Notting Hill Carnival is Paradise for photographers, working in any genre.  A mix of street and glam provides tons  of entertainment for crowds of onlookers.  It’s all about colour, energy and Caribbean culture.

Spirit of Notting Hill Carnival.  Photo © Eugenie Absalom

Pina Colada From Pineapples.  Photo © Eugenie Absalom

View my Notting Hill Carnival 2011 photos on Demotix

by Eugenie Absalom

]]> http://eugenieabsalom.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/rip-amy-winehouse/feed/ 0 eugenieabsalom Amy Winehouse Floral Shrine with Photograph © Eugenie Absalom Sean Burtenshaw with Amy Winehouse Portrait © Eugenie Absalom Amy Winehouse Lookalike © Eugenie Absalom http://eugenieabsalom.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/150th-exhibition-of-the-society-of-women-artists-london-2/ http://eugenieabsalom.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/150th-exhibition-of-the-society-of-women-artists-london-2/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:49:33 +0000 Eugenie Absalom http://eugenieabsalom.wordpress.com/?p=400 ]]> 150th Exhibition of The Society of Women Artists – London.

HRH Princess Michael of Kent is viewing Tom Chilton portrait by Caroline de Peyrecave. © Eugenie Absalom

HRH Princess Michael of Kent, The Society of Women Artists Patron

officially opened the 150th Celebratory SWA Exhibition

at The Mall Galleries on the 29th June.

Over 500 works in all media – paintings, sculpture along with original prints, etchings and ceramics by professional women artists are on show in The Mall till the 9th July 2011.

A retrospective exhibition in the East Gallery is celebrating the work of prominent women artists who played an important role in the development and life of the Society, including Dame Laura Knight.

Artist Arina Gordienko (ARINA) next to her Self Portrait in Colours at the Mall Galleries. © Eugenie Absalom

One of participating artists, Arina Gordienko (ARINA), who’s striking Self Portraits in Colours can hardly be missed by exhibition visitors, shares her experience: “I am really honoured to be a part of the Society of Women Artists exhibition. I became a full member of the society in 2010.
This is the 4th time my paintings have been displayed at the Annual exhibition of the Society of Women Artists at the Mall Galleries. And I am always thrilled and I really enjoy the creative atmosphere of the event. This year’s 150th Anniversary of the Society of Women Artists was opened by HRH Princess Michael of Kent and it was particularly magnificent with a fabulous variety of genuinely talented works by women artists from all over the world.”

Angela Rippon OBE next to her oil portrait by Caroline de Peyrecave at The Lady Taverners art night. © Eugenie Absalom

The Lady Taverners charity celebration of the 150th Society of Women Artists anniversary on the 30th June brought together sponsor Barbara Minto, Angela Rippon OBE, auctioneer David Fletcher, and artists and numerous guests at The Mall Galleries. It was the first venture of The Lady Taverners into the art world.

Live demonstrations of sculpting by award-winning portrait sculptor Hazel Reeves and portrait painting by Caroline de Peyrecave were much appreciated by guests of the evening.

Artist Caroline de Peyrecave is painting oil portrait of Angela Rippon at The Mall Galleries. © Eugenie Absalom

Auctioneer David Fletcher worked hard to raise funds, selling art works, donated by artists, in aid of charity that aims to “give young people, particularly those with special needs, a sporting chance”.

Supported by Barbara Minto, Angela Rippon OBE (President of The Lady Taverners), Barbara Penketh Simpson (President of the SWA) and artist Jean Haines, the night presented a rare opportunity to mix with artists and celebrities in informal atmosphere, enhanced by female artists display.

Sponsor Barbara Minto and sculptor Hazel Reeves at work. © Eugenie Absalom

The exhibition is open to the public from 30 June to 9 July 2011 (closing at 1pm on the final day).

The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, SW1

News and photos by Eugenie Absalom

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The Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet of 1911 Rolls-Royce at Salon Privé 2011.  © Eugenie Absalom

Salon Privé

The Luxury Super Car Event & Concours D’ Élégance

22 – 24 June 2011

The 6th Salon Privé  luxury super car show took place at spectacular 200 acre Syon House and Park, the London home of the Duke of Northmberland,  this year.   Founded by Bagley brothers, Salon Privé has been held at The Hurlingham Club for 5 consecutive years.  It has grown into one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated social events in the UK.

With the 15th century Syon House as a backdop the Salon  featured over 120 super and classic cars as well as 20 classic motorcycles.

“We’ve confirmed a number of UK debuts and many other very special vehicles,”- said Salon Privé Co-Founder David Bagley.  “What’s more, we’ve substantially added to the event this year. Guests can now actually drive some of the cars on the super car lawn and we now have a bespoke, “Quintessentially English” RM Auction, truly adding to the interactivity.”

Salon Privé Founders Andrew and David Bagley at The Hurlingham Club.  © Eugenie Absalom

100 years of the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot on the bonnet of Rolls-Royce cars added a new dimension to 2011 Salon Privé. The vintage 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost joined the centenary celebrations of the Flying Lady figurine by Charles Sykes.

Rainy spells on Boodles Ladies Day did not stop enthusiasm around the Best-Dressed Lady Award, though abundance of umbrellas made the choise of finalists even more difficult for the judges.  The Boodles Prize went to the contestant in a deep pink hat and orange coat, who made it to Salon Privé all the way from Mexico.  The winner received a £7 500 diamond “Raindance” ring from Michael Wainright, CEO of Boodles.

Tracy Rose, finalist of Boodles Best-Dressed Lady Award at Salon Privé 2011. © Eugenie Absalom

Click on the images to view Salon Privé 2011 photos.

Sponsored by Chubb Insurance, Boodles, Pommery Champagne, Audemars Piguet and Vertu, Salon Prive added Waldorf Astoria Hotel of Syon Park to the list of luxury brands that it closely works with this year.

News and Photos by Eugenie Absalom

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The winner of Radio Monte Carlo 2011 dress code competition.

With two weeks remaining before the major equestrian event of  the year – Ascot racecourse tercentenary in mid June, Radio Monte Carlo Grand Prix 2011 took place at the Central Moscow Hippodrome.

A special prize of a designer hat was at stake for the best knowledge of the horse racing dress code.  It went to a young blonde lady in pink dress and a matching pair of shoes.  She was wearing an impressive  hat by Irish milliner Philip Treacy, who was hired by Kate Middleton to create headgear for the Royal Wedding party.

Radio Monte Carlo Grand Prix was a kind of Russian Ascot in many ways with brilliant racing horses, live entertainment and stylish outfits.

Read Radio Monte Carlo Grand Prix 2011 news and view my photos on Demotix -

Radio Monte Carlo Grand Prix 2011 horse races – Moscow

Radio Monte Carlo Grand Prix 2011 Styles and Fashions – Moscow 

Radio Monte Carlo Grand Prix 2011 – Moscow

What is the actual Ascot Dress Code  like?   I went through A to Z of Dos and Don’ts in the Royal Ascot Fashion Stakes.  And though it is the Royal Enclosure dress code that is at the heart of Royal Ascot, some of  the rules stood out as an rather universal reminders suitable for any important  occasion:

“Glamorous  - Perceptions of glamour change but the core principle remains the same - being glamorous is about creating an illusion that you lead an enviable life.”

“Happiness  - No outfit would be complete without a beaming bright smile – remember to wear yours and take advantage of your most attractive (and free) feature!”

“Zips Gentlemen, ensure these are always done up.  A simple schoolboy error can spoil even the most distinguished of outfits!”

“Eccentricity   – So there is a dress code… but that doesn’t stop Ascot being the perfect place to show off your own style and express your individual personality (within reason!)”

“Inspiration –  Be inspired by the latest catwalk trends, the season’s colours and contemporary looks.   Show off your own style and become the trendsetter not a follower!”

…And Hats  - Simply the Ascot accessory!  Wear hats straight on the head or tilted mysteriously over one eye.   How a hat looks from the neck up is most important.

Jewellery  - Remember to keep it simple, over accessorising can easily draw the eye away from a classic outfit.

Kids! Dressing up isn’t just for adults.

Paparazzi  - Royal Ascot is one of the “must attend” events for photographers from all over the world.  Literally hundreds of snappers representing the papers and glossies descend on  Ascot every June, and some even photograph the horses!

Feet!  No pain, no gain!  High heels look fabulous but don’t neglect your feet girls!

Vehicular Egress!  Ladies, the easiest way to exit a vehicle is to take a firm hold on the back hem of the skirt, twist your body with your legs together until your legs are toward the exiting door of the vehicle, and then stand.

by Eugenie Absalom

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Read Interview with Philip Firsov at My Russia Redrawn Exhibition 

by Eugenie Absalom

The 3 in 1 exclusive summer party at Chelsea’s Mare Moto restaurant was a farewell to actress, former beauty queen, TV presenter and the recent owner of  Miss Great Britain beauty pageant Liz Fuller, who is leaving United Kingdom for LA.

The party also celebrated the victory by Charlotte Campbell, 23 of  Miss British Model 2011 title.   Charlotte was wearing a stunning white mini dress that showed off her curves and impeccable long legs.

DJ Desire Mcneish, who has his debut single out on 20 May in Italy, entertained the models and VIP guests with cool dance tunes.   DJ Ironik made a celebrity appearance and grooved to DJ Desire Mcneish musical set.

Filmed by Channel 4 and Ganjo Style TV and covered by glossy magazines, this glamorous party on 11 May was a night to remember.

Read the full story and view my photos of 3 in 1 Summer Party on Demotix -

Bon Voyage to Liz Fuller Party – London  

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