I have always loved vintage chic – my car is a 1950’s style Chrysler, my china is 1930’s to 1950’s and my personal fashion style which draws inspiration from these eras. As a couture designer, the skills I use to create a dress for a special occasion such as a New Year’s party go back to another century when ladies had their clothes handmade by dressmakers. Then there was no instant fix and every garment had to be carefully planned to allow time for fittings and all those hours of work.

If you too are into retro then you will love the chance to dress up for a Vintage New Year’s Eve Party at the Southbank when the Royal Festival Hall will be transformed into five floors of immersive entertainment. Each floor will have a pop-up vintage nightclub that will take you back in time with music from the 1920’s through to the 1990’s so pick your decade. There will be dancing, cabaret, stylish dining, a hair and beauty salon (so you can put the finishing touches to your look), walkabout entertainers, photo studios and a private terrace overlooking the Thames, perfect for viewing the New Year fireworks on the river. What more could a vintage fan want at New Year!

Elizabeth wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture 1950’s style dress

Elizabeth’s Collection of Vintage china

If you are in town, get the chance to look at the Christmas windows with their elaborately staged sets. Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Liberty’s and Fortnum & Mason all compete on a grand scale. No expense is spared and viewing the spectacular results is free.

Handbeading an Elizabeth Bessant couture dress

Already in my diary of Christmas events is the Kew Gardens illuminations. These beautiful gardens have had an incredible makeover with over a million fairy lights illuminating trees and buildings.

Visitors will be led along a twinkling trail of singing trees, a flickering fire garden, kaleidoscope projections and giant flora inspired lights. Santa and his elves will be there for the children, while adults can take advantage of festive shopping, seasonal snacks and mulled wine.

However you choose to celebrate, have a wonderful time and if there are any fun photos I would love to see them.