I had a pretty busy week last week juggling modelling work and theatre meetings and trying to find time to write for this blog! I still managed to get out on Friday night for a drink as I was invited to attend The Old Vic 12's Twelve Event. Although this was a networking event for theatre creatives, it was also a great excuse to dress up and have a glass (or two) of complimentary alcohol (as stated in a previous blog post, my favourite kind). Who says work can't be fun?!
I struggled a little bit choosing an outfit as I wasn't entirely sure how formal the event would be. I knew it wouldn't be a black-tie, sit down meal with canapes and champagne type of evening but I also knew it wasn't going to be a scruffy t-shirt and jeans type of vibe either. I wanted to wear something that felt effortless and chic but with a slightly unusual edge as it was a networking event after all, and I wanted to show my personality and be memorable.
I came to the conclusion that wearing a dressed up take on jeans and a t-shirt was the safest and best option. That way if everyone else was dressed casually I could be too by de-layering, but if I wore a statement jacket it would instantly make the look more formal. I decided to build the outfit around my amazing vintage orange jacket. I bought it ages ago from a vintage shop in Manchester and I remember seeing it and instantly falling in love with it. I didn't have a reason or place to wear it but I knew that it was a beautiful item to own. It really added a summer feel to this look and the orange printed fabric is to die for! It was a great choice because I got a lot of compliments and it was a great conversation starter on the night.
I decided to keep the rest of the outfit simple and casual. I wore my favourite white t-shirt by All Saints which is a silk blend making it super soft, comfortable and breezy. Nothing beats a white tee and it is a must-have for any summer wardrobe. I'd recommend getting a nicely fitted one which is made out of a relatively thin material so it still looks good if you tuck it in and you can layer it up easily. I teamed it with a pair of blue jeans by Cheap Monday which are a perfect summer shade, although I did spill red wine on them (Oops!), and finished it off with white Superga trainers to pull the whole look together and give me a bit of height. The accessories were simple too, and I wore a necklace made by my talented sister, Ella, to match the blue of the jeans and a gorgeous patent bag by Vivienne Westwood (similar here).
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Old Vic 12, it is a mentoring and development scheme for the next generation of theatre makers led by The Old Vic Theatre in London. Each year they pick twelve participants who are at the forefront of their field to encourage them to collaborate with one another and take part in workshops with industry professionals to make invaluable connections and learn. This event allowed each of the twelve members to invite another twelve people who they collaborate with to network with one another. I was invited by designer and performance maker, Moi Tran, who I've been in talks with to collaborate on a project.
The event itself was held at The Old Vic Workrooms in one of the theatre rehearsal spaces. It was a lovely, simple evening where everyone just stood around and chatted to one another. It helped to have a few familiar faces in the room to begin with but everyone introduced acquaintances to their groups and soon the conversation was flowing. It was nice to know that everyone was there for the same reason and worked within the same industry, I spoke to so many varied people from producers to movement directors, actors and film makers. It was also interesting to see what the faces of future theatre look like. It was definitely a great event to attend and I feel very privileged to have been invited.
