In case you missed it, we threw a pretty epic party earlier this month. It was The GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards 2022, which honoured the gamechangers and feminist heroes who inspire us every single day. It was the first IRL ceremony we’ve thrown in five years and, like many of you, after the Covid hiatus we’ve really missed the thrill of being hosts. There’s much to be said about that adrenaline rush you get just before things kick off.
While it’s likely you won’t be looking to throw a big event like ours at Outernet (well, you might be, but we’re just being real here), with the party season creeping up upon us, we thought we’d share exactly how we pulled it off and namecheck the true creative geniuses behind the WOTY Awards 2022. You might even want to steal some ideas for your next bash.
The caterer: Jimmy Garcia Catering
If anyone knows about catering, it’s Jimmy Garcia. From providing food to some of the UK’s most insta-worthy weddings to being behind some of our favourite seasonal pop-ups, these guys are all about celebrating seasonal food, with an emphasis on sustainability, using local suppliers and minimising food waste. At this year’s WOTY, they created a sumptuous fully vegan menu to the theme of female empowerment - from 'Beauty and The Beets’ (heritage beets, vegan crème fraîche, apple and chilled borsch) to ‘Queen Cauliflower’ - masala spiced roast baby cauliflower with golden raisins, dhal puree and coriander emulsion. Vegan food has never felt so darn fancy.
The Florist: Tuberose London
London-based florist Rosie Belben of Tuberose London provided the most elegant, whimsical and billowy flower installations at our WOTY awards, including seasonal British flowers in different sized jam jars and vases throughout the venue. She’s big on understated designs with a discernible aroma - her flowers never feel too ‘done’ or OTT and always smell ah-mazing - just look at her Insta page, it’s a pretty floral haven. Think soft, ice-cream pastel shades arranged in loose, natural and organic-style arrangements with swathes of gorgeous green foliage. Belben works with flowers as a Renaissance painter would work with oils. You’ll be in awe.
The Venue: HERE at Outernet
Our WOTY venue was at the brand new live event space HERE, hidden four stories under the centre of London and part of the Outernet media and culture district - an incredible event space for the digital age. HERE is the largest event space to be built in Central London since the 40s and Outernet London is the most advanced immersive space in the world with 23,000 sq ft of floor to ceiling 16K screens combining video, music and art for as truly unique, mind blowing experience. We’ll go as far as saying this might just be London’s most atmospheric hub. Keep an eye out for events here - we reckon we’ll be seeing plenty of the coolest exhibitions, concerts and mindful workshops taking over pronto.
The Calligrapher: Stara Calligraphy
When it comes to tablescaping, we all know it’s the small details that can really amp up the style. That’s exactly why we turned to the unmatched artistry that is Stara Calligraphy to make our place card dreams a reality at the Women of the Year Awards 2022. Stara’s work is an actual artform - her insta videos showing the calligraphy process gives us serious ASMR vibes. Blending traditional and modern calligraphic styles, she creates modern and delicate words with flowy flourishes that are perfect for everything from party invitations to dinner party menus, letters to friends and more, you’ll want her on speed dial.
The Trophies: HP Jet Fusion 5200 Solution
We were keen to make WOTY 2022 as unique and eco-conscious as possible so partnered with HP’s smart Personalization & 3D Printing business to make our bespoke, bright pink, G-shaped winner’s trophies (you can see all our winners here). They were 3D printed and customised from the seriously advanced HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200 printer using HP Multi Jet Fusion Technology This state-of-the-art tech is being used by beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands for more sustainable manufacturing. On our part, each G trophy was created from a material called PA11, a plastic made from 100% renewable castor beans. It’s known to be one of the most sustainable 3D print materials thanks to the fact castor beans are non-GMO, require little irrigation and are naturally pest- and drought-resistant. Clever, right?
The bubbly: Champagne PIAFF
Finally, no party is complete without the perfect fizz to keep your guests in the party spirit. Champagne PIAFF was our tipple of choice to be served to our Women of the Year. With their vibrant and fresh flavours, Piaff Champagne is the perfect way to ensure your party pops!
