- Words Matilda Carnall
Anna Wintour has just announced a London-based arts extravaganza to rival that of New York's celebrated gala, with Stormzy and Naomi Campbell on the star-studded guestlist.
Merging the worlds of fashion and the West End, Anna Wintour is planning a charity-based arts event to raise money for London’s struggling arts scene. The benefit is set to take place at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Covent Garden, and host some of the UK’s biggest names. Among those expected to attend are Stormzy, Naomi Campbell, Sadiq Khan, and Michaela Coel – who played host at this year’s Met Ball.
The night will begin with a red carpet before a catwalk show, and end with live performances overseen by Stephen Daldry, the film and theatre director known for Billy Elliot, The Reader and The Crown. All proceeds from the event will go to performing arts organisations in London, a choice prompted by the government’s budget cuts on theatre funding.
Held in September ahead of London Fashion Week, the spectacle also hopes to relocate fashion press back to the capital. Since the pandemic, British fashion houses Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham, and Stella McCartney have moved their shows to Paris, marking a change in the global fashion scene that Wintour seemingly wishes to reverse.
So, for those who didn’t quite get their fashion fix on the first Monday in May, you can catch the event online being live-streamed. Or, for some first-class celeb spotting, tickets will be made available to the public, with prices starting at £150. Students can even knab a spot for free as the Vogue team aim to extend the evening out to young creatives.