Priceless London Alchemy Experience

Fashion can often be something quite allusive. Just out of reach to us mere mortals.

Yet I’ve learned over the last few weeks, spending time with the Alchemy Festival, that it should be about inclusion, learning about new cultures, new expressions and new ways of thinking. After all, isn’t that what fashion is about? Expression and creativity.

On Saturday I was invited by MasterCard to try one of their Priceless London experiences, a way to discover the usual and non-tourist aspects of London. Priceless London also gives you chances to win awesome prizes to some of London’s best events and experiences. This time they had partnered with the Southbank Centre and their Alchemy Festival; a celebration of South Indian Fashion, to introduce greater London to new creative ways.

As part of the wider Alchemy Festival me and Helen headed down to watch 3 of South India’s best fashion designers take to the catwalk.

Nor Black Nor White is an exciting, edgy fashion duo, who have featured in Wallpaper, ASOS, I-D Magazine and Vogue Italy. They travelled across the country and found so many parts of Indian heritage was disappearing to mass “Globalisation” (think H&M in every country) and so they brought old ideas to new designs. Think 90s R&B as their main style.

However it was Mariam Seddiq that is truly loved. Her designs resonated with me so much and I’d love to wear these. Her design are a mix of structured Tailoring and fluid drapery with hand embellishment.

Finally The House of Kamiar Rokni was showcased. The fusion between Indian culture and Western culture was most apparent, creating these beautiful, luxurious designs. I think they got it just right that it neither alienating to either one.

After watching the beautiful fabrics sashay along the catwalk it was time for a spot of food. Priceless London experiences are a full immersive experience you see.

Me and Helen headed up to Skylon, arguably the best restaurant on the Southbank. If you go, make sure to grab a table by the windows as it makes for the best people viewing.

Skylon is quite fish-centric so make sure you order some, as it really is fresh and delicious. We started with the scallops to share. Big, plump and just waiting to be devoured, they were delicious.

There was still lots of events for Alchemy going on throughout the day and the reminder was in the peaceful hum of music that drifted up into the restaurant.

Next we ordered our mains. Whilst there is a lot of fish on the menu, I had to have steak, and turns out so did Helen. Paired with chunky chips it was a real winning combo.