Inside the towering Victorian former Magistrates court, a fresh chapter in The World of Interiors’ 40-year history was celebrated. Dressed in a verdant green, peak-lapelled Gucci jacket (a reimagined classic from Alessandro Michele’s 100th-anniversary collection), Bowles welcomed everyone into the hotel’s decorative arts interior. The dinner was graciously supported by Gucci, as Bowles felt the house and his World of Interiors align: “We both celebrate the past, we embrace the present, and we hope to anticipate the future.” His new position cut as perfectly as said jacket. “I’ve adored The World of Interiors since the very first issue, which appeared in November 1981,” said Bowles, attracted to its eclectic magic and its particular POV. He would save his student grant money “just to lavish one pound fifty on it.”
The evening’s dress code read ‘festive,’ and fashion was also out in force to fete Bowles. Alexa Chung (accompanied by her partner, the Perudo aficionado Orson Fry), interpreted this as a citrine bra-top and pencil skirt by Gucci, and a powder puff of white feathers. Still on a high from his fantastic LFW show (which was movingly serenaded by Sam Smith), the statuesque Harris Reed towered in lace bell-bottoms from his own collection. Christopher Kane and partner Massimiliano di Battista chatted with Erdem Moralioglu, who was joined with his husband, design architect Philip Joseph of P. Joseph—their Georgian townhouse is also profiled in the issue. Artist Faye Weiwei gave youthful verve in an ice blue Miu Miu party frock.
With Bowles choosing a detail shot as his first cover (the vibrant rose desk of guest Gregoire Marot), you could say it’s all in the accessories. Kate Moss glowed with Rive Gauche simplicity in a white palazzo pantsuit but accessorized with eye-catching chandelier earrings and a vintage diamond snake necklace.
After spending 30 years in New York, Bowles said, “its tremendously exciting coming back to London and realizing how many old and new friends are here.” Guests from the actual world of interiors—Rose Uniake, Sophie Ashby, Caroline Irving, Duncan Campbell, and Luke Edward Hall—mixed with ones from the arts. Dominic West and Catherine Fitzgerald were in attendance, as were Alex Sharp and Eiza Gonzalez.
Also in attendance was Albert Read, Managing Director of Conde Nast Britain, and several of Bowles’s fellow editors and contributors from the Conde Nast community—Tania Compton, Richard Dennen, Allegra Hicks, Gianluca Longo—all of whom were in universal agreement that the inaugural issue from Bowles and team was as brilliant as chic. Yes, the brewing excitement for the first issue has been palpable. Wintour humored: “Would Hamish print it on lavender pages? How many sections would he devote to his analysis of collecting vintage couture? And would he actually come into the office or just Zoom in from far-off locations?”
After cocktails were served, guests migrated to the maximalist orangery, where Wintour further welcomed everyone. “I think one of Hamish’s most charming qualities is his inability to say ‘no’ to any assignment. Bending time and space to complete reporting in Tangier, or here in London, or Los Angeles all at the same time, he will find a way to do it,” said Wintour. “He’s game for everything.” Bowles’s sense of the erudite and adventure are unparalleled, from discovering glorious houses and gardens, to Kim Kardashian profiles to learning to drive a Formula 1 car with Jensen Button. “Hamish Bowles is the consummate citizen of the world, a man who needs a whole world to contain him,” Wintour added.
A toast was raised to Bowles, and a dinner of roast chicken breast, stuffed with foie gras, black truffle, and turnips was devoured with gusto, followed by a dark chocolate crème fraiche ice cream. Like the launch issue, the chat was joyful and idiosyncratic. With the loosening of travel restrictions, conversation traversed Harbour Island to Burning Man festival (Laura Burlington is bringing its giant sculptures to the rolling hills of Chatsworth this spring, and it is where table mates Jay Jopling and Yana Peel had last bumped into each other). Zadie Smith and Erdem Moralioglu caught up on their current reading lists. Pertinent matters were shared amongst friends. Jasper Conran, who has nobly raised awareness about child cruelty in the UK (and fundraising over social media), shared the greater work he is now doing with the NSPCC.
When (hackney) carriages were called, Bowles made his goodbyes and declared, “what an exciting new adventure this going to be!” And what better way to celebrate the exquisite interior world (proffered by him and team) than stepping out into the chilly exterior after a special evening. The glossy new issue in hand.
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