The London Whisperer
A girl about town whispering all things
fabulous about London
www.twitter.com/londonwhisperer
www.youtube.com/thelondonwhisperer
thelondonwhisperer@gmail.com
-
The Olympic Stadium is officially open!
5th May 2012
A nine year-old girl from Hackney, Niamh Clarke-Willis, was picked from an audience of more than 40,000 at 2012 Hours to Go: An Evening of Athletics and Entertainment to press the button which launched balloons into the sky above the Stadium, and marked its official opening.
TV presenters Vernon Kay and Gabby Logan hosted the event and the celebrations were part of the the BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships a London Prepares test event for the venue. The crowd braved the cold to also watch 30 celebrities, incuding Chipmunk, Jon Culshaw, Melanie C, Sir Steve Redgrave, Jack Whitehall and presenters Sam and Mark battle it out in stunts, games and challenges from zorbing to tandem bike. Olympic sports of the past were the most entertaining, which included tug of war and portrait painting. The winning celebrity won prizes for the audience row matching their bib number.
The atmosphere was, to say the very least, exciting, and I caught up with the London School of Economics Women’s 400m relay team, Lord Seb Coe and a few celebrities to find out how they feel about the olympics.
On opening the stadium, Seb Coe said that it’s “only the start of the story. We want thousands of young people to be inspired to take up sport. We hope that for a few of them it will be the start of their journey.”
-
The Lucky One UK Premiere
23rd April 2012
Zac Efron is in town! Yes the heartthrob turned up for his premiere of The Lucky One. His leading role is a far cry from his HSM days: long gone the skinny framed, designer haircut, all dancing and singing boy and hello buff, tanned 25 year old man! In the romantic movie, the star plays a marine who travels to North Carolina after serving in Iraq to search for a woman he believes is his lucky charm during the war.
Held at the Curzon cinema in Chelsea, the miserable soggy day suddenly got a lot brighter once Zefron made his way down the red carpet. Fans waited hours to catch a glimpse of the hunk and were not disappointed. Arriving a little late, he still took time out to meet and greet fans and braved the rain without a brolly to protect his quiff. However, as concerned fans saw he was sporting a bandaged hand, he joked “A fan bit me”. He also spoke of his role as a marine a “challenge, but I’m glad I pulled it off”.
Taylor Schilling, 27, wore a Peter Pilotto dress but also had an unusual accessory – tissue stuffed in her Rupert Sanderson pumps. She didn’t leave Zac’s side and the pair looked very cosy walking hand in hand inside the cinema. Taylor spoke of Zac as a “goofball and the two of us together had a lot of fun, it was a blast”.
Watch the in-screen introductions:
Other stars that turned up to see the film were Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Dionne Bromfield and her boyfriend of Waterloo Road fame Lucien Laviscount, and of course, the town wouldn’t be complete without the Made in Chelsea cast.
The film itself is an old-fashioned romantic yet moving adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s novel of the same title, and had the audience laugh at moments which shouldn’t be funny. Scenes where her dress is dripping with water after their passionate embrace (dirty British humour for you). A male member of the audience also shouted “Yes!” when they finally kissed and made everyone laugh (by the way this isn’t a spoiler, you know it’s inevitable).
The film is full of cliches and is a bit too soppy for me, but if you’re a traditional romantic at heart and love dogs, this one’s for you.
The Lucky One is released 2nd May
-
100 days to go until the Olympics!
18th April 2012
Britain is such an exciting place to be this year - we have the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, but more excitingly for me is the Olympics! On 27th July the opening ceremony will see athletes from around the world coming to celebrate the start of the Olympics in front of a crowd 80,000 strong including the Royals. And I will be part of that ceremony. I am sworn to secrecy so can’t say much, but what I can say is that Danny Boyle and his team have been very creative and thorough in getting us volunteers into ship-shape for this. I can’t wait to wear my costume either. In my section, we have all been given a mish-mash of different outfits, but I love mine. I just need to figure out how to dance in wedges…
I seemed to have completely become swept up in the Olympic chaos. Some of my friends aren’t that bothered. Little do they know I have rowing tickets, I’m dancing in the opening ceremony and have a press pass for the upcoming London Prepares Series events throughout May.
The motto for the London Olympics has today been revealed as ‘Inspire a generation’.
“Every one of those individual performances will create a symphony of inspiration that will create lasting change,” said Lord Seb Coe, chairman of the London 2012 organising committee, Locog.
No-one has any idea what will be the most inspiring moment of london 2012 but there will be thousands of them and I certainly look forward to enjoying them myself.
-
Abi O What a launch!
4th April 2012
Bronzed head-to-toe, stars gathered at the Millennium Hotel in Knightsbridge to support the launch of BeauBronz’s new product Abi O and raise an amazing amount of money for the British Heart Foundation. Hosted by Lizzie Cundy (wearing shoes that I would die for!) and Abi Oleck (founder), the event saw a glittering array of celebrities from Dancing on Ice – including THE Torvill and Dean – and a whole host of showbiz people including the cosmetic god to the stars, Dr Dan Dhunna. I caught up with Dan who gave me a breakdown on his star-studded lifestyle and business projects. I also asked for some advice on my problem areas which he gladly gave. His Skin Etc office is in prime location on Harley Street so I will definitely be popping in there some time soon.
Check out Lizzie Cundy’s interviews for the Daily Express.co.uk:
Abi gave her guests a Shimmer Tan Boost and has struck gold with this handy little booster, designed to give that finishing touch to any tan. She was telling me that a friend’s reaction to normal chemical tanning products has gave her the boost to create paraben-free, organic tanning products. Her products give the most natural sun kissed look too without the added odour that most give. So what are you waiting for? Tan up!
-
The Jameson Empire Awards 2012
25th March
On an unexpected warm sunny day in London, the Grosvenor House Hotel once again played host to a glittering array of A-List actors and producers for the Empire Awards 2012. So much went on in the evening that I will just have to tell you the whispers and my experience.
On the red carpet I passed Mark Gatiss (of Sherlock fame) who was telling a friend he was smize-ing for the cameras. Inside, crowds mingle and I bump into Matthew Morrison (Glee) who tells me of his upcoming role in new film What To Expect When You’re Expecting and how loved that he got to knock up Cameron Diaz – wayhey!
As people gathered around the bar to taste the movie-themed Jameson cocktails, which included War Mule, Tinker Tailor Soldier Sour and Attack The Rocks (my favourite), I spied Jonathan Ross introducing himself to Olivia Wilde, explaining who he and his wife were, and how they both loved her in House. Olivia said she loved my dress, which made me blush as I have been keeping an eye on her style for a long time. Moving on, Danny DeVito entered the room and I just had to express how legendary he was. He was lovely and talkative about his upcoming theatre play The Sunshine Boys. It just so happened that DeVito was on stage later to present the Legend award to Tim Burton…
Seated in the dining area, there were more drinks on hand whilst the awards took place (eating was for afterwards). Highlights included: 1) Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl making the audience chuckle as they fluffed up their lines to introduce the Inspiration Award to Ron Howard. 2) The crowd going wild as Olivia Colman collected her Best Actress Award for Tyrannosaur, and Olivia becoming quite teary-eyed. 3) Daniel Radcliffe’s comical video acceptance speech for Best Film for Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows — Part 2. 4) The hilarious Done in 60 Seconds winning video, which makes me feel like entering next year’s. When I asked Alex Zane (one of the judges) what he’s looking for, he said that a sense of humour is a must. Noted. 5) Agyness Deyn presenting the Best Comedy award to The Inbetweeners with the most bored tone of voice I have ever heard.
A stuffed G-Bag and their owners made their way to the after party held at Café de Paris, where the party continued well into the wee hours. I noticed how the male members of The Inbetweeners were not really talking/together both at the awards and the after party. Maybe just a coincidence… I had some questions for the Attack the Block cast that the film left me with, which they gladly answered. It’s great they are still in college and have bright futures ahead of them.
Here’s a list of the winners:
Best Male Newcomer
Tom Hiddleston (Thor)Best Female Newcomer
Felicity Jones (Like Crazy)Best Comedy
The Inbetweeners MovieBest Horror
Kill ListBest Thriller Presented by Café de Paris
Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyBest Sci-Fi/Fantasy
ThorThe Art Of 3D Presented by RealD
The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The UnicornJameson Best Actor
Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)Best Actress Presented by Citroën
Olivia Colman (Tyrannosaur)Best Director
David Yates (Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows — Part 2)Best British Film
Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyBest Film Presented by Sky Movies
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows — Part 2Empire’s minute-by-minute blog: http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=33488
The acceptance speeches: http://www.empireonline.com/awards2012/video/
Check out this amazing artistic group shot by Sarah Dunn (loving McAvoy and Wilde here): http://www.empireonline.com/awards2012/photos/groupshot/
-
The Hunger Games Premiere
14th March 2012
A bitterly cold evening saw the eagerly anticipated Hunger Games arrive to UK shores…to the Vue cinema at the O2 to be precise. Travelling by ferry, stars (and fans) braved the cold to see what all the fuss is about from the movie hailed as the new Twilight. Apparently 7 seconds had been cut from the film to bring it down to a 12A, so many of us were intrigued as to the end result.
Based on the teen bestseller by Suzanne Collins, the film focuses on a girl called Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). A tough girl, she’s representing her District, number 12, in the 74th Hunger Games in the Capitol, the heart of Panem, a new land that rose from the ruins of a post-apocalyptic North America. To punish citizens for an early rebellion, the rulers require each district to provide one girl and one boy, 24 in all, to fight like gladiators in a futuristic arena. The event is broadcast like reality TV, and the winner returns with wealth for his or her district.
After being hastily shooed down the red carpet, the cinema’s 10 screens were all prepared for guests of the premiere. However, you had to leave your mobile phones behind in order to enter the screen. This is the first time I have ever witnessed this, and apparently Katie Price point-blank refused and stormed out. I was in screen 10, and the audience got to watch red carpet regular interviewer Edith Bowman on the big screen grabbing the cast and crew for exclusive gossip. Leading lady Jennifer Lawrence looked dazzling in a gold shimmering floor length Ralph Lauren dress, similar to the Parabal Gurung creation she wore in LA’s premiere. Elizabeth Banks stole the show for me in a yellow sequin Bill Blass dress (with white fur shrug).
A long time had passed and people were becoming restless, but we realised the reason behind the delay was the cast and crew were introducing themselves and the film in every screen. As ours was the last, it was a very short “Here’s the film, enjoy”. On the way out, I heard Elizabeth Banks say she needed a drink (I love Elizabeth!).
The film itself for me was as bone chilling as the weather outside. My friend on the other hand, who had read all the books, loved it. Maybe I just can’t handle kiddie-killing, neck- breaking, kids being separated from their families-type stuff. I’m interested to know what they did cut out! Well, maybe not… The survival-of-the-fittest game plot reminded me quite like 1980s flick The Running Man but adult-killing seemed to freak me out much less – and I watched this as a child.
I will end with this haunting quote:
May the odds be ever in your favour.
The Hunger Games is released 23rd March 2012
-
Pixi Glow Tinkerbell Makes You Fairy Fabulous!
The eagerly anticipated Tinker Bell collection for Pixi Glow is… finally… here. YES! I hopped, skipped and flew my way to the launch event at Pixi’s flagship store off Carnaby Street to try the gorgeous shimmery shades. And who doesn’t expect glitter with Tink? It’s not garishly bright and overdone like a tween product; it’s sophisticated with colours that I wear on a daily basis. And lest not forget Tink’s pretty pout on the well thought-out design lured me in too…
As I became excitedly surrounded by other bloggers alike, fed and watered with cupcakes and champagne (naturally), the general consensus about the products was a very big two thumbs up. My favourite item has to be the Tinker Bell Magic Tink Tint Lip (£12) - a moisturising balm that adjusts to the pH levels and in turn creates its own shade of pink. And if you like a metallic, shimmering finish you will love the fairytale palette (£32). This palette was inspired by budding roses, berry nectars and dew on the lawn, and features a collection of natural, pigmented, flattering colours, including 5 shimmer shot baked eye shadows, five lip colours from a soft pink to a rich berry hue and a three part blusher for a flush of colour. The palette comes with a mirror, mini blusher brush, dual ended lip brush and a sponge eye shadow brush. It’s the perfect compact to carry in your handbag!
After trying everything on, I think I look fairy perfect!
Petra, the brains behind the Pixi brand, explains how she came from inspiration to creation in her blog: http://www.petrapersonally.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/pixiglow-inspiration-to-creation.html
“This project certainly was different from anything I’ve ever worked on before. To take an iconic, much-loved Disney character and combine that with our brand philosophy at Pixi, incorporating the two into a collection that was both true to Tinker Bell & us, was a challenge that I thrived on and I loved every second of it.”
Shop now at http://www.pixibeauty.co.uk/
or at Boots stores
-
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Premiere
7th February, 2012
A bitterly cold night did not stop the charms of this Indian themed red carpet premiere brighten up the evening. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has a dream team of veteran actors – Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie. Set in Jaipur, the characters cross paths at the Hotel, designed “for the elderly and beautiful” to retire. So naturally this film should have the wonderfully talented Dev Patel as the hotel manager. Newcomer Tena Desae is his love interest and they exude chemistry.
Synopsis:
Seven retirees decide to leave England and relocate to the sunny climes of India. Graham (Tom Wilkinson) is a high court judge who decides to call it quits and return to the country of his childhood. Evelyn (Judi Dench) is adjusting to life as a widower. Jean (Penelope Wilton) and her long-suffering husband Douglas (Bill Nighy) decide to uproot after a failed financial investment whilst Madge (Celia Imrie ) and Norman (Ronald Pickup) look to find companionship. Muriel (Maggie Smith) is in need of a hip replacement and is reluctantly persuaded to go abroad for a cheaper and quicker operation. Enter Sonny (Dev Patel), the enthusiastic owner of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in India. Although the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, the retirees are forever transformed by their experiences.
Hob Nobs were on offer instead of the standard popcorn to keep with the theme of the film (you’ll have to watch it to find out!) and Director John Madden introduced the film with Dev Patel and Tena Desae – watch the introductions below:
I found this film charming, witty and heartfelt throughout. It’s a movie that’s hard to dislike and a great British Drama/Comedy that shouldn’t be missed.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is in cinemas 24th February 2012
-
The London Whisperer Celebrates its 5th Birthday!
An amazing five years have flown by here at The London Whisperer HQ, and what better way to celebrate than to have a pop stars themed party - with SodaStream providing the ‘pop’!
SodaStream’s Fizz Drinks Makers in party perfect colours provided fellow bloggers and friends (who turned up in their pop idol’s outfits) the opportunity to create their own healthy non/alcoholic cocktails, using a variety of tantalising flavours such as Cherry, Lemonade, Orange and Peach…but also for the more health-conscious, the Clear varieties (free from any artificial flavours, colourings or sweeteners) ranging from Green Tea Lychee to Kiwi Pear. Check out the picture of their cocktail recipes for a fizz-tastic bash.
The funky new fizz makers are also designed to tell you how much fizziness is going into your drink and also when you need a CO2 top-up – guests were most impressed!
Tossed were on hand to give our guests wraps and salads galore – what a feast!
There was a karaoke room where the ‘stars’ belted out their hits and a ‘stage’ was set where they could strike a pose. American style red party cups, pop music, balloons, glitter and decorations added to the fun.
With big thanks to SodaStream and Tossed.
-
What a Re-Treat at The Show Space’s Pamper Parlour for Pre LFW!
2nd February, 2012
Held at the Red Bull Studios in London, this special event had me magically transformed from drab to fab in over an hour! The Show Space’s intentions are to get you runway-ready in time for the international Fashion Weeks, with a host of complimentary treatments from Maybelline New York, St.Tropez, L’Oréal Professionnel, RUSH, Blink Brow Bar, KeraStraight and Chi Yu – all with a unique Fashion Week twist.
The Show Space are already heavily involved in fashion show production and model casting for London Fashion Week, which led Director Nikki Sheldon to conceive the idea of Show Space Re-Treat, knowing that at this time of year a treat is needed. Models must look their best ahead of castings, journalists and stylists need to prepare for the front row, and the fashion crowd all need some calm before the storm.
Walking into the building was like walking into Aladdin’s Cave. On the left: hair styling amongst ping pong tables and video games; a photo booth; rails of Pepe Jeans (a sneak peek to their upcoming collection) and a bar for Sweetbird Smoothies and Häagen-Dazs treats. To my right: the Blink station; Maybelline manicurist and a Maybelline MUA and a pic ‘n’ mix station, which I thought was stuffed full of sweetie goods, but was actually Maybelline products! Such a delightful concept. Downstairs had spray tanning more blow drying. With my goody bag in tow, (and the best one I’ve seen in a long time – it had everything I needed!) it was time to get pampering.
With such an array of treatments to choose from, I opted for:
The St Tropez Ethereal Tan
One of the original Fashion Week tanning trends that gave birth to the St. Tropez skin illuminators. The Ethereal Tan adopts a ghostly sheen and finish to my skin after a light coat of our bronzing mist solution has been applied.
Blink Eyebrow threading and lash strip application
A brow consultation from the Blink experts and then sculpting my eyebrows to the ideal shape for my face. Now with neat run-way ready brows I choose from a selection of eyelash styles to achieve my favoured fashion-fluttery look.I’ve always loved Blink’s service and eyebrows help define your face – it’s a must!
L’Oréal and Rush Hair -Tumbling Curls
…expertly crafted in no time using tongs or ghds creating a soft, bohemian look.
The result?
I look a hundred times better than my windswept previous self when I first came in. I’m glowing, my hair is fabulous and my eyes ‘pop’ from under that bushy brow I once had!
And what better way to capture this fabulous moment than to take a picture in The Mighty Booth photo booth. Picture perfect!
It’s been great to discover what goes on behind the scenes for Fashion Week and how much effort is put in to making each model look fabulous and the types of products insiders use to make it all come together.
Website: www.theshowspacelondon.com
Facebook: TheShow SpaceLondon
Twitter: @TheShowSpace
