Joanne Black with Mira Anafina of Damiani Jewelry Bond Street

Where: Portman Square, London
Joanne Black Style: Amanda Wakeley gown, vintage black fur and bag, YSL shoes and diamonds by Damiani.

On Thursday you certainly didn’t have to be in the Big Apple to experience the perfect New York winter. In fact, as the theme for The Berkeley Square Ball 2009, you only had to go as far as Portman Square.

One of the highlights of the London social calendar, this night of Taittinger champagne, Nobu cocktails and dinner by Britain’s leading Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli – all in support of The Prince’s Trust – did not disappoint.

Thankfully, my table at dinner provided the perfect vantage point from which to soak up the style scene – and what a scene it was! Gwen Stefani arriving with her husband Gavin Rossdale took a rather alternative approach with a neon bra, see-through top, short tweed grey shorts and black opaque leggings – coupled with gladiator style statement heels and a black clutch. And David Haye brought a touch of boxer cool to proceedings wearing a relaxed black jeans and trainers outfit worn with a gold belt, black blazer and open white shirt.

Joanne Black with David Haye

But in the style stakes, the night belonged to Anna Friel. Arriving after a night treading the boards at London’s Theatre Royal, Anna looked stunning in a racy red number, which she wore with a red choker and beautiful brooch. A wonderful white fur, red manicure and delicate silver sandals just made her fitted dress all the more show-stopping! When she’s finished playing style icon Audrey Hepburn at the theatre she should think about becoming one herself!

Where: Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds, Middlesex
Joanne Black Style: Belstaff jacket, Stella McCartney polo, Superfine code jeans, Le Chameau wellies and a hat by Irwin & Jordon

There’s only one thing you can get away with wearing at a clay pigeon shooting event – and that’s tweed. Sadly, not being a lady who loves textured clothing, it was only when I discovered a leaner look in the form of a grey and black Belstaff jacket that I was able to accept the invite. Brown tweed and a black loving girl just don’t get on.

Unfortunately, looking the part doesn’t make you a perfect shot out in the field. After a quick lesson – not to mention a bacon and sausage roll and a good cup of English tea – I did actually manage to hit something, but let’s just say I wasn’t surprised when my name wasn’t called out at lunch.
When I’d got over the fact I was tucking into yet another turkey dinner, it was time for yet more style spotting. Charles Finch was a great host yet again, but I have to say, my male style points go jointly to Nick Folkes who wore amazing socks with tassels and Tom Stubb with his amazing cape.

I was lucky enough to borrow a hat from the lovely designer Zoe Jordan, who picked up female performer on the day. Maybe with a bit of practice I’ll actually be some competition for her next year!

Joanne Black with Mika

Where: Lanvin Men, Savile Row
Joanne Black Style: Lanvin T-shirt, Wolford body, YSL bag, Sharon Wauchob jacket, Jitrois leather leggings and Sergio Rossi over-the-knee boots.

When great style, great music and great design come together the result is every bit as fashionable as it sounds. Lanvin’s Savile Row store provided the perfect setting for an evening of music (from Mika’s iPod), Marrakesh-inspired cocktails and sharp looking men. Mika’s fashionable following – from British film director Mike Figgis and shoe designer Christian Louboutin to Paul Smith and British Milliner Stephen Jones – were out in force to help him celebrate the launch of his limited edition book Songs For Sorrow, which comes with 4 new acoustic tracks.

Lanvin’s very own designer Alber Elbaz was among those designers and artists chosen to illustrate one of the new songs for the book. His beautiful mermaid – dressed in Lanvin no doubt – was designed to accompany the song Lady Jane and showed just what an accomplished artist he is.

After my fill of celeb style, I snuck away with my complimentary CD to listen to Mika’s new songs. I recommend Toy Boy – it’s very catchy and worth the trip to Lanvin just to hear!

Location: Musee de l’homme
Joanne Black Style: Acne skinny jeans, Marc Jacobs t-shirt, Martin Margiela jacket, Georgina Goodman Chelsea boots and a YSL bag
The collection: Everything about Sharon Wauchob’s collection was sharp, cool and edgy. Combining her signature layering technique with more handcrafted traditions such as lace making and crochet, Wauchob’s white, grey and black designs were as absorbing as ever. Metallic beaded shoulder pads, deconstructed jackets, statement dresses, drop-crotch pants and cool white jodhpur trousers – with a twist at the bottom – made this a show that was both bold and beautiful.
The wish list: My wish list always doubles in size after a Wauchob show. I don’t think Spring/Summer 2010 would be the same without her short black dress with a see-through middle, white ruffles silk dress, silk white top with padded shoulders, black dress with layered shoulder detail (fitted at the waist), and short bolero-style black silk jacket.
The style: Both French and Asian fashions were trying to capture the audience’s attention.

Location: Prada HQ, Milan
Joanne Black style: Lanvin print dress, Georgina Goodman shoes, Chanel bag

A piece from the Prada Collection SS10

The collection: It was a floor-to-ceiling screen that turned Prada’s headquarters into a world of fantasy and fashion – complete with palm trees, beaches and doors in an Italian street. The scene provided the perfect backdrop for Prada’s much-anticipated S/S 2010 collection. Italy’s style elite was not disappointed. With fantastic grey jackets with visible thread detail, daisy flowers on white and grey dresses, cool shorts, palm tree prints and silk French knickers, this showed excited the senses – and the credit card!

The wish list: I simply loved the use of crystal embellishments within the collection – great for a statement piece to get you through the S/S season. I may be seeking out a pair of oversized clear goggles, which appeared throughout the show.

The style: Italy simply oozes style. Stars of the fashion and sporting world – including French Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld, Anna Wintour (looking great in brown), Jefferson Hack and Roger Federer – were out in force to catch sight of Prada’s latest pieces.