Just like that front row at Burberry in Los Angeles

Laura Kemp is a journalist and hosts the occasional event in Amsterdam. She also happens to be booming British artist Benjamin Clementine’s sweetheart. This week this got her on a plane with Kim and Kanye and a front row seat at Burberry’s with Cara. Read for yourself while she spills the beans.

Last Thursday mister Burberry Christopher Bailey, and his team put together an extravagant show in LA themed ‘London meets LA’, a festive tribute to art, the F/W collection, and British musicians. The timing was perfect as a new Burberry shop just opened on Rodeo Drive. Bailey is a fan of my boyfriend and asked him to preform, I was allowed to string along. A smart girl is always prepared so I had business cards printed to hand out to the stars. My initials are L.A. so that should catch their eye.

After a bad night’s sleep we left from Paris. The morning started in a frenzy as I had decided to give my legs a quick shave. When pulling on my long travel dress I noticed a large bloodstain, I had a cut on my ankle. That meant cold water on the dress. Nice. No time for it to dry as the tour manager called our hotel room that he was waiting for us. Off we raced to the airport.

It was my first time in first class. Ignorance was bliss; I had never fantasized about flying first class and had never felt bad about missing out. But now here I was, sitting in my huge chair ready to be pampered and ruining my future economy flights for life when three familiar faced walked in; Kim Kardashian, Kayne West and the little North. It would be a bit rude to take a pic, but I got a sideways click, as proof. Welcome to LA…

LA welcomed me with a smoldering heat and long rows of taxis. A nervous British girl was waiting for us; the Burberry music manager who kept repeating how tight the schedule was. So no time to freshen up, straight on to the show at the Griffith Observatory center. Griffith Observatory center is a famous astronomy center from where you can look at the stars. The building is perfectly located on a hill south of Los Angeles with a beautiful view over the city and The Hollywood sign.

We were shown to our trailer, they were parked on the Griffith observatory terrain; ours was beside Tom Odell’s, what a sweet guy. No time to chat, we were off to the sound check. We passed models, stylists and make-up artists, alas no pictures and we bumped into Chistopher Baily who gave me two smackers. I took my front row seat and was treated to the repetitions of the models who were being corrected by coach Gabriella, all very drill sergeant. Secretly took these two pics.

After the sound check we returned to the trailer where four Burberry dresses were waiting for me to choose from. I chose the beige one and went over to Kristen who did my make-up. My boyfriend and the other artists were hijacked back to the stage and I was left on my own, everything was light speed from then on. Enormous limo’s, uncountable superstars and the front row line up: Mila Kunis, David and Victoria Beckham plus kids. Anna Wintour. Mila Kunis, Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, Rachel Zoe, Kate Beckinsale, Rose Byrne, James Corden, January Jones, Ryan Seacrest, Sir Elton John.  laid out on their chairs were Burberry scarves with their initials, here’s Victoria Beckham’s.

The show was sensational. The music by George Ezra, Tom Odell, Claire Maguire and Benjamin Clementine was totally in sync. The décor and the models were fabulous. Naomi Campbell closed the show receiving a standing ovation. We thought it was over but then the British army took over the runway drumming their way up. Specially flown in by Christopher. We were asked to follow the parade and marched into the after party.

Yes!

I got my ten seconds with Christopher bailey who explained he was using British culture to put on a creative show. It’s clear he is aiming to make Burberry more than just a clothing line he wants to add feeling. There is a large British community in the USA and Americans have always had a strong bond with England. We fit well together, he says. You can put on a good show based on this. Chistopher wanted to play with the ‘fun’ and with the “boring” part of English culture. “ Both have to celebrated”. For Bailey authenticity is important, the most important value of Burberry. Yet it can be bohemian and luxurious at the same time. “I play with contrast, it has to work but you shouldn’t always play safe”.

Bailey was tapped on the shoulder and my interview was over. I strolled over the hill and had so much fun with Naomi and Cara= that I forgot to hand out my cards. Looking out over the illuminated Hollywood sign I thought about home and my mission; make sure Burberry visits Amsterdam, We need a show. Something like Amsterdam meets London. Who will sign my petition?

by Laura Kemp