“There’d be all-pink dress code and DJ EZ and Heartless Crew would play old-school garage all night,” writes shoe designer extraordinaire Sophia Webster on her ideal knees-up. We’ve already RSVPd…
“Music. Dancing. Cocktails. To my mind, those are the three crucial elements in making your party one that people talk about for years. Add in good friends and a hefty dose of fun and you’re onto a complete winner. In fact, fun really is the most important ingredient. Not just when it comes to events but in every aspect of life. Fun with fashion, for example – I think you have to remember to not take yourself too seriously. You can see that philosophy in my designs; every shoe I create has to be feminine, whimsical and happy. They’re like a party on your feet so where better to wear them?
I’ll be donning something from my Angel Wings collection for New Year’s Eve, or my pink Nicole Fur heels– I believe in going all out with your party look. Although, I won’t lie, on Christmas Day I’ll probably spend the whole time in my slippers. It’s always a cosy affair in the Stockley-Webster household! It just goes to show that a party at home can be just as fun, even if it is more low-key. It’s all about making the effort; I’ve just had a daughter, Bibi, and I’m super excited for her first Christmas, but I also have an eight-year-old stepson, Finnbar so I’m used to making a big deal of it for him (for Christmas present ideas for kids visit, here). We always go overboard with the tree, lights and presents. I have real OCD about wrapping the gifts and am very specific about how the corners are folded, the length of the sellotape and every present’s bow. It takes a worrying amount of precision but it’s attention to detail that always makes such a difference to any kind of event – relaxed or not.
It’s something I thought about alot when I threw a party last December to celebrate my pop-up store in Covent Garden – it was one of the best ones I’ve ever been to! There were hundreds of flowers creeping over the furniture, polka-dot walls and a grass floor. Sasha Keable performed which was really special; her voice is incredible and I love her style. I wore my favourite knitted floral jumper from Comme des Garcons and a matching tutu and absolutely nothing beats partying in that! Not that you need the excuse to wear an amazing outfit if you love it.
The most cherished party that I’ve ever attended, though, was my wedding reception last year when we danced all night with our nearest and dearest. But if I was throwing one this Christmas I’d make sure it was a house party. They’re always the best. I’d curate a playlist full of classics – everything from Luther Vandross to Whitney and Beyoncé. Then once the party was really going I’d get some old-school garage DJs in like DJ EZ or Heartless Crew. I’d serve tropical drinks in candy colours and top them all off with cocktail umbrellas. And best of all, I’d enforce an all-pink dress code!”
For more fabulous accessories by Sophia Webster, visit sophiawebster.co.uk
