A dream of mine since I was 15 when shadowing a fashion designer out in L.A, I am finally returning to the States to have an adventure of my own.

As my friends could tell you, I am a (dare I say it) Carrie Bradshaw lover that is always in search of my place within the  fashion world, and this is my chance to network with people, meet new and interesting friends, and fall in love with the city no doubt! Living out of a suitcase, I will be hosteling and couch surfing the majority of my trip. I have never done this before!

Resigning from my job last week has somehow made this all real now. Excited, nervous, a little terrified… but SO ready.

On my way to Leicester at 8 in the morning wearing my new outfit I bought espeically for the royals earlier this week, I was feeling calm and mentally prepared for meeting old tutors, ex students, and most importantly seeing royals! It was going to be a big day. This was until I received a phone call from my friend Vikki, also a nervy De Montfort graduate who was making her way down to see her collection in the show. “I’ve forgotten my ticket Sophie!” she shouted down the hands free phone to me. My heart sank. It was too late for  her to turn back. I reasured her she would get in still and told her to carry on with the journey. I of course did not know if this would be true. As I imagined , with royality coming security was going to be pretty strict. I felt bad for her. “I’m so stupid!” she kept yelling down the phone to me. When I arrived at Leicester the queue for the fashion show was ready about a mile long, no way was I standing in that i thought considering my garments were in the show!  Vikki, on her third cigarette since we arrived rang one of the girls that was already back stage. The back door opened and two back stage passes were shoved into our hands and we were in!! I couldn’t believe it. Next, being offered free coffee, I knew the day was getting better by the second. Everything seemed calm and organised in the dressing room, so I thought, lets get into the room and watch the show! I had been previously told I was only allowed to help dress, but thought what the hell, this is a once in a life time opportunity to see the Queen! Luckily our tutor took us in and explained to security how we were down one ticket, and how strange it was that my name wasn’t on the list either (at that point I remembered I hadn’t even RSVP my ticket!) “Make sure these girls get a seat, their collections are in the show” my tutor said. I could have hugged her, that would have been a first!   Once we were sat down, metres from where the Queen’s seat, I was SO excited ! With noisy helicopters circulating the building, and being told not to stand from our seats, take any pictures or even tweet (I was beginning to think we weren’t allowed to even breathe!) the Queen and gorgeous Kate Middleton arrived, everyone standing from their seats and cheering and waving paper flags that had been dished out, the show commenced. Kate looked gorgeous in a black hat, with her majesty dressed head to toe in pink. With the blink of an eye they were escorted out of there. It was only later that night when I was watching it back on the news at 10 with my dad, that I realised how lucky I was to be in that room with her and with my work going down the catwalk. I had no idea how crazy the crowds were outside whilst we were sat in that room. Maybe it’s very naieve of me, but I didn’t realise how much of a big deal it was actually going to be. An experience I will never forget.  Check out a couple of pictures I was able to take without the security catching me!

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