David Haye & Joanne Black - ©Dave Bennett

Silvia Damiani @ Damiani Party - ©Dave Bennett

Where: Connaught Hotel, London
Joanne black style: short charcoal grey Lanvin dress, Sergio Rossi clutch, Lanvin shoes and Damiani diamonds

An evening dedicated to diamonds is not hard to enjoy – especially when it includes dinner at The Connaught and a dazzling performance by Paloma Faith.

With a star-studded guest list – and Silvia Damiani, Sydney Ingle-Finch and Lucy Yeomans hosting the event – the fashion stakes were high. Elle Macpherson did the classic short LBD proud, Cat Deeley looked elegant in a long blue dress and boxer David Haye sparkled in front of the cameras, with some beautiful stud Damiani earrings. Mira Anafina who runs the Bond Street Damiani store also looked cool in a black Fendi jump suit. It was Paloma who stood out from the crowd, however, with her stunning singing voice, sparkly gold dress – with a sexy plunge neckline – and Chinese-inspired hat worn to one side.

I know all too well what a fabulous accessory can do for an outfit, and it was great to see diamond jewellery take centre stage. A girl’s best friend? Absolutely!

Joanne Black Fashion Pick

Forget fancy ties and heavy coats, this season’s statement piece for men is the long scarf. Brad Pitt wore one inside his shirt instead of a tie at the Cannes Film Festival and now you can look fabulous by using one to dress up a casual or evening look this winter. Rag & Bone do a wonderful blue scarf –which I have taken out on occasion – and Rubinacci on Mount Street has a great selection that’s worth adding to your Christmas list. Who could resist something so practical, warm and super-stylish?

Celebrity Style: Andres Velencoso

Men take note: if you’re a winter jet-setter hoping to arrive at your destination in style, look no further than Andres Velencoso. Snapped at an airport in Hello magazine, looking relaxed in jeans, a simple T-shirt, cool trainers, a great leather jacket and a polka dot scarf, Andres managed to outshine his glamourous other half Kylie Minogue – which was no mean feat. I love how effortless – and at the same time stylish – it all looks and will certainly be keeping a closer eye on this beautiful pair in future!

Joanne Black's Beauty pick: Espa Shave Mud

This is no ordinary shaving product. Designed for the man who wants to look good as quickly as possible, Espa’s Shave Mud is part shaving preparation cream and part deep-cleansing mask. Its key ingredient is white China clay (Kaolin), which is designed to draw out impurities and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. What man could refuse a product that deep cleanses the skin, inhibits hair growth and provides the basis for the ultimate close shave?

Find out more: www.espaonline.com

Joanne Black loves Blake Lively's Balmain Sequin number

Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively looked every inch the stylish celebrity on page 26 of a recent Now magazine. Her sexy party look is inspiration to all those ladies getting ready for the Christmas party season. Blake’s Balmain LBD makes the most of this season’s trend for power shoulders and looks fabulous with her scraped back hair and choice of emerald accessories. Those ankle boots also deserve a mention – the perfect accessory for the perfect party outfit. If you’re looking to recreate this look – without the price tag – I would suggest a trip to Whistles. They have a similar LBD for just £200!