I mentioned that when I was in London the Monday I was leaving ended up being the savour of the whole trip, the day that made me go home with a massive smile on my face even though I was contemplative about my time there.
During the afternoon I had lunch with the very beautiful Lady J - full time mother, full time graphic designer, partner of Jean Pierre Braganza and the girl who generally gets things done around Braganza HQ. An uber-human in other words!
We had a lovely catch up over noodles, and she gave me some much needed magazines to read on the train journey home (a god send since I'd forgotten to buy any - school boy error!).
Anyhoo, we chatted fashion, shoes, blogs and all things nice. When we finished our lunch Lady J presented me with a white bag. Inside was something that nearly sent me into hyperventilation mode. I kept my cool externally, but inside I was screaming and actually trying to stop myself from crying. OK, I know it sounds as if she'd just donated me a kidney, but since this is a fashion blog what I got was the equivalent - a stunning black Jean Pierre Braganza dress and pair of trousers!
Anyone reading this blog for any length of time will know by now that he is one of my favourite designers, if not my outright favourite designer. I have gushed in an embarrassing way many times over his work, so to say I was giddy with excitement would be a huge understatement.
The dress is completely spectacular. With padded, exaggerated shoulders, panels, folds and his signature texture - it's classic JPB. It has a Jean Pierre Braganza label inside with the word 'Intolerance' hand written in gold ink on the other side. I don't know why but for some reason that little detail excited me.
I had the fear that I wouldn't fit it since it's a sample, but luckily it fit me fine, although if I gain a few pounds I could be in trouble!
The trousers are incredible too, with the same texture and panelling. The pleated panels give them such a unique and comfortable silhouette.
Without wishing to sound like Kate Winslet at an Oscar speech, I want to thank Lady J and Jean Pierre for this amazing gift. I will treasure them forever.
Queen Michelle
