As President of the CFDA, I was also there for a meeting to discuss changing the dates of Fashion Week. The dates have been pushed forward in the last few years, making it very hard for American designers to be ready in time. But changing them is easier said than done. My colleagues in London, Milan and Paris had to be consulted, so London organized a meeting for us.

I am always happy in London, because I stay in my favorite hotel…Claridge’s. Philippe Leboeuf, the grand manager and Martin, the best concierge in the world, make me feel so welcome and at home. The hallways are always like the center of town - Bono and Carla Bruni were the week’s celebrity guests! When I arrived, I found out Paul Smith was having his fashion show in the ballroom, so I decided to crash (it was worthwhile, what a beautiful show).

I went to a fashion cocktail party at 10 Downing Street hosted by Sarah Brown, the wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Many British designers were present: Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Saunders, Nicole Farhi, and Paul Smith as well as Naomi Campbell and lots of fashion press.

There were visits to my shops on Bruton Street and Ledbury Road, lunch at Scott’s on Mount Street and Cipriani’s … London is bubbling!! My friend Nona Summers had a dinner party for me. Laura Bailey, Jonathan Newhouse, Bella Freud, Peter Morgan, and Vidal Sassoon were there. At the Tate Britain I saw the magnificent retrospective of Francis Bacon … truly fantastic!!

Nathan’s show at Battersea Power Station was great…lots of colorful, beautiful clothes that made everyone dream! I was so happy for him, so we celebrated his success that night at the private club on top of the Ivy restaurant. There was good food and good wine…we tried not to think of the Stock Market!