Ray's Gigs

Daily news and reviews of gigs bars clubs restaurants product launches films theatre fashion shows books art galleries hotels competitions interesting places to visit ...and much more!

Wednesday 19 June 2024.

Wednesday 19 June 2024. 7.30pm to 10.15pm. NAOMI CAMPBELL private view x V & A Summer Party, South Kensington, London SW7. A big crowd of around 800 guests here. Held in their outside garden space , by the water. A high fashion event , with some stunning outfits. Lots of well known names here including Grace Jones, Kate Moss , Edward Enninful, Katherine Jenkins, Anthony Joshua, Judi Love, Daphne Guinness, Floella Benjamin , Lady Victoria Hervey , Elizabeth Hurley and Damian Hurley , Suzy Menkez , Trinny Woodall, Jackie St Clair, Daniel Lismore , David Harewood , Nicola Roberts , Mary Charteris, Nadya Swarovski , Alan Carr, Stephen Webster, Jonathan Shalit, John Madejski, Nick Rhodes, David Downton, Alan Edwards , Charlotte Tilbury and many more. The DJ tonight was HONEY DIJON. At 8.30pm NAOMI made an emotional speech. At 9.05pm CULTURE CLUB played a four song set. Church of the Poison Mind I'm Your Man ( Wham cover) I'll Tumble 4 Ya Karma Chameleon Complimentary champers , three different cocktails , bowl food , canapes , desserts ....sponsored by BOSS. See my Facebook page for photos of me with Nick Rhodes, Alan Carr and others --------------- Open to the public from 22 June to April 2025. Massive event featuring NAOMI CAMPBELL.. NAOMI: In Fashion will take visitors on a journey from the supermodel's south London beginnings through her 40-year career in fashion. More than 100 outfits will be displayed including a Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset, a pink Valentino Met Gala outfit and some Vivienne Westwood platforms. Campbell said she was "honoured" to share "my life in clothes". The museum said the "first-of-its-kind exhibition" had been developed with the model's creative input and oversight....it is a paid ticket for admission. ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Tuesday 18 June 2024. 6.15pm to 3am. PENINSULA LONDON - Grand Opening Party - 1 Grosvenor Place , Hyde Park Corner, London SW1. Some launch events are really good and can be scored as a 9 or even a 10 , but this was one went into the Spinal Tap 11 category , for it's pure lavishness. This luxury five star opened in September 2023, but waited until tonight for it's big launch. A massive crowd of over 2000 guests are greeted by Chinese Lion Dancing at the entrance. Lots of older guests here ,maybe some from their Embassy neighbours, and many from The Far East. Not really a celebrity event ,but there were a dozen or so here including Prince Michael of Kent, The King of Greece , Nadya Swarovski , Billie Piper , Pixie Geldof , Amber Le Bon, Anthea Turner , Kelley Hoppen, Oswald Boateng, Christopher Biggins , Stuart Rose and others. At 7.30pm in the ballroom we have the full size London Philharmonic Orchestra performing. At 8pm The Duke (Prince Edward) and Duchess of Edinburgh unveiled the plaque and said a few words. Then the owner of Peninsula Hotels said a few words. This is their twelfth hotel opening worldwide. The first was in Hong Kong. The hotel has 190 rooms along with spas etc. Eight floors above ground , and four floors below. Marble is everywhere. The decor is stunning. Heated toilet seats too , were very nice. Half a dozen vintage cars are on display. Hundreds of staff ,who were eager to please. There were several live acts and several djs playing. In the courtyard early on was The Dover Street Big Band and later on the same stage was Brooklyn Soul. There was a Gospel Choir in one area, a piano player in another, and a lively Cuban band in another. Stunning views from the rooftop Brooklands Bar. Car , motorbike and plane memorabilia everywhere . This area was very lively from midnight onwards, as many folks downstairs left by midnight. There was full complimentary drinks and food all night, Dom Perignon 2013 champers , any cocktail or spirit , wines, beers at the many bars , and food from around the world ,including lobster rolls , wagyu , fish n chips, cheeseburgers , caviar etc and various dessert stations , and an ice-cream trolley. All guests got a goodie bag , which was a coffee table book on the history of Peninsula Hotels. We stayed to the very end , and it was so good here. See my Facebook page for videos and photos.