The second annual Vogue World event saw stars from film, music, and––of course––fashion descend on London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a one-night-only show featuring Kate Moss, FKA Twigs, Stormzy, Annie Lennox, Sienna Miller, and supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington (among many others!).
Here, Vogue Club members Kayla Stern, Nikesh Gudka, and Karen Armstrong share their Vogue World journals from inside the event…
Kayla Stern
Where are you from?
My family is from South Florida, but I live in New York City. I’m currently studying in Florence, Italy for the semester at Polimoda.
What do you do?
I’m studying Fashion Business Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I also interned as a buyer at Alexander Wang before moving to Italy—my dream is to intern with Vogue next summer.
How long have you been a Vogue Club member?
I’ve been a Vogue Club member for a year.
You attended Vogue World: London. Tell us about your evening.
This was by far my favorite Vogue event. When I showed up, there was a huge red carpet where paparazzi were anxiously awaiting celebrity guests. I sipped some champagne, tried a cocktail at The Don Julio 1942 Bar, and had a nibble at The Burberry Grand Saloon.
I had a peek at the merchandise from Coach, Erdem, and Blooming Haus Flower Carts, along with Fortnum and Mason’s Sweet Shop, Pasticceria San Carlo Baci Di Dama—and my personal favorite, the Estée Lauder Powder Room, where I picked out a new powder and lipstick.
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The show was an amazing combination of musical theater, video, fashion, and dance combined into one magical performance. Afterwards, I attended a cocktail party where I saw some of my favorite actors along with Vogue editors and fellow Vogue Club members before closing my evening with dinner and cocktails at The Ivy.
What did you wear?
I paired an Alice + Olivia Velia mini dress with black satin kitten heels and added a Gucci Matelassé Mini Bag. It gave a very classic Chanel vibe—with Stacey Bendet’s favorite sparkly embellished touches.
Did you meet any of the Vogue team?
I caught up with Concetta Ciarlo, whom I met at my first event last year and have seen at every event since. She is always so welcoming and kind—it’s very special as a student to be able to connect with Vogue editors I look up to.
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What was your favorite moment of Vogue World?
My absolute favorite was when the iconic supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista walked out at the end of the show. As someone studying fashion, it was a remarkable moment to witness such a historic moment. Vogue World went above and beyond to have an extraordinary show—one that also raised money for arts and cultural organizations in London—and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.
Who was your favorite celebrity sighting of the night?
There were too many to pick, but the cast of Bridgerton, along with Dove Cameron and Jared Leto (let us never forget his Met Gala cat costume)—and of course the one and only Anna Wintour—were standouts.
Nikesh Gudka
Where are you from?
London.
What do you do?
During the day I work in healthcare but the rest of my time is spent blogging on runway shows, fashion business, attending fashion weeks and helping with styling.
How long have you been a Vogue Club member?
Since May 2023.
You attended Vogue World: London! Tell us about your evening!
I arrived at the venue at my allocated time slot and joined my fellow Vogue and fashion lovers in excitedly soaking up the atmosphere around the Covent Garden, while model-spotting where we could! Upon entry, the first thing we enjoyed was the wonderful rose garden-esque red carpet experience which was resplendent with hanging foliage and a lively band.
Having taken more than a few snaps by this point, the Theater Royal foyer staff welcomed us indoors with enticing treats and concessions (I was practically addicted to the biscuits in the Vogue tins!). Brands such as Coach and Pleasing also created fun areas where complimentary gifts were offered. I treated myself to a couple of Alhuwalia and SS Daley cocktails before being summoned by Sir Ian McKellen to take my seat. Not wanting to feel the wrath of such a legendary thespian I made my way to my seat and remained transfixed by the Big Ben screen that counted down the start of the show.
So the show itself… wow! It started with a bang and continued with that energy all the way through! Kate Moss and Galliano as a starter is a course that would whet any appetite! FKA Twigs and Stormzy provided a distinctively British flavour to proceedings although the pièce de résistance was the emergence of Annie Lennox to the pulsating synths of that all-time Eurythmics hit… Having the supers close out the show was the icing on the already scrummy cake.
After all that, myself and some fellow Vogue Club members pored over our favourite moments in person and shared our thoughts online with those who weren’t able to attend.
What did you wear?
As this was a pure celebration of British talent and culture I wanted to be bold in both colour palette and cut. At the same time I wanted to highlight younger designers who have taken the fashion world by storm over the last few years.
I achieved this by making the centrepiece of my outfit an oversized corduroy blazer by Kid Super. I paired it with a pair of Rick Owens iridescent Cargobelas which I had earmarked for the event for months! To complete the look I wore a white Jacquemus tank top to balance all that colour and wore Lanvin Curb sneakers as a perfect symbol of my love of streetwear and luxury fashion. Finally, my trusted Bottega Veneta Cassette was my bag of choice.
Did you meet any of the Vogue team?
I didn’t meet any of the Vogue team at the event, but I was caught up in the excitement of meeting new people from different spheres–including a fair few Vogue Club members!
What was your favorite moment of Vogue World?
Such a tough one! Being honest, it was meeting such joyous, risk-taking and fun people who love fashion as much as I do. To me that opportunity was priceless! As for the show…it was Sophie Okonedo performing in Vivienne Westwood which was as impeccable as a pastry from Cedric Grolet.
Who was your favorite celebrity sighting of the night?
I’ve seen quite a few celebrities in my fashion-loving life. Sightings no longer morph me into the gloopy mess I would become in the past… However, I’ve grown up with Kate Winslet, so that was a treat for sure!
Karen Armstrong
Where are you from?
I am originally from Mexico City, and I am currently based in NYC.
What do you do?
I am a Fashion Designer Creative Director. I founded Atelier Ancestro in 2018, a luxury brand ever inspired by the understatedly-chic. Our collections are made with luxury materials –like brass, gold and one-of-a-kind textiles– to create heirloom pieces with a romantic flair. We are hosting a showroom during Paris Fashion Week and living for these fast-paced September Fashion Week days!
How long have you been a Vogue Club member?
I joined Vogue Club in April 2022! The first event I attended was the Met Gala Party in New York City that same year and it’s been the most amazing ride since. From incredible events, to the community of fellow fashion lovers, Vogue Club is the gift that keeps on giving!
You attended Vogue World: London! Tell us about your evening!
It’s a Vogue World and we’re all living in it! I landed in London the night before, excited (and a little jet lagged) for the chicest night in this season s fashion schedule!
The streets were heaving with anticipation as I made my way to London s West End towards a billboard reading: “Vogue World: London. Opening Night.” I walked the glamorous, rose-filled red carpet surrounded by street photographers capturing the night’s arrivals.
Inside, we were immediately welcomed into a Vogue World dream. All corners were filled with guests dressed in the best of British fashion from Alexander McQueen to David Koma!
Elegant waiters walked around carrying trays filled with delicious canapés and chic souvenirs: Think Coach pashminas and Vogue tins. My favorite element was the selfie-inducing powder room transformed by Estée Lauder into a gifting suite. Makeup touch-ups and my new favorite lip shade (836 Matte Love Bite) were all to be found in a fashionable Vogue World box!
It wouldn’t be Vogue, if we didn’t have a mini Vogue Club reunion. I loved spotting fellow members (now friends!) from all over the world and catching up over some bubbly pre-show drinks.
Once the door call was announced, I took my seat and watched the celebrity tables below in the stalls fill up. First in, were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, followed by Alexa Chung and Victoria Beckham! Before long, the whole floor was a flashy affair, filled with A-listers dressed in the most exquisite gowns.
The show opened with Kate Moss (my forever my girl crush!), later a skit with the best of Britain’s talent on display, including James McAvoy and Sienna Miller with her cute baby bump.
And then THE finale! As if Annie Lennox taking the stage with "God Save the World" (making all the celebrities stand from their seats) wasn’t enough, The Supers walking out–as if straight from the September issue–caused uproar and was a moment for the fashion history books! I am still waking up from that magical Vogue World dream!
What did you wear?
I prepared for the soirée with a Caudalie mask, Peter Roth eye patches and gold hair accessories placed within my deconstructed braids. I wore an Ulla Johnson Runway Dress and a Headpiece and French Pins from my collection. I finished the look with Louboutin shoes and my lucky Chanel bag.
Did you meet any of the Vogue team?
I loved seeing familiar Vogue team faces and seeing them in action (Hi, Concetta!). I also had the opportunity to meet Anna Wintour after the show, which is the dream of any fashion lover!
What was your favorite moment of Vogue World?
I was mesmerized by the perfect balance of art and fashion on stage, a Vogue moment at its finest. Once Annie Lennox took the stage it was electric. The Supers walked out was the truest of fashion dreams! Seeing Naomi, Cindy, Christy and Linda close the show was breathtaking.
Who was your favorite celebrity sighting of the night?
It was a star studded night. After the show, at the chic Burberry Bar, I met the talented Nicola Coughlan and Charithra Chandran from Bridgerton. We had a good laugh after realizing we all went to catholic school with mutual memories reminiscent of Nicola’s Derry Girls show. I loved Nicola’s Harris Reed gown and headpiece and Charithra’s Emilia Wickstead sequined dress.
Thank you Vogue for an unforgettable night! Can t wait to catch up with all my Vogue Club family soon!