VICTORIA COX - Wed 11th Aug 2010

Off to Edinburgh on Friday night with Sebastian who is taking a stall for the three weeks of the Festival-(says it's a no brainer and thinks everybody will be his target customer?) I let him persuade me to come for a week - it's not Italy but it should be fun and I haven't any other holidays planned so why not? Have never been to the Festival before and while I said I would help Seb' and co with the stall set up I am definitely not letting him lumber me with work! David says I could stay with his parents but that might be awkward, besides Seb's got it all worked out?..here's hoping!

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 8th July 2010

Oh dear - Tom is getting worse -honestly he's just been like a bear with a sore head since he got back from South Africa. I think it's really got to him -not just the awful footie-Heaven knows that was bad enough, but the fact that he lost Celeste. It was his choice- of course he knows that- but maybe he thought she was bluffing? He hasn't said very much but I Know he really liked her-still, he chose football -which given the awful performance of England in the world cup must be cause for some regret? Think he is definitely avoiding the subject and is out with the guys a lot ? David on the other hand is easy to live with.

I don't think he has ever been grumpy or rude- even when he's down he is always polite and agreeable. This MBA has been so good for him and has really brought him out of himself?..just hope he gets a job at the end of his year. Emma called last night and was buzzing with the news that Martin has been transferred to the Paris office! (for six months I think she said) he'll come to London first to see her when she arrives back from China next week ??sooo pleased for her!

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 3rd June 2010

I am sooo missing Emma -the house is just not the same without her-she kept us all organised for one thing.

The boys don't seem bothered that we haven't done a Sainsbury's shop for ages - Emma always ordered online but she's probably got a list somewhere and an ID on the site. Took me ages last night but have arranged a delivery for tomorrow evening -`phew had to buy toilet rolls from the corner shop yesterday so it'll be good to stock up on essentials. Also got some wines. There were some great offers on New Zealand `reds' and a real bargain on some Chilean Sauvignon ?..Sure the guys won't object!

Poor Macavity his supplies were almost done too so last night I shared my Salmon steak with him and have picked up some Wild Sea Bass for us tonight?.I have found myself talking to him again and he really is a most attentive listener-I swear he understands every word?!

I have run a few things past him recently like should I splash out and go to Italy again or should I start driving lessons? He can't advise me like Emma would though. Well he is only a Cat after all??..

VICTORIA COX - Wed 12th May 2010

Now we have a new government and the Conservative party have struck a deal to share power with the Liberal Democrats. I'm glad as I really like Nick Clegg and it's hard to think he would ever have been able to make an impact without David Cameron. Samantha Cameron I think has a good eye for clothes and seems quite on trend though, as she is pregnant, she'll only be promoting maternity wear for now but I suppose anything she wears will draw interest. Curiously, little is known about Mrs Clegg except that she's not prepared to be in the public eye, saying her husband's job is not really anything to do with her?..?I think she's Spanish or South American or something. She apparently wants to keep her privacy-good for her if she can manage that.

Work's been pretty hectic and last week we stayed late on Wednesday and Thursday to complete orders??.Mr. Spence seems happy with my work -my jacket pattern is in use and I'm delighted that we are now making for women - it's official!

I'm really missing Emma-it's just strange to think she's going to be away for so long-China sounds fab' though and I think she's loving it. We've had several chats but no mention so far of how things are going with Martin??.I'm reluctant to ask.

Tom's going off to South Africa soon for the World cup and then the house really will be quiet -must check with David to see what he's up to - to be honest he's usually so quiet it's hard to know when he is around - but I hope I'm not going to be home alone??..there's always Macavity of course!

I'm thinking about holidays and am strongly tempted to go to Pitti Uomo menswear show again in Florence - maybe I could travel a bit in Italy afterwards??..it's only next month so I'd better get online and check it out.

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 15th April 2010

Have been wearing the jacket I made from the end bale cloth I was allowed to buy from work way back in January- beautiful Scottish tweed in a soft grey-green which I made up into a three button single breasted blazer. Friends have loved it but today I was called downstairs to model it for a customer whose wife had made an enquiry. She was very taken with it and has ordered one?..Not only did I receive considerable praise but later on I was called down again and have been invited to input at a forward planning &development meeting next week.

Gosh! It seems there had been several enquiries about womenswear in the past but this was the first time an order was taken -thanks to my `prototype' -this must be a definite case of being `in the right place at the right time'

Just got home tonight to find the boys watching the televised leaders' debate for the general election. An historic occasion I suppose but there just seemed to be the same old arguments going on but now you can watch the whole thing live-not my cup-of -tea but I thought the new guy Nick Clegg looked and sounded really nice

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 8th April 2010

After not being in Cornwall last year for Easter I had been sooo looking forward to being at home and I was not disappointed. Even the journey down had been enjoyable with no great delays and I met several people I knew on the train, which really helped the time go by. At Paddington there was a friend of dads sitting nearby-whose name I just couldn't remember but luckily, he was only going to Reading. Mrs Bibby, an old neighbour, got on at Westbury.She had been visiting her daughter who was married and now lives in Wiltshire- I thought she was going to talk all the way down to Cornwall but she fell asleep at Taunton and that was it for the rest of the day.

Kate Cutler, who sings round the local pubs and clubs, got on at Plymouth and from then on the passengers who joined the train were nearly all faces I knew to some degree??.

It's one of the things I love about where I grew up -that reassuring familiarity you could never get in London-though I suppose our square is kind of friendly?.

It really was lovely to see everyone and on Sunday we all gathered at Gran's for a family meal-with lots of traditional music! She couldn't stop going on about the group of fishermen who have been singing shanties for years over in Port Isaac - Dad says he knows one of guys from his `early days' but did not elaborate. Apparently, they have recently been discovered by a visiting agent and have just landed a million pound record deal with Universal! The ten strong group, called `Fisherman's Friend's are also going to be playing Glastonbury this year and Mum, Dad and Gran are threatening to go and support them!?

On Monday I joined Sebastian and co. for a drink and we called in at the Studio Bar in Penzance -it was good to catch up with a crowd I hadn't seen for, literally, years. The local-talent talk there was about Amy May who had been back playing a gig last month - In fact she had been playing on my last visit there a couple of years ago -she's done so well and has a new album just out "Right Right Now" such a great voice she really deserves her success -just ordered the album online.

Getting back to London was always going to be tight time wise-having to work on Wednesday so I booked an overnight sleeper or "the Night Riviera" as it is called, which worked out really well - I got an open solo ticket as I didn't fancy sharing and it was actually very good. The train left Penzance at 9.45 and I sat and watched Wallace & Gromit and an Episode of Grand Designs on the T.V. before settling in for a good nights sleep. I got woken for breakfast in bed at 5.45 -well cereal, tea and toast, to find we were already in London! A quick shower in Paddington station's facilities and I went straight on to work. I'd definitely do it again.

VICTORIA COX - Fri 22nd Mar 2010

Just heard that Alexander McQueen's ashes are going to be scattered on the Isle of Skye - his family just announced it. I think that's lovely and it makes sense- I mean he certainly felt Scottish even though he was born In London-he often wore a kilt and famously collected his CBE wearing full highland dress. I remember when he featured models wearing ripped and torn Tartan in one of his shows, back in the nineties I think.

I was still at primary school -but I knew from then that his father was Scottish. It must have raised some eyebrows at the time- I read later that he said that he felt such anger at the atrocities carried out by the troops of the Duke of Cumberland and that had been his inspiration for his collection.

His father told the press that he and Alexander's five siblings would be travelling up to the Island in the next few weeks to carry out his son's wishes. His funeral last month was so well attended- loads of celebs -I wonder if Kate Moss and Stella McCartney will be going up to Scotland too??

Heard at the weekend about the death too of Joseph Ettedgui, the man behind the Joseph label. He was 74 and died from cancer- I suppose he got `three score years and ten' so not the same tragic waste ??I wrote an essay about Joseph when I started at college... the first store opened in Chelsea in the early 70's - I think his real genius lay in making it easy for people who lacked style and with little idea about fashion to look good- he really could take a catwalk look and reproduce it commercially in the high street a rare ability that is so essential for the success of young designers. Knitwear and trousers are his wardrobe staples - everybody I know has had a pair of black trousers from Joseph- though come to think of it his clothes are not cut for girls with large appetites?.

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 18th Mar 2010

Oooh - woke with a bit of a headache and a really woozy feeling in my tummy-had breakfast with Tom who thought it hilarious that I didn't recognise that I was nursing a `hangover' I couldn't eat -just Tea and juice and lots of water. I really had not intended to go out at all-let alone drink but when Michael from work, invited a few of us to join him in a quick drink to celebrate St Patrick's day it seemed rude to refuse -what with him being Irish- so it was that I found myself in Mulligan's on Cork street.

It started out with just Michael, Gregory, Charlotte and me but we were joined soon after by Nick and his wife (Julie I think) , Charles and Lynne and then with a whole crowd whose names I didn't know. The place was absolutely heaving with Irish music at full blast and I suddenly remembered the Irish friends I had made on my trip to Florence last year Hugh, Barry and co. I remember looking at my watch at ten past seven and thinking it must be my turn to buy a round of drinks before I can leave. I made my way to the bar and had just been served and was watching the pints of Guinness settle-which always fascinates me- when somebody called my name .At first I couldn't hear above the din but then I heard " Victoria-are ya not talkin' tae me?"- I knew that lovely Dublin lilt - there was Barry standing right behind me! It was just sooo good to see him-he was on a buying trip and is a regular to what he laughingly called the `Poshest' Irish pub in London.

He and his friends were as good company as I remembered in Italy and suffice to say it was closing time before we left!

VICTORIA COX - Fri 15th Feb 2010

London Fashion week was held again last week at Somerset house - so glad they kept that venue. Showing for autumn/ winter 2010/11. Seb' had been constantly trying to get me via texts and calls but I just don't feel I can quite share his level of enthusiasm for the show in general. Maybe I just have concerns about this recession or maybe I have been permanently affected by my trip to Florence and all things Italian?

Only really took in the Fashion East show on the Saturday, which I quite enjoyed, but had, what was for me, an interesting trip over to Shoreditch with Nigel who fancied visiting PRESENT a new menswear store being much talked about.

The owners are apparently ex Duffer of St George, so their credentials are the best. The setting, a kind of industrial gallery-like space, was originally part of a cigarette company. We agreed the description as; kind of updated, authentic heritage clothing with a modern, trendy, urban edge. Not over-the-top though- I could see my father, for instance, wearing the classic button-down cotton Oxford shirts. Nigel bought an amazing pair of purple, brogue leather ankle boots-which were over three hundred quid! Then, as you do, we had to go for a drink to celebrate. It was fun! We were at college together and he has only just got back from New Zealand, where he'd been ever since. Didn't like to ask too many questions as I recalled he went travelling with a partner and of which there was no mention. . I would have known the whole story I suppose if I'd kept up on Facebook?.? On Sunday I only really intended to see the Central St. Martins show which wasn't until 8.30 so I did go to see the Margaret Howell collection in the morning. The evening show was extremely good with, it seems, ever developing high standards. Met up with Nigel again too but declined his offer of a drink afterwards and hoped I wasn't being horrible -it's just that I need to be really focussed for work - he seemed O.K. with that and we did exchange `phone nos.

I had the whole day on Wednesday which saw the last day of LFW closing with `Mensday' which was just Fab-I was really struck by some of the new knitwear - at Charles Anastase knits were layered on top of overcoats -Some great looks in outerwear, which looks to be key for next winter -a slightly military feel around while Burberry themed a whole collection around the aviator jacket. St Martins looked really crisp-lots of daring white, but I was most satisfied to see the coming together more of Saville row-with great brands Gieves & Hawkes, E.Tautz and Hardy Amies joining forces. At one point the guy sitting next to me and who was scribbling into his notepad throughout suddenly nudged me and gestured towards the front row where Prince Michael was sitting -I'm not sure I would have recognised him myself- and he seemed quite taken with it all. There was lots of discussion throughout the day with questions like: Why has fashion week been dedicated to women for so long? Why has the importance of the Suit been largely ignored? Why is Menswear allotted, as token, only one day? In truth our Menswear industry has never really been valued here not like in Italy nor France. In terms of investment it just didn't happen here? Saville row has never really promoted itself choosing to stay apart from the brand circuses that have passed through our capital.

Fashion shouts, Style whispers - that's true indeed but?? A London Menswear week?-now there's a sweet thought??.

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 26th Feb 2010

Today, Robert Polet, the head of the Gucci Group, announced that the Alexander McQueen business would carry on without its founder and creative director. Since his death last week, which is thought to have been suicide, I have been unable to get him out of my mind. It is just so sad?He had seemed to have it all: British designer of the year four times, International Designer of the Year and awarded a CBE.

By 2007 he had boutiques in London, Paris, Milan, New York, Moscow and Beijing! The world, it seemed, was at his feet at least in terms of business. Apparently he was just devastated over the recent death of his Mother and died the very day before her funeral. They were so close and there are lots of photos of them together- if I remember rightly he took her with him to Buckingham palace to receive his honour. He had also been extremely upset by the death in 2007 of Isabella Blow when she took her own life- I don't think he ever got over that -she was only in her forties and they had been such good friends. It was she who had bought his entire first collection when he graduated from Saint Martins with a masters in fashion design. She was such an influential stylist and really launched his career. Apparently it was on her advice that he switched to using Alexander, his middle name, instead of Lee which she believed would have more impact. She was right too. People talk about his low `bumster' jeans having made such a mark but I don't think that's doing him real justice. I will remember him for so much more?..He started out as a teenager in Saville Row, having enjoyed making dresses for his sisters -not sure how many but I'm sure I read that he was the youngest of six children. By his mid twenties he had worked for designer Koji Tatsuno, gone to Milan and become head designer at Givenchy! He was a real visionary who will be sorely missed.

VICTORIA COX - Mon 15th Feb 2010

Young free and single whatever happened to that sounding like fun? I was sooo glad to wake up today to find that Valentines Day and all the rigmarole surrounding it was finally over!

For weeks it seems there has been no escaping it ?..all the ads for Romantic getaways, dinners, champagne &chocolates, Red Roses??on and on ! I don't remember feeling this way before but last year none of us in the house were a couple. This February it's a different story though with Tom and Emma ,the two most cynical and unromantic people on the planet, just full of it. Emma is now officially `in a relationship with Martin' and Tom's happily admitting that he is mad about Celeste "Cupid's stuck me one right in the eye" he says- doesn't exactly sound like poetry to me though?

Oh, maybe it is just sour grapes with me. I am glad to see people happy truly I am - it's just well, one card from my gay friend? Come on! -even my Dad has stopped sending me one now- how sad is that?

Oh well, maybe next year `Moan' over- feeling better already?..

VICTORIA COX - Mon 25th Jan 2010

What a Fab' weekend?. Still can't believe my parents just showing up for my Birthday like that. Dad called me at work on Thursday to say he was up in London for some last minute medical conference and would meet me from work on Friday for a quick drink before heading to Paddington. But when he picked me up he hailed a cab and we headed straight to the Waldorf! They were on a `Hilton special break' or something and Mum was already waiting with a drink in the Executive lounge. They had met as struggling students in 1970's London and lived on Pasta and Tuna Dad says and I think recalling those early days from the comfort of a five star hotel is a bit of a tickle. Such a lovely surprise though. We had dinner at the new and very impressive Aqua Nueva restaurant housed in, what we thought must have been, the old Dickens and Jones dept store on Regent Street, a couple of yards from Oxford Circus. The discreet entrance on Argyle street leads into a lift which takes you up to the fifth floor.

There are two restaurants in fact; Kyoto for Japanese food or Nueva on the Spanish side. Staff greeted us and led us down a modern corridor to the dramatic entrance to Nueva with it's imposing sculpture of a bull. `Contemporary Catalan' design was the best description we could come up with between the three of us and our friendly wine waiter. The building has three roof top spaces encircling the restaurants, with amazing views which will be perfect for summer evenings. The food was excellent - the Lobster was great for me -no shell or strange utensils I couldn't use. I think Mum had duck breast and Dad raved about his braised oxtail..Yuck! Can't remember what my dessert was called -some sort of crunchy biscuits filled with banana and orangey cream, it just melted in the mouth. Sweet but not too rich, it was just delicious. Dad had heard about Aqua from a colleague who had been in their Beijing and Hong Kong restaurants and had heard about the London opening. Dad had booked weeks ago to get a Friday night and was quite justifiably delighted with himself.

On Saturday we met up over at Tate Modern and spent the Morning at the Van Doesburg & the International Avant- Garde Constructing a new world exhibition. One of the leading figures of geometric abstraction, I hadn't quite realised how much Theo Van Doesburg had impacted ,not just as a versatile artist in his own right but also through his founding of the De Stijl group and editing the magazine of the same name. After a couple of hours Mum was still engrossed but it is an eleven- rooms- large exhibition which I felt I needed time to digest.

When it came to breaking for lunch Mum suddenly presented me with my very own Tate Members Card -My birthday present from Gran'!- I'm thrilled to think I can now go to any exhibition at anytime , use the members lounge whenever I want and enjoy it's fantastic views and I get to take a guest too!

Mum had another hour at Tate Modern, which must have been spent mostly in the shop judging by how much she had bought-books, posters, T. shirts ?meanwhile; Dad and I had a stroll along to the Globe and had a drink and a chat. He confessed he'd been slightly disappointed that Chelsea had not been playing at home today but I think I would definitely have been conflicted if I'd had to choose between football and art risking upsetting one of my parents and on my Birthday. It was a freezing day but bright with sunshine and blue skies. Such a lovely day too but Mum & Dad's train was at 5 and I felt a bit sad when I waved them off in a Paddington bound taxi?

When I arrived back at the house there were no lights or sounds from within but just as I closed the front door behind me a loud shout of "Surprise" was followed by a chorus of Happy Birthday from Emma, Tom and David. I was sooo touched -there with cards chocolates, champagne and flowers for me ?. I Love my housemates -I Love London!

VICTORIA COX - Wed 8th Jan 2010

I had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year at home in Cornwall, I just couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere else at that time and that's why I didn't come back until the 5th. Hadn't realised how ill I was until I got home. Dad was waiting for me at the station and he took one look at me, knew it was more than a cold and I was ordered to bed as soon as we arrived at the house. He diagnosed `severe laryngitis' and prescribed for me straight away - handy having a Doctor in the house! I had been feeling rotten but with Mum looking after me and all the TLC you can only really get at home - I soon started to feel much better.

Sebastian informed us of a new girlfriend Tess, he met at uni', and he seems quite besotted with her .She went home for the holidays to Ely (nr. Cambridge) to her family, so not sure when, if ever, we'll get to meet her. He couldn't stop talking about her though or else he was texting or talking on the `phone. Gran' called him a `Lovesick Puppy' and he turned beetroot with embarrassment-so sweet!

One of the really good things about Christmas is that so many people come home, from all over the place really, and it was so good to catch up with lots of old friends. Hadn't seen some of the Bolitho girls for absolute yonks - couldn't believe Cassy Birrell is married, living in Hong Kong and she's got two year old twins! I got told off because I haven't been very active on Facebook- which I had to admit. It must be at least two years since I have looked at friends reunited as well - but I have been so busy and just can't find the time and truthfully, I'm not sure I can be bothered.

I was pleased to get back to London and really feel my batteries have been re charged. I am feeling very positive about 2010.A brand new decade is just so exciting - a bit like when you were little and the feeling you would get when you had a fresh sheet of paper to draw on or started a new page in your writing book- all full of possibility, and pure potential?!

Great to hear about Emma's new guy?. she told me all about Edinburgh and her New year with Martin-how romantic was that? She does seem anxious though- apparently there hasn't been much contact since ?.. I did try consoling her a bit- said it must be tricky being so far apart - but let's be honest what do I know about relationships? I have never known Emma to be uncertain about anything -Tom was a bit unkind saying "If the Ice maiden's melting -watch out for the flood"!

We are having a `get-together' here on Saturday or a `drinks party' as Emma insists it be called - a few neighbours from the square and a handful of guests for each of us. At least that's what has been agreed. It's difficult though, I mean how can you invite some friends and not others? Tom is apparently `with someone'- as in more than a brief encounter-apparently met her at New Year? David too may be a bit of a dark horse as he makes a lot of mention of a `Lucy' who is on his M.B.A. team? Emma and I are sooo looking forward to it!

VICTORIA COX - Mon 21st Dec 2009

Heading home for Christmas today! Can't stop singing the Chris Rea song driving home for Christmas??

Wasn't due to leave until Wednesday but Mum `phoned last night talking about weather forecasts etc. so the thought of not getting to Cornwall was just too much of a risk. I'm heading to Paddington for the 14:06 which should get me home for about seven but I'm expecting delays. I shall use the time to calm down -five hours with a good book and great Christmas music on my I-POD.

David left for Scotland last week- so this morning it was goodbyes and Merry Christmas to Tom and Emma -oh and of course to Big Mac. our adopted pet.

We had a Christmas dinner together in the house last weekend and exchanged some prezzies then. We all said we wouldn't buy much but, oh well it is Christmas ?. I got a book on the history of the East End of London from David, Prada perfume from Emma and two tickets for the ballet from Tom -so extravagant!

I had knitted a hat for David, a scarf for Tom and bought gloves for Emma-everyone seemed pleased. I also knitted a little patchwork wool blanket for Big Mac who seemed a bit bemused but loved the edible contents of his Cat Christmas stocking and purred in delight. Emma has been in such a good mood lately-she even agreed to a Cat-Flap for Big Mac on the downstairs garden door - Tom got the joiner round the very next day before she changed her mind She's definitely smitten -haven't met Martin yet but he must be good for her. Hope it all works out ??

VICTORIA COX - Mon 9th Nov 2009

Feeling Soo tired ?.not the best start to a week. Probably my own fault though, I have definitely been overdoing it a bit lately, what with working both jobs and trying to have some social life - I can't remember when I last had eight hours sleep and I know it's making me a bit grumpy?. Last Tuesday evening I arrived back at the house to a Champagne celebration-Tom's sister Sarah had given birth to a baby boy! I have never seen Tom, or anyone for that matter, so excited and so proud to be an `Uncle'. He was just so happy - which was great to see as he had been seriously upset by the recent footballing failures of his beloved Man. United Lots of teasing too ??.for instance will this new found status turn him into a seriously responsible adult at last? - but no one's holding their breath!

Wednesday I had promised to call in to the `Star of Bethnal Green' over at E2. with Kat and `girls' from the market who had insisted I join them in experiencing what they described as the epitome of scruffy East End cool I think they got that line from a magazine. It was fun -a laid-back blend of pub vibe with an edgy club feel. Quite a few more familiar faces from Spitalfields too. We were there on a free night of funky disco-though I think it's always super-cheap (£5 max) with sessions from some of Europe's best underground DJs. On Thursday I let myself be persuaded by Kerry and Jay from no.20 to go for `just one quick drink' at `the Big Chill House' On Pentonville Rd. It's a huge three-floor space with a great roof terrace and of course I should have known -it was happy hour -which is really three hours from 5-8pm, so by the time I left there I was in no fit state to go to my Pilates class as I had intended. All of Friday was spent working on the coats for Spitalfields -I worked right through `til ten to be ready for the anticipated rush on Sat. and Sun. on the stall. As it turned out it was very busy and last night all I was fit for was just a quick microwave meal from Sainsbury's - bath and bed.

VICTORIA COX - Mon 26th Oct 2009

Not the most positive start to the week. Managed to upset Tom this morning - don't usually see him at breakfast -he's always gone by the time I get up. He looked awful as if he hadn't been to bed? It turns out that he had just driven back from Manchester where his footie team had been thrashed by arch rivals Liverpool - ouch!

I hadn't realised and had put my big foot in things by saying he looked like death and was he feeling sick or something?

I've never known him to refuse a warm croissant and felt genuinely concerned. "Sick just don't cover it" he yelled as he scraped back his chair and stomped out of the room slamming the door as he went. I honestly hadn't known the scores and it wasn't till I heard it from David that I realised. Think he's fed up with work at the moment too -who can blame him with all the financial uncertainty

Arrived late for work - `disruption 'on the tube again. Nobody seemed to notice though or mind at all. Still, I mind and must start to allow for what is after all a fairly frequent occurrence. The shop has been so quiet of late but Nick is still giving me three days work. Seb' is driving me mad to spend more time making for the Spitalfields stall which has been really busy and likely to get even busier in the run up to Christmas. I'm wondering if I should volunteer to work less in the store.

I was only ever promised two to three days work and I wonder if it would help? Everybody noticed my new hairdo and I got some really great comments - I was thrilled and definitely think going back to Toni & Guy was the right move. I had always gone there in the past. When I first came to London as a student I would go as a model for free or get my hair done by a trainee -under supervision of course, for a really reduced price. Later I started paying full price going to T&G in Davis st. or Covent Garden, but earlier this year what with all the talk of credit crunch and tightening our belts I thought that I should try a cheaper alternative. I did go to a couple of small salons locally but I was just not happy and decided it was a false economy so on Saturday I went back and won't be going anywhere else in a hurry. I love their magazine and Fab' website?.

Think I shall cook a meal for us all tonight. Emma's back from her China trip and David said he'd be back around eight- been ages since we had a get together - maybe a roast??that might cheer Tom up too (and I won't even mention that my Dad has tickets for the Chelsea > Man.U. game next month!)

VICTORIA COX - Mon 28th Sept 2009

Had a real problem getting out of bed today -not sure if I'm coming down with something or if I am just feeling a bit deflated after all the excitement of London Fashion week.

The new venue at Somerset House was fantastic! It's a spectacular neo - classical building in a great location right between the Strand and the Thames. It's actually one of my favourite places in London. With its sweeping staircases, elegant rooms and terraces it has been used for a lot of filming over the years. One of the main features is an amazing courtyard which during the summer months has over fifty dancing fountains- at night they`re all lit up with colours sooo lovely. In the winter months it becomes an ice-rink which is just magical at Christmas!

Anyway, the courtyard was used to house the main fashion shows (I kept imagining the fountains might suddenly spring to life!) It was the 25TH Anniversary year of London Fashion Week and there had been parties at Downing Street, again hosted by the P.M.'s wife Sarah Brown. This year, for the first time, I was simply not free to attend every day- what with real work now to consider. Choosing when to attend was, as Tom would say, a `No Brainer' for me as the first ever official `Menswear day' was being held on the 23rd.

A real highlight was the catwalk show by James Long and the Top Shop design but I was just so impressed to see serious Saville row tailoring represented by E.Tautz (designer Patrick Grant) Especially as London Tailoring celebrates its 600th year this year.

I loved the bSTORE showing as well. Designers Matthew Murphy and Kirk Beattie, both London boys, really do produce contemporary, wearable, English clothes - think they've really got things going in a commercial sense too. The after party at Kettners in Soho also saw the launch of the bSTORE Mag. What a great night?.come to think of it I'd love to be headhunted by them!!

VICTORIA COX MON 27th JULY

Went over to Keats house in Hampstead for its reopening on 25th. The Grade I listed house was closed in 2007 for refurbishment to coincide there was a dramatised performance of the life of poet John Keats telling the story of his love affair with Fanny Brawne the girl next door. It was just so sweet to hear the words of the Romantic poet brought to life in the very garden where he wrote 'Ode to a Nightingale'. The young lovers lived as neighbours and would have spent so many hours in that garden There is still a Mulberry tree of his time there, though the plum tree where he wrote the poem is gone. The gardens have been restored, and species of plants that would have been there in the early 19th century have been reintroduced. Tragic to think Keats was only twenty five when he died in Rome??. Gosh I'm already older than he was and haven't ever been in Love?? Some people had brought picnics too -though on my own I didn't bother. Had a great walk over the Heath despite the weather??it really is a lovely part of London and makes me wish I had a dog too.

VICTORIA COX MON 6TH JULY

The 123rd Wimbledon tennis Championships were brought to a fitting climax on Centre Court yesterday when Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14 in the Mens finals and winning him his sixth Wimbledon crown . History was made as it was a record 15th Grand Slam title, (and thanks to the generosity of my Gran'- I'll be able to tell my grandchildren I was there!!) This new record surpassed that of Pete Sampras, who was in the Royal Box, but he looked delighted for Roger?.Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg were in the Royal Box too- so much Championship Talent in one place -Wow!!

I was really missing the beautiful Rafael Nadal this year but happened to open a Sunday Mag' and there he was advertising some aftershave wearing a great suit and looking gorgeous?..apparently his footballer Uncle used to play for Barcelona and Spain-can't remember how I know that?..?

VICTORIA COX 20th June 2009

My life may never be the same again!

Had the most amazing few days in Florence at the Pitti Uomo menswear show which is held twice yearly. Though I had registered for a ticket a while back -after chatting to an ex-buyer in a pub here over on Cork Street who said it was the must-see show?.I only booked last week. Got a decent last minute deal and just had to tell Sebastian he would have to manage without me for a bit. (Think he was miffed not to have been asked but I really wanted to do this by myself)

Though I've been in Italy before (Rome with the school and Venice and Sorrento on family hols) I just wasn't prepared for how beautiful Florence is.

The show itself is held in the Fortezza de Bassa a mediaeval fort situated right in the city . So lucky to have landed in a great little hotel just by the Santa Maria Novella square and an easy walk to the show. Literally got blisters the first day - trying to look the part in strappy Jones sandals - thank God for my MBTs ?. I practically slept in them for the rest of the trip? I was told that visitor numbers were down, some big name exhibitors were absent, (Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali, and Pal Zileri,) and the mood was subdued. Fashion always gives us a mirror image of the times though and with the worldwide financial upheaval who wants to see Bankers pinstripes or Prince of Wales checks? The American Brooks bros. have included pinstripes in their new European collection-but apparently it was a suit that had been chosen by Barack Obama for his wardrobe - so maybe a sign of the optimism the new president has brought?? Textured cottons, washed-out colours and softly tailored shapes made a fitting sartorial distraction from the stricter uniforms.

Linked up with some `buyers' from Ireland over lunch. I was a bit wary at first - I mean eight-plus extremely sociable guys and one girl? but they were just such fun and I really learnt a lot. They had all the gen' on where to go too and I was delighted to tag along with them to events they had invites to and I didn't ?? There was a multimedia event for thecorner.com, the online department store launched by YOOX Group dedicated to new cutting edge men's collections. None of us were too impressed but as Barry said "the refreshments were welcomed" - I couldn't even attempt to keep up with their consumption of alcohol and I was ready to flop when they were just warming up!

The most abiding memory for me is of a gently unreal night spent in the magical setting around the beautiful ornamental lake in Florence's Renaissance Boboli Gardens. It was chosen for the first menswear runway show for Jun Takahashi, the Japanese designer for Undercover, whose minimalism was inspired by German industrial designer, Dieter Rams.

In Italy it's easy to see that fashion is big business and Pitti Uomo is the backbone -The Milan shows follow on from this next week and Paris after that -and I really wish I could be there.

I loved the whole experience and must come again.

I'll try to keep in touch with my new friends especially Barry and Hugh who are in Dublin. They reminded me that I owe them all a drink when they come to London -which apparently is more likely to be for a Rugby match than Fashion week?

VICTORIA COX 29th May 2009

Dad called me Wednesday to say he was coming to London to give a talk on Thursday over at Imperial - didn't tell me as he wanted to surprise me -he certainly did that! I'd said he could stay here but he wanted to link up with people who were all booked into the Rembrandt. I imagine it'll have been a bit of a boy's get-together. He was finished by 4.30 though and we met up at his hotel just down the road so we could `talk' he'd said and I thought that meant I was going to get a lecture about my life -what direction it was going in etc -so I was a bit anxious and thinking things over could see how I would not present as the most together person on the planet. Am I wasting my time -pursuing foolish schemes and dreams-losing touch with family old friends etc-lost in London and a loser all the old clichés had come to mind that might be levelled at me but hey I was sooo surprised to find it was quite the opposite. Sure he asked me all about stuff-My Job, Saville row -Spitalfields etc he really listened and eventually just told me to go for it! He had every confidence in my talents and abilities -plenty of time to have real worries and kids- I was so relieved and absolutely thrilled. We went to Harvey Nicks for dinner -wouldn't have been my first choice but Dad said he could drop that in when he tells people his daughter is a budding new designer- Oh cringe I think he means it?

VICTORIA COX 16th April 2009

It's been such a strange Easter ?..and I think only the second one I've spent away from home. Felt committed to helping Sebastian at Spitalfields -besides I do need the money? Mum and dad were really good about it but Gran was upset and little brother said I was being selfish and selling myself short anyway by messing about on a market stall. It was a bit weird in the house too with everyone away- Tom and David went home and Emma was on holiday ?.I only had the cat for company though he really is good - sounds daft but I talk to him-tell him everything really and he just blinks up at me and purrs away - sometimes I imagine he really does understand?

Had thought of having people over and cooking for them? but I was just too exhausted -still it's great that we were so busy?? Missed my family -missed going to Church?? I will definitely be in Cornwall next year though.

Invited for after work drinks on Friday -surprised really- does this mean I've won their approval at last? Everyone seemed so nice and so knowledgeable about their profession- a lot of chat about earlier recessions and how `tailoring `has always survived because in difficult times appearances matter all the more?.makes sense really if you think about ten people chasing one job every effort will be made to impress -including with dress? was introduced to a Giles - he sort of emerged from the crowd in the pub -he has been in Menswear for over thirty years and went off on a rant about the British clothing industry compared to the Italian?.he's right that historically speaking Italy put so much more investment into their clothing industry decades ago--while we failed to take it seriously here at all. One thing I did pick up on was his insistence that Italian Menswear shows are the only ones that shouldn't be missed. Will have to look into that more?.

VICTORIA COX 13th MARCH 2009

"Never again!! Paris was a near disaster - Eurostar was running late (again!) so by the time we arrived on Monday morning we had already missed the Stella McCartney show -that I had been sooo looking forward too! (Such a waste of tickets!! ) Didn't get into anything else until Viktor & Rolf at 4.30 - after assuring me that we had tickets for `anyone who's anyone' turns out Sebastian doesn't have nearly the connections he imagines after all- several dashes across Paris the social highlight was getting into the Alexander McQueen after-party on Tuesday night - by which time I was coming down with laryngitis and could hardly speak -Seb' was so high with it all I thought I would have to peel him off the ceiling at one stage when a photographer said he was photogenic and asked "have you ever considered modelling yourself ? Come on, who'd fall for a line like that? But he got quite nasty when I said as much and told me I was too `zipped-up' and needed to get out more!!

Of course he didn't want to leave the party early but by 1am I just had to get a taxi back to the hotel -which came to about 30 quid - I have no idea if I was ripped off but everything's so expensive for us now anyway. He was all sweetness and light by next day though and said simply "C'est la vie"! to the fact that the photographer had gone home with one of the lighting engineers?. By the time we got back to London - late Wednesday night I might have thought the whole trip had been a waste of time and money except for one thing- it certainly helped me decide that much as I loved him - I wouldn't be entering into any business partnership with Seb' anytime soon!

Next day I committed to Nick Spence - I love tailoring and Saville row is where I want to be. Had a really good chat - at the moment he can only give me two to three days a week but I am happy with that - his father has been in the Menswear trade since the Mid -Sixties and that's where his interest came from?looking forward to learning more?.. Re- joined the health club-must make more effort! There are Pilates classes on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes so that might fit around work.

Victoria - February 2009

Doom and Gloom everywhere - it's terrible -sometimes I think we're talking ourselves into depression!! My main problem is making a decision- too many options and the only thing I'm sure about is uncertainty??well since just before Christmas I had been working part time with Seb' (Sebastian that I was at college with) in his Walthamstow workshop. It was just supposed to be a Christmas thing but the clothes sold so well especially from the stall he has at Spitalfields market that he's asked me to partner him in a retail venture -well a little shop somewhere to be precise??Meantime I have been offered a real job -though just part time for a new tailor in Saville row - that would be my dream job if it were a fulltime permanent position but Deacon Spence is not even an established business yet - though I do love his work.

London fashion week has been taking my thoughts away from recession. `Toned down extravagance on the Catwalk's was said to be the order of the day with smaller-scale presentations and some smaller venues compared with last year but if there was meant to be cost-cutting off the catwalks then nobody seems to have got the message .To be fair it was the official launch of the 25th anniversary of LFW and so the Moet et Chandon Champagne was a must?..and the parties were just as OTT as ever?..the one that got me most was the Circus / Fairground themed event that had all the live performances and even real candy floss machines-don't quite know how we managed to get into that one on Park Lane too but Seb' really does seem to know everyone! Looking forward to Paris and just hope Eurostar trains are O.K. if the weather is bad again?.

Need to have a night in with Emma to talk over my options?.will try to arrange something soon.

Victoria - 16th September 2008

I'm afraid I have been a bit oblivious to all the financial news as I have been so excited about London Fashion week?..last night especially was great as there was a VIP reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown to mark the 25th year of the British Fashion Council.

Harold Tillman the chairman, announced the new Fashion Fund which will be offering major support to the industry and the first designers to benefit from support will be announced at a highlight event next November at what will be the height of the year long festivities ?..Need to look into that more?.

Was wowed by the catwalks yesterday and so excited by the Vivienne Westwood show??... I suppose I should feel a bit anxious about the gloom and doom being forecast but for this week anyway I am an unashamed optimist?? I dream that one day people will be modelling my garments down those catwalks!!