GQSTYLE CELEBRATES ISSUE 25 WITH A MEMORABLE LAUNCH PARTY
Photographs by James Mason
So what was looking like a fairly standard week, was suddenly made significantly more exciting when this little gem of an invitation popped up in my inbox! An evening celebrating the latest issue of the UK’s best mens fashion and lifestyle publication, surrounded by male models with a sprinkling of celebrities? Oh go on then!
It was the launch party for issue 25 of GQStyle Magazine. We were to be hosted by none other than award-winning GQ Magazine Editor Dylan Jones OBE; Vanessa Kingori MBE, who is about to become the Publishing Director of British Vogue and GQStyle Editor; the flamboyant Luke Day.
What to wear?! Full on glam or go cool in casuals? I had a busy day of shooting editorials planned beforehand, so I decided to go understated, and channel a bit of ‘Top Gun chic’. I wore my khaki jumpsuit by The Kooples; (a brand that can do no wrong in my eyes at the moment) – teamed with gold Diane Von Furstenburg heels; my Esin Akan gold clutch and some full-on disco earrings from Zara. I added a slick of lipgloss, grabbed my new gay best friend, also known as ‘The Psychic Stylist’ as my wingman, and headed off to party.
What a great night! The evening was held at 18Montrose, the innovative fashion and lifestyle concept store in the trendy Granary Square area of Kings Cross, which was transformed with huge backlit images from the magazine. We sipped delicious Haig Club cocktails, (my favourite was the Clubman and Cola Old Fashioned), people watched, and caught up with friends old and new.
Many were dressed to impress, led by Editor Luke Jeffersen Day in one of his trademark seventies-inspired colourful silk shirts, which he wore with plenty of chest and a medallion on display. Dylan Jones OBE stood out from the crowd but played it safe in a nondescript royal blue suit, while Fashion Designer Henry Holland oozed urban cool in a grey slogan hoody, black biker jacket and his usual statement black specs. Vanessa Kingori MBE looked elegant in an understated but beautifully cut Bottega Veneta black midi dress.
Other attendees included a fresh-faced Tom Daley, singers Fleur East and Vanessa White – the latter looking elegant in a tuxedo-style tailored suit by Manchester-based designer Zeynep Kartal – and TV personality Darren Kennedy, who looked relaxed and effortless in a slogan tee and stunning shearling jacket by Sandro Homme.
The most stylish guests of the evening though, were undoubtedly the plethora of male models who were giving everyone a masterclass in sartorial style. Notably amongst them, Isaac Carew wore head to toe Burberry sketch print, perfectly complemented by a fresh white tee and converse, while Oliver Spencer embraced the heritage trend, wearing a very ‘of the moment’ double breasted Saville Row suit in a Prince of Wales check.
The DJ was on fine form, playing everyones favourite dance tunes and it wasn’t long before the fashionista air-kissing gave way to some – at times – furious dancing. A great time was had by all!
The Autumn Winter issue of GQStyle is available to purchase now at newsstands or download online.
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