Vogue100 Celebrated Heritage British Design with a Dinner Hosted by Asprey and Tabitha Simmons

Vogue's Tabitha Simmons and Darcy Rigas.

Hippolyte Petit/BFA.com

On the eve of the first spring 2024 collection debuts in London, Asprey and Vogue’s Tabitha Simmons hosted an exclusive evening with Vogue100. To kick off London Fashion Week, the iconic heritage brand welcomed guests to the flagship store on Bruton Street for an exclusive cocktail party.

Stepping into the plush boutique adorned in an ornate palette of pastels could only be compared to walking into a life-size jewel box. Founded in 1781, Asprey is one of the oldest luxury houses in the world. Known for its floral-inspired high jewelry, exotic handbags, immaculate leather goods, and sporting trophies for elite events like Wimbledon and the Dubai World Championship, the British brand fuses traditional taste with contemporary design.

Asprey’s chairman, John Rigas, and his wife, Darcy Rigas, walked guests through the one-of-a-kind collections and new treatures that decorated the floor. Once the clock struck 8 PM, a purple carpet revealed the on-theme path to dinner. Of course, a gorgeous glass case styled with an Asprey sterling silver shaker and diamond jewelry served as hostess stand for one night only at the famous brasserie, Bellamy’s. From gold-and-silver egg salt and pepper shakers to the Asprey-purple lampshades, the inviting and inventive tablescapes were masterminded by local art director Max Hurd.

The founder of Glimpse Guides, Jordan Rhodes, mingled with Saville Row designer Daisy Knatchbull, while Diya Jatia and Barbora Trnkova chatted with artist Eleanor Fletcher. Nearby, Vogue s Ian Malone fawned over the elaborate bar cart, which was playfully dressed with a hallmarked lion, tiger, and badger (oh my!) sterling silver decanter along with a set of sapphire Champagne flutes.

Bubbly in hand, guests excitedly settled into their seats before Rigas rose to say a few words. While Rigas was mid-sentence, a ringing noise from an Asprey gold telephone abruptly interrupted his speech. “It’s the King!” Rigas jokingly proclaimed, to the crowd’s surprise and delight. “He s coming for the after-party!”

After the impromptu and almost believable skit, guests were treated to a decadent menu of artichoke hearts, abundant caviar, and a choice between Dover sole and a fillet of beef. The evening equally felt like a friends and fashion folk reunion and a renaissance of London’s legacy luxury brand in one moment. The fête was a fitting way to start a week dedicated to Britain’s most notable fashion names and the next generation of emerging talent.