I gave Sherri a quick spritz all over to complete the hold. I then asked Sherri to hold her head upside down and ruffled my fingers through her hair to loosen the curls and shake a little more volume into the style - I think Sherri enjoyed the scalp massage more than is considered acceptable!!!

The next stage was to section off a strip of the hair at the front parting and start fishtail plaiting! I used the ‘High Gloss Serum’ to ensure the ultimate lustrous finish to my plait before sweeping it across Sherri’s hairline and pinning into place to the side just behind her ear, covering the pins with other parts of Sherri’s hair to hide.  A final spritz all over with the ‘Forever Lasting Hairspray’ before finishing with ‘Mirror Dazzle Shine Spray’.

My look was almost complete! No hairstyle can look red carpet glamorous without make-up to compliment and I knew exactly how I wanted Sherri to look. Luckily I have a very good friend ‘Nibras’ who works in the Industry as a MUA and she was able to give me creative and technique tips to help me practice before my big day. I shadowed her on-set of one of her music video’s to see exactly how she creates her looks and have been practicing ever since. I will never be as amazingly talented as her but I was really pleased with the end result. I kept Sherri’s make up quite simple, using Georgio Armani 5.5 foundation as a base. Trace Gold Mac Blusher, Mac Eyeliner Liquid Last, Bobbi Brown Chocolate Palette on the eyes, Maybeline Moisture Extreme Mascara and finished with striking red ultra glamorous Lipstick by Screenface. Sherri looked like a Hollywood bombshell. The overall style I achieved was exactly how I wished, a modern adaptation of classic Hollywood elegance. Divine!

We had so much fun and were so delighted with the kindness of the Charles Worthington Team who stayed behind after hours to ensure we had enough time to complete the challenge.

Finally, before you treat your eyes to the pictures, which captured my challenge, a BIG thanks to Marlene Suter, Photographer and creative genius. Marlene volunteered to ditch her last minute Christmas shopping and precious free time to come along and offer support and to capture the spirit, workings and results of the Charles Worthington Style Challenge for me. My fellow charity-volunteering friend did me very proud! Have a look yourselves!

Click on the pictures to be directed to Flikr to have a more detailed view


http://www.flickr.com/photos/mynewbestfriends/sets/72157622915107945/

Boy what a week it's been!!!!

December 17, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 23:52:14

Last Thursday saw my less than much needed return to work after a nasty allergic reaction to the painkillers I was taking for a painful wisdom tooth that is poking through. Two days I was officially a zombified, unable to get out of bed without fainting, sick girl who had to give up tickets to an exclusive event, dinner with a ‘D’ lister and trawling the streets of London for the best fashion window display for Christmas in London, just a little one of my annual traditions! The good thing about 2 days in bed was time to reflect and properly think about my aspirations for 2010. Not only am I hoping that next year will bring lots of fabulous things my way, including my hair styled by Charles Worthington, a brand new designer piece to add to the wardrobe (which by the way I will be auctioning to raise money for The Children’s Trust if I win) I have my eyes firmly fixed on those Front Row Seats at London Fashion Week, of course!!!!!

But what do I do if my dreams are shattered and come February, the closest I will get to that beaming smile on my face as the likes of Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, House of Holland, Christopher Kane and Luella  take to the catwalk to bless the world with their amazing new fall collections and I’m just sitting at home with my face pressed up against my macbook as I take a week holiday from the corporate world to watch the live streaming in real time with thumbs firmly on the keypad of my blackberry as I am glued to the fashion week website?

It doesn’t bare thinking about but lets face it, without sounding arrogant in any way, there definitely is a 0.1% chance that the closest I’ll come to the magic of the runway is via social media.

I have my self acquired consolation prizes in place, ready to remind me life can move on without being front row fashion week (it pains me to think about it, it really does, my eyes may start leaking, it will be Briget Jones, dumped by Mark Darcy style wailing as I scoff the largest tub of Ben and Jerry’s Karma Sutra you ever did see!)

The first of my exciting moments post finding out the judges decision early January is to interview not one, but two very admired ladies whose success in this industry at such an early age is nothing short of impressive. Granted, their names come with a connection that practically guaranteed their successes from birth but I am still highly envious of their hard work, talent and achievements to date.

Emily Deyn, sister of Agyness whom I was lucky enough to work with at my Charity fundraiser ‘Fashionista’s Night out for The Children’s Trust’ in October is one half of the brand ‘HussainDeyn’. Aliyah and Emily, together make Art. Rules and customs are thrown to the wind when they are in creating their collections, whether it be photographic pieces, items of clothing or sculptures – edgy, fun and imaginative. I cannot wait to step into Emily’s world to find out where her inspirations really come from and how HussainDeyn plan to conquer the world.

My second interview is with none other than Georgia Jagger. Yes, that’s right – daughter of Mick Jagger and model of the year crowned only last week by The British Fashion Council. At just 17 years old and with a remarkable resemblance to Brigit Bardot, the girl is living almost every girls dream. I cannot wait to find out whether following in her mother’s footsteps as a world class fashion icon was something she knew she was born to be?

So January is sorted, and hopefully February too but what is to follow? I won’t bore you with the finer details but let’s just say another 2 charity fundraisers, Wimbledon Fashion Week and volunteering my precious and limited time to help aspiring fashion entrepreneur of the year ‘Reeme Idris’ and her business partner Nina Malone at The Collective with their ‘Models in Paradise’ Initiative. If all this hard work doesn’t make me worthy of winning this competition then, there truly are no deserved winners.

Saturday saw me finally well enough to trawl those streets for my most favourite Christmas window display and sorry to be so obvious but the Harrods, wizard of Oz inspired spectacle won my vote! Followed by lunch with the lovely fellow fashionista and recent ex of ex to truly mark closure on the ordeals of 2009 and new and happy beginnings for 2010.

It’s now Weds, I am enroute from Athens to London having had 4 hours sleep since Sunday, a very successful and productive 3 days of business meetings, impressive gourmet dinners in dazzling locations such as at the foot of the acropolis and the much loved 6am morning swim at the rooftop hotel pool with panoramic views, I could get used to it, that’s for sure! Too much champagne later, I sit here planning the idea that came to me in my dreams on Friday night….. that start of my own fashion line. No ordinary or imitation will do, my line will bring innovation, classic glamour and lots of hard but pleasurable work to my jam-packed, action filled, fashion centred focus. Watch this space is all I have to say!

Roll on 2010, I cannot wait to share all these future wonderfully special moments with you, especially if I am crowned champion by Charles Worthington and the Grazia team! ITSELF!!!!!!....

To keep up with my hectic fashion filled, social butterfly life follow me on twitter (Click Here) and check out my website (Click Here)

 http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

How many times can I say 'on trend'!!

December 17, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 23:52:01

Ok, to be fair, I was on such a high and so nervous about my style challenge, excuse my repetitive 'on trend' speech in the video.
I rocked up to Topshop Oxford street expecting to meet the 'celebrity dress hire me' guru who was introduced by a mutual friend. 1 hour later, after her lunch break and a champagne martini with my girls, we battled back through Regent St to meet Santa's little helper.... only she didnt help at all,  and we were told under no uncertain circumstances could we film a single second of the challenge in Topshop Oxford Street without special filming licenses!...... so we had to blag it! I rocked up to the VIP stylist section and said 'hey sweets, Im from mynewbestfriends, we have the VIP room booked for a style challenge' the girl on reception jumped off her seat and within 2 minutes we had out own fully kitted style challenge changing room laidened with drink - uber cool! 
Ya know, its sooooo lovely when you have these things to do and you can call upon stunningly gorgeous model friends. Mynewbestfriend is Carly Stratton whom is famous for having survived the Channel 4 shipwrecked programme. She is stunning in the flesh and totally made my first style challenge experience a really fun one. And that is what fashion is about!!! I love Carly, I loved the style challenge and I love the whole 'make me front row' experience! 
Karena xxxxx




Confessions of a social media whore......

December 09, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 21:10:55

Being a social media whore, I like to catch up with my favorite designers, industry specialists, fashion bloggers, celebrities and friends on a daily basis via the revolution that is taking the world by storm ‘twitter’. I update my status at least 10 times a day and like to check/almost stalk my 924 chosen individuals that I follow at every single opportunity that I can. It’s the first thing I do in the morning, the last thing I do at night and can sometimes cause me unnecessary stress if I have to go without wireless connection, say I’m on a flight or something, turning the blackberry off and being without the world of twitter for a few hours - I hate it! Funnily enough though, one of my celebrity friends is far worse than me, and is somewhat annoying when we are out schmoozing and he is trying to maintain a conversation whilst the eyes are fixated on his iphone and the most I get is a nod because he is replying to the hundreds of twitter fans he loyally just has to respond to, oh especially if it his best friend Paris Hilton, typical!! I am not this loyal to my 350 followers, I should be perhaps, if I am to be a true fashionista?!

Anyway, to get to the point, a few days ago VOGUEfashion posted this on twitter

                    

That for me is the ‘true definition of a ‘fashionista’. Love or hate the word, have you ever wondered how to define it? For me, this hits the spot exactly. I now truly feel qualified to adopt the title of Karena Sedgwick, Fashionista & Social Butterfly.

You already know about my incessant passion for the fashion industry. Although not following the path of the conventional route into this ball breaking trade. I’m slowly edging in via my successful website, fashion blog and successful event productions – mostly fundraising for charity. But this is all outside of my day job and role of mother to my 2 year old little boy. I have worked all the hours god send and been lucky enough to have been rewarded with some amazing opportunities to work with some high profile and very talented individuals. 2010 will see me work my ass off as I take on my new role of event productions manager for 3 very prestigious and exciting events. My evening’s and weekends are no longer my own but it will be a lot of fun and very worth it. I’ll do anything to make my dreams come true and fulfill my desire to one day be a full time member of the fashpack!

 

Travelling – whenever I can, wherever I can, as far as my budget allows. I just love to explore the this wonderful planet of ours. My family never had a holiday together until I was in my 20’s! by then, I had taken myself to Spain for a month, 3 Greek Islands, New York, Paris, North of Italy and Andorra. I truly had the travel bug and have since spent months travelling the east coast of Australia, East and West Coast of USA. My weekends have previously taken me to Toulouse, Andorra, St.Tropez, Singapore, Bangkok, Paris, New York, Venice, Verona, Marrakech, Helsinki, Stockholm, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Copenhagen, Glasgow and many more lovely enchanting places. My wonderful day job in the medical profession allows me to travel across 16 different European countries and next week I am excited about meeting my lovely Greek colleagues in Athens. The world is a small place; I am determined to see as much as I possibly can throughout my short time on this earth. Perhaps I’ll make it beyond if I can blag my way onto Richard Branson’s galactic spaceship launched this week

Art – Many a debate I have had with ex-partners and friends about my taste in Art. It’s subjective I know. Pablo Picasso once said ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life’ Agreed! I like nothing more than to head into town to an exhibition at one of our many capitals galleries, museums and exhibition halls for a Sunday afternoon of ‘losing myself’ in the world of visual pleasure. I am a huge fan of Warhol and Pop Art inspired creations, mainstream I know but I won’t apologise. You’ll love me even more when I tell you Salcedo, Pollack, Banksy and Ramos also inspire me!

The art of photography influences me considerably. The elegance of the early work by Norman Parkinson re-ignites my love for the charm and allure of the 50’s & 60’s glamour girls, oh so glamorous, chic and classy, and as we all know ‘a girl should be two things, classy and fabulous’! Rankin and Patrick Demarchellier, my two other favorites have truly captured the concept of this phrase in their fashion photography, I could lose myself in their work all day every day if it were a true possibility.

Theatre, another of my passions. I know what you’re thinking, where do you get the time? I’ll tell you – I make the most of every single hour of every day. My genre of choice in terms of performance art is Opera and Ballet. Although I am not impartial to a visual adaptation of a classic novel of more recent comedy on Broadway or in the West End. My favorite memory was being flown to Verona for my 24th birthday to see Carmen, my all time favorite opera. Almost front row, in the open-air amphitheatre in the centre of the charming Italian City. It was magnificent. I laughed; I cried and gave a 5-minute standing ovation as the show closed. My boyfriend at that time definitely won brownie points for that magical evening! Tosca at the Royal Albert Hall for my birthday last year comes a joint second to seeing Darcy Bussell perform for the last time before she retired from the lead of Sylvia at The Royal Opera House. Just magical. My heart skips a beat thinking about it!

So, like I said, love or hate the word, it’s subjective! I truly think I deserve the title Fashionista. Only a ‘true fashionista’ can cut the mustard, make the grade with the other socialites alike, Front Row at London Fashion week, adorning the designer outfit and hair styled by the fabulous Charles Worthington. Please, please, please let it be me! 

Oh darling, I raise money for charity too!

December 07, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 20:44:06

Fashionista's Night Out for The Children's Trust
Sunday, 01 November 2009 22:05

Thursday 29th October 2009 – a date that will stick in my mind for a very long time. I can only imagine that the feelings I had from the moment I woke were what I will feel the day I get married. Magical.

It was high drama as the xmas lights switch on in London caused traffic with a 2 + hour delay for anyone heading in from out of town. My hour journey took 3. I arrived late but luckily my stage manager Reeme had everything under control. The room was full of naked models, designers, traders and an exceptional AV company all doing their thing. The four hours we had for fittings/rehearsals/ hair and makeup and final preparations felt like 4 seconds. I was utterly impressed with the talent, professionalism and total commitment and dedication from everyone in the room with me. Before I knew it, I was in room 102 getting showered and slipping into my slinky on-trend silver sequin, shoulder padded dress and I felt a million dollars teamed with my snake skin black peep toe, zip up back heels. Its always lovely to be sponsored to wear a fabulous outfit!

Guests arrived from 7pm and walked into the beautiful Queen Mary Hall at The Bloomsbury Hotel to be greeted by naked waiters serving canapés and champagne, a nice touch I thought! . I was exceptionally proud to have my sisters, mother and closest friends sitting front row at my very own show. Samuel Hextall mynewbestfriend did me proud as the event presenter, he has an absolute infectious happiness about him, and I love him.

Part one of the catwalk show was mind-blowing, the collections were inspirational and the models looked amazing. Everyone seemed to love my music acts – Gabrielle Aplin, The Zemitones and Roko and there was not a single person in the room that wasn’t enchanted by Agent Lynch’s striptease as she performed her ‘miss moneypenny’ act. I don’t think I have ever seen my best friend blush so much as when I took him backstage to meet her in person after the show!

Our luxury raffle and auction went down a storm and although my sister who spent £150 on tickets and won the majority of prizes which just got embarrassing, everyone seemed really impressed with the contributions we had received from our sponsors. 9 of the 12 paparazzi that had contacted me turned up and now I am just eagerly awaiting their pictures, in fact, I am beyond excited about viewing them, I have never had so many pictures taken of me in one night all at the same time! The few i have seen are stunning, Carly Stratton certainly takes a very good picture.

The show concluded and I then had interview after interview to do. Fashion TV, Sky Showbiz TV and my event production company all needed questions answered and a piece of my time. I felt sad as we said goodbye to our last guest before some of the crew headed to the bar for a congratulatory drink with Zemitones front man, Christen and Roko. It’s over, my hard work paid off, the evening was a huge success, lots of money raised for charity but now it’s over. Time to start planning the next one!!

Youtube Video Teaser - Click Here!

          4065369687_6bd793546b_m 4065394609_183041539b_m 4065510069_15d0ce7e1b_m 4065516623_596f5ab0b5_m 4066326354_21f56fcbca_m 4065530553_392a37d2eb_m

Make MEEEE Front row!

December 07, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 19:38:22

You will have seen by now my twitter/facebook campaign to vote for me to win Grazia’s ‘Make Me Front Row’ Competition. Never before have I wanted to win something so badly (other than the euro millions jackpot) but my odds are higher and my dream more sincere for that front row seat at next seasons Fashion Week, sitting amongst my life long iconic heroes and fashionista’s alike.

My first real fashion memory was at the age of 17. I was in Central Park, New York. Sitting in a horse drawn carriage watching the world go by and feeling utterly enchanted with my adventure to the big apple, my first trip to what will later become a second home to me. In the distance, walking towards us and towards New York’s grand Plaza Hotel was an unforgettable late 20 something stunningly beautiful women dressed head to toe in a classic pink Chanel skirt suit. Matched with patent black heels, an elegant slicked back bun and perfect timeless platinum accessories. The girl looked so glamorous, so chic and sophisticated it was at that moment I thought ‘wow’ that’s what I want to be when I grow up!  It was everything that epitomised class and style.

My obsession with Chanel and love for fashion was born.

My style is – Bold, confident, chic, fabulous, inherent, poised, sophisticated, seamless and classy.

My Philosophy is – ‘A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous’ – Coco Chanel

My favourite designers – Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfield, Luella, Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford, Henry Holland, Jimmy Choo, Yves Saint Laurent, Rupert Sanderson

My favourite fashionista’s – Diana Vreeland, Jasmine Guiness, Tamara Mellon, Sophia Lauren, Eddie Sedgwick, Lily Cole, Agyness Deyn

My favourite fashion photographers – Norman Parkinson, Rankin, Patrick Demarchellier

My favourite fashion reads – Vogue, Vanity Fair, Grazia, anything by Taschen, Drapers for business

My favourite piece in my wardrobe – Anne Klein leather blazer, it’s lasted me so well and was one of my first big purchases

My favourite Handbag – tricky! Either my patent hot pink LV clutch (21st birthday present from the parents) my Dior denim street chic saddle bag or my Lulu Guinness classic tote

My favourite shoes – My Dolce and Gabanna diamante wedges or Leopard Laboutins.

In a truer life I would have been – the next Diana Vreeland, editor of Vogue or the owner of a very successful high fashion label.

Here's to making my dream come true......

fashionphoto

The heat is On......

December 06, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 10:37:29

The heat is on. At approximately 3pm this afternoon I signed for my Charles Worthington style kit. That's when it hit me. The heat is on. Loving the products - like any girlie, I just want to use them all immediately but how do you do dry shampoo, volume moose, tough and tousled salt spray, mirror dazzle shine spray, forever lasting hairspray, heat defense spray and perfectly straight straightening cream in one style?.... I'll find a way! In my head, this vision i have of the model sporting this style, this chick has mad hair and a bright orange fluffy bomber jacket... NOT cool, we'll leave that style to the Salvation Army! 
I was truly ecstatic to receive my parcel and cannot wait to experiment over the weekend. 
My outfit to work today was understated for a Friday. I teamed a violet silk panel dress with black opaques, coordinated oversized accessories and leopard heels grrrrrr! It looked awesomely chic in the flesh (albeit needing a dress size smaller) but on camera, not so much - please forgive my poor photo's! I cannot wait to embark on my style challenges, im just lucky this kind of thing comes naturally to me. I was talking to my boss this afternoon as we plan our team trip to Athens next week and I realised, even if I do not win this competition (I WILL I WILL I WILL) I am already a winner. An amazing experience is unfolding and I have made a lovely fashionista friend in one of the my fellow contestants... if you don't feel like rating me or just think I am a poor excuse for a fashionista (YOU ARE WRONG!!) then please vote for Zaiba! 
I have lots of exciting plans and experiences to unfold as the weekend continues, stay tuned my lovelies!!!
Keep in touch with me via my world of twitter - KarenaSedgwick or via my very own fashionista website http://www.mynewbestfriends.co.uk

Oh so exciting!

December 03, 2009

posted by Karena Sedgwick at 22:14:41


I spent all of yesterday evening in suspense without any Internet connection. Correction – without any power what so ever! This morning I woke up to a barrage of texts from my loyal friends / twitter followers / website fans from all over the world to tell me how excited they were that I made it as a finalist for Grazia’s ‘Make me Front Row’ competition. Have you ever heard of the expression ‘cloud 9’? That’s exactly how I felt! My outfit today was inspired by my mood. I teamed a cute little fail safe black dress with 60 denier bright yellow opaque’s, a long black woolen cardigan and killer black heels. Obviously a waist cinching black and silver belt and silver accessories were to complete my outfit. Did you already guess my mood was confident, bold and super ecstatically ‘look at me, I’m a freaking winner!’ already? I cannot believe it, I am so extremely happy to have made it as a finalist. My dream of sitting front row, styled by Erdem and Charles Worthington and to feature in my most favorite weekly fashion glossy ‘Grazia’ are just a pinch away. Thank you to everyone whom has voted for me, it’s been a really freaking tough year but seriously, this has turned everything around and my dreams really will come true if I am crowned as the winner of this prestigious competition. I WILL BE the next Leigh Lezark!!! I just opened an email to say my stylists kit from Charles Worthington will be couriered over tomorrow, this is the highlight of my life! and believe me, there has been competition between my first Louis Vuitton purchase, meeting Caryn Franklin oh and giving birth to the most gorgeous little boy you will ever see!!!!
Join me on twitter - KarenaSedgwick

the product range

Discover our brand new products, buy them online and enter our weekly prize draw for your chance to win a Front Row goodie bag.

Explore the range