On Thursday evening the fashion set descended upon the exclusive party spot, Chiltern House, for Vogue and Self-Portrait’s yearly summer party. Now in its third year running, it’s fast become renowned for its VIP guest list and sparkly dresses outfitted by the cult London-based label, with fans including everyone from Beyoncé to the Princess of Wales.
This year the event was co-hosted by US model, podcaster and author Emily Ratajkowski, who wore a stunning sleek black gown with cut-outs down the midriff. Also in attendance was global pop star Shakira, who acknowledged the unofficial ‘more is more glitter’ dress code, with a diamante-encrusted Coperni bag and black satin trousers and Y2K-style halter top.
Together, the pair were spotted dancing with British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, and this month’s cover star TV presenter Maya Jama (wearing a floor-skimming, figure-hugging black dress with a jewel-adorned bust). Other A-list spottings include Leonardo Dicaprio, designer Ricardo Tisci and actor Damson Idris, the latter of whom wore a chic beige Prada suit.
Rita Ora also surprised the crowd with an impromptu performance – delighting guests to exclusive sneak-peaks to tracks off her new album ‘You & I’, out today. The singer took to the stage repping the popular naked dressing trend, showing zero signs of waning anytime soon, wearing a beaded mini dress and silver ankle boots.
With Barbiemania at full throttle across the capital, too, a few of the blockbuster’s stars attended in suitable theme. Issa Rae, for instance, wowed in a Barbiecore-approved pink two-piece, while Hari Nef opted for an understated white, and sheer off-the-shoulder gown following her internet-breaking Dilara FindokoÄlu’s “Joan’s Knives” dress at the film’s London premiere earlier this week.
“Our annual summer party is going from strength to strength and it was so touching to have so many of the world’s leading talents join Edward, Emily and I to celebrate British creativity tonight,” said Han Chong, Self-Portraits founder and creative director of the night. “London is self-portrait’s home, and we had such an incredible time bringing everyone who has made an impact on our creative landscape together for a night that we won’t forget for a long time.”