The John Lewis Autumn/Winter 2019 Showcase

Back in November, John Lewis invited me to their Autumn/Winter 2019 showcase. As we’re now in winter, I thought I’d share what I was treated to at the press event… (Spoiler – There was even a SAUSAGE DOG on the catwalk!)

Over the past few years since they opened, the lovely team at John Lewis have kindly invited me to their press shows, blogger events and launches – I have to say they are always so brilliantly produced. The Chelmsford branch are the epitome of JL’s ‘& Partners’ branding; each individual puts their heart and soul into what they do. They’re a fantastic team and it’s plain-to-see at each of their events! Understandably, I was really excited to see what their AW19 show had to offer.

Hosted at Chelmsford’s Bond Street-based John Lewis, the event was open to the public. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on when their next events are and buy a ticket in time!

I wandered into the event, past a counter full of champagne flutes and brochures. Picking up a timetable, I bagged a front-row seat for the first talk of the evening. Delivered by their highly-experienced counter expert, myself and the crowd enjoyed a Clarins demonstration.

This talk took us through the ranges and most popular skincare products from Clarins. In particular, the demo showed us a range designed and created especially for young skin. Despite the mix of ages in the audience watching on, so many handy tips and insights were given making the talk suitable for any age and skin type.

During the festive period and times when only the most glam look will do, it’s so easy to let your skincare regime slip. Coupled with indulgent food and perhaps a cheeky surge of sugar into your diet, breakouts are almost inevitable! If you’re passing by the Clarins counter any time soon, pop over and book a complimentary facial – We were advised they have a lovely quiet space reserved especially for delivering these relaxing, restoring treatments. Treat yourself to a cleansing facial in January!

The next talk was by Urban Decay. Unsurprisingly really, I’m a fan of their makeup and loooove their Naked eyeshadow palettes (also, I highly recommend their glitter eyeliners too!).

Lead by one of the head makeup artists from Bond Street JL’s Urban Decay counter team, an array of really great looks were shown in this showcase demo. It was such a helpful chat, showing how to easily transition a casual, day look into something more suitable for evening events and then onto a party-apt face of makeup! Armed with my Urban Decay glitter eyeliner, I personally gave their tips a whirl for some of the festive events in my calendar for December.

It’s always SO lovely to bump into friends and fellow bloggers at local events and, this time, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with Hannah!

Be sure to check out hannahgladwin.com and Hannah on the ‘gram game here. Seeing Hannah was a great opportunity for a much-needed catch up and some photos in front of the pretty flower-clad backdrop – Can you blame us?!

Whilst in-between talks, we went for a wander around some of the interior design displays. Thanks to my day job, I have quite a penchant for homewares… Sheepskin and dusky grey tones = Irresistible!

I’m pretty sure I fall in love with something in John Lewis during every visit… This time was no exception!

This gorgeous little greenhouse bauble reminded me of the warm, glass-paned haven I used to explore in “Nanny’s” garden. Bursting with botanical, herby smells and tomato-plant-tendrils, it reminded me instantly of being back there with my sisters.

The snow-frosted roof and pretty plants growing up the sides made for a super cute bauble, and not one I saw plastered everywhere during the festive season. Quite a feat!

Constellations and anything star-print right now are really floating my boat. This dress was labelled up as a ‘Christmas day dress’. I’m pretty sure I would find maaaaany more occasions to wear this! Infact, one of my work friends recently wore this dress to office drinks and she looked BEAUTIFUL.

Time for the John Lewis Showcase catwalk! We all gathered in the 2nd floor café (the one named ‘The Place To Eat’, if you’re familiar!). Armed with complimentary Waitrose miniature cake bites, flutes of champagne and goody-bags, we were all set for the catwalk show to start. I absolutely love a goody-bag at these sort of events – This was no exception and I’ve already worked my way through the beauty samples and magazines inside.

Our 3 wise ladies – The Bond Street John Lewis Personal Stylist team! Click here to learn more and book an appointment.

The girls took us through each look that strutted the catwalk, slipping some tips into the narration along with insights into who the models were – True to the ‘& Partners’ ethic, every model was an employee.

Office looks, party style, cosy outfits and bold statements. Every outfit on the catwalk was perfectly-styled! You can follow the Chelmsford JL personal stylist team on Instagram here (L-R): Emma, Laura, Selina.

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram whilst you’re there!

NOW… If you read the spoiler about a sausage dog on the catwalk in the intro, your prize for staying for this whole post is A PHOTO of the little honey in action.

Isn’t he lovely! Definitely stealing the John Lewis Showcase limelight, he was even wearing a fetching Barbour dog coat.

On the way out, I caught up with some other fellow bloggers. As we grabbed a Waitrose mince pie for the road, talk turned to the shows and events that 2020 may bring – I cannot wait to find out!

If you fancy reading about other local Essex events I’ve attended, read this post about Cressing Temple Barn’s Apple Day or check out the Pumpkin Patch I visited in Colchester.

Whilst I attended this event with a gifted, free invitation from John Lewis, this is an event I would have happily paid for. I’m personally really glad we’re into winter 2020 now and I just can’t wait to try out some of the skincare tips and styling advice shared with us all at the John Lewis Showcase of AW19. If you’re local to Chelmsford, perhaps I’ll bump into you one day!