FOOD SECRET 08/09

DOUBLE ISSUE 08/09

ADDICTED TO

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON+APHRODITESAVING THE RAINFORESTVIVIENNE WESTWWOD APPEAL TO SUPPORT COOL EARTH

VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUTREPORTING ON LONDON’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

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CONTENTS

DOUBLE ISSUE 08/09

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON + APHRODITE

COVERVivienne Westwood Red Label

SECRET FOOD6 The year of the dragon14 Aphrodite

SECRET LIFESTYLE22 Saving the rainforest 26 Vogue fashion’s night out

Sergio Mottola, FounderOriginally from Milan, self-proclaimed entrepreneur Sergio began his career working in the

City of London for a large insurance brokers. Whilst there he realized there was a large group

of people that needed fast and nutritious food to facilitate a long day in the office, but there

was nowhere providing this. At the same time as his career was developing, Mottola was

busily nurturing his passion for food, ultimately attending world renowned French culinary

school, Le Cordon Bleu. Seeing an amazing opportunity to combine his entrepreneurial

skills with his passion for cooking and a desire for a healthy lifestyle, Sergio decided to

develop FOODSECRET. Being Italian, he is very clear on his passion for great tasting food and

believes “that it is perfectly possible to create a cuisine that offers fantastic flavour alongside

nutritional benefit.” Thus providing Londoners with a healthy answer to the fast food

conundrum.

Chris Barber, Food ExpertChris spent many successful years in the kitchen in his

own award winning ventures, but also for 11 years as

Personal Chef to HRH The Prince of Wales in Highgrove,

London and around the world on his travels. Chris has

also had a successful writing career for some of the

major broadsheets and food publications.

Kate Cook, NutritionistKate is the director and founder of The Nutrition Coach,

author and public speaker. Having appeared with Martine

McCutcheon on UKTV’s “The Truth About Beauty”, and

published a string of influential and critically acclaimed

books Kate has established herself as the UK’s premier

authority on personal reinvention in health.

FOODSECRET59 Broadwick Street London, W1F9QQfoodsecret.comfacebook.com/foodsecret

Lauren McAloonMarketing Manager

Andy FeaseyNew Business Development

Alfredo Violante WidmerEditor

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THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

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TOP 10 TIPSCHINESE FOOD

1. Replace your black tea with some Chinese green tea. Green tea is rich in health-promoting flavanoids and drinking three cups per day has been shown to boost the immune system and support cardiovascular health. Green tea contains much less caffeine than black tea.

2. Increase consumption of brown and wild rice. Rice is hypoallergenic and gluten-free, making it an ideal alternative to wheat products. Rice bread is also a fantastic alternative to wheat bread.

3. Indulge in eggs for breakfast. Eggs are a symbol of fertility in the Chinese tradition. They are high in quality protein and zinc, both of which are essential for optimal hormone balance and fertility.

4. Reduce consumption of dairy products and experiment with alternatives such as soya and rice milk. Chinese and Japanese diets are extremely low in milk and cheese, and this may provide some health benefits, as many people have problems tolerating lactose or casein.

5. Experiment with eating more soups and broths, which are a staple in the Chinese diet. Soups are wonderfully warming in the winter months, are easy to digest and are nutrient rich. Soups with winter vegetables, spices, fish or chicken are ideal.

6. Follow the Chinese saying ‘eat well in the morning, till you are full at lunch, and lightly in the evening’. This means, have your main meal and lunch time and eating a lighter dinner.

7. Enjoy miso. Miso is a fermented soyabean paste that is used extensively in Asian cooking. It is high in vitamin B12, as well as the minerals zinc and manganese, and because it has been fermented it also supports healthy gut bacteria.

8. Increase consumption of ginger. It’s an ideal accompaniment to soups, salads, rice dishes and also as a tea. Ginger is a wonderful tonic for the digestive system, as well as having anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties.

9. Experiment with eating different greens, such as pak choi, or white cabbage. The Chinese diet is rich is greens, which are highly alkalising and cleansing for the system. Greens like pak choi are also high in potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

10. Enjoy cashew nuts. Cashew nuts are a health food, frequently used in Asian dishes. They are high in magnesium and manganese and are rich in healthy unsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat.

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AT FOODSECRETChinese New Year starts on Monday 23rd January, and an ideal way to start the day is with some fresh orange juice or an orange and raspberry juice. Oranges are rich in vitamin C and flavone antioxidants, making them an ideal food for supporting the immune system as we enter into the New Year. Why not follow this with an Asian style breakfast of a hot smoked salmon salad.

Asian countries don’t rely on cereals, toast and pastries like much of the UK population, but would instead have a gentle dish that includes some rice and vegetables. The hot smoked salmon salad contains nourishing wild rice to help increase qi energy in the stomach and the salmon provides lean protein and essential omega 3 fats to help boost your mood for the New Year celebrations.

Aim to follow the Chinese way of eating by making lunch your main meal of the day, with a lighter evening meal. A substantial dish with some chili will help to see you through the day and get you in the mood of the fiery Dragon. Chili pepper will also help to shift any lingering January colds and clear congestion. Try the Prawn Curry Laksa - you’ll get the benefit of the spices as well as a good amount of tryptophan from the soya to help boost mood. Or go for the Chicken Tom Kha – which will give you the spice hit too, but also a large dose of selenium and immune support from the mushrooms.

For a lighter evening meal try the Prawn & Avocado Pita. This is a lighter option, but it will also sustain you through the night due to the prawns and avocado, so you won’t wake up feeling hungry. Avocados are dense in nutrients, especially vitamins E and K, as well as beneficial monounsaturated fats. Other evening options to try are the Crunchy Asian Tuna Salad or the Tuna Nicoise – which are also light, but contain lean protein from the fish to make sure you don’t wake up feeling hungry.

AT HOMEIs a homemade stir-fry healthy? Yes, a homemade stir-fry can be a healthy way of getting lots of vegetables into a meal. To maximize the health benefits, don’t use too much oil to fry with and don’t keep the heat up too high for too long. One of the best oils to fry with is coconut oil, as it is a saturated fat and therefore stable at high temperatures. It also adds a tasty Asian undertone to the meal. By avoiding cooking your vegetables at a high temperature for a long period of time, some specific nutrients, such as vitamin C, will be preserved.

I’ve heard that soya sauce contains wheat. Is there a gluten-free alternative I can use? Yes, most soya sauce brands do contain some wheat. However, Japanese tamari soya sauce is wheat-free and therefore and ideal alternative for those who cannot tolerate wheat or gluten.

I find rice very difficult to cook and it often ends up stuck together. Do you have any tips to help? A rice cooker is a brilliant addition to the kitchen when it comes to cooking Asian food. Although it doesn’t speed up the cooking process, it makes the process much easier and guarantees you properly cooked rice. All you need to do is measure out the rice, add the rice and water to the cooker and set the cooker. No further attention is required until the rice is ready. Easy.

I want to cook with tofu, but I’m not sure what soya products are best? When it comes to soya, the fermented soya products are easier for the body to breakdown and are the most traditional forms eaten in Asia. Miso, which is a fermented soya bean paste, is a great addition to dishes or can be made into a light soup. Tempeh is another good option that’s worth a try. It looks like tofu, but it is fermented and has a slightly rougher texture, as the soya beans are more visible.

SECRET FOOD

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FACTS:

HOW TO GET THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHINESE FOODIf the Chinese zodiac 2011 was the year of the rabbit, what is the animal of 2012? 2012 is the Chinese year of the Water Dragon, which starts on 23 January 2012. The Dragon is a revered symbol associated with power and wisdom, but is also mystical and unpredictable. The water associated with the Water Dragon calms the Dragon’s fire and brings many possibilities for good fortune.

What can the Water Dragon teach us about good health? The Water Dragon is a reminder to us of the importance of drinking enough water for good health. Water is an essential element and makes up two thirds of our planet and our bodies. It is the essence of life and is needed by every cell in the body. It is important for digestion, immune function, healthy skin and the removal of waste products. Dehydration occurs when there is only a 1% or greater loss in body weight due to fluid loss, and common symptoms include dry mouth, headaches, tiredness, light-headedness, and muscle weakness.

What dietary guidelines are followed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? In TCM, as well as Western Nutrition, the food we eat is considered extremely important to physical, mental and spiritual health. The Taoist diet is based on simple rules, such as avoiding foods that the body cannot process, are difficult to digest or have little nutritional value, such as additives, sugar, dairy products, excess red meat and alcohol. Food is eaten as nature intended, opting for locally grown seasonal produce wherever possible.

Each food is also associated with having a cooling, neutral or heating nature and helps to build yin and yang energies in the body. Specific foods are prescribed in TCM to reflect an individual’s constitution and to correct imbalances in the elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

The Chinese diet is low in wheat and dairy products. Is it healthy to avoid these foods? An increasing number of people are finding wheat and gluten products difficult to digest, and they can produce a range of symptoms from bloating and IBS to immune conditions. In the Chinese tradition rice is the staple grain, rather than wheat, and because it is gluten-free and hypoallergenic it is easy to tolerate. It is also said to sooth the stomach and nervous system and increase qi energy. Brown rice, rice bread and rice pasta therefore make nourishing alternatives to their wheat equivalents.

What Chinese Foods are particularly beneficial for health? Chinese cooking has a tradition of using a number of spices, such as chili pepper and ginger. These fiery Dragon foods are wonderfully cleansing for the body, as well as having strong immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore don’t hold back on these when celebrating the New Year, and also stock up on Chinese greens, like pak choi. These greens are highly alkalising and rich in antioxidants.

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SECRET FOOD

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SECRET RECIPE

CHINESE STEAMED BASS WITH CABBAGEPreparation time: 20 minutes

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INGREDIENTSSERVES 22 sea bass fillets 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped15g fresh root ginger300g Chinese leaves , finely shredded2 teaspoon sunflower oil1 teaspoon sesame oil2 garlic cloves, crushed2 teaspoon soy sauce

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STEP BY STEP 1. Sprinkle the fish with the chilli, ginger and a pinch of salt

2. Steam the leaves for 5 mins in a bamboo or stainless steamer

3. Lay fish on top of the leaves and steam for a further 5 mins until cooked through. Meanwhile, heat the oils in a small pan, add the garlic and quickly cook, stirring until lightly browned

4. Transfer the cabbage and fish to serving plates, sprinkle each with 1 tsp of soy sauce, then pour over the garlicky oil.

FOOD HERO:

CHILI2012 is the year of the Dragon, and chili, the fire of the dragon, is therefore the perfect addition to a meal. Chili pepper contains a substance called capsaicin, which has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory. It is therefore an ideal food for natural pain relief. It is also high in beta-carotene and helps to boost the immune system and clear congestion. Just one word of warning, go a little easy on the chili if you have a delicate digestive system, as too much might upset it.

Chili is a common ingredient in many of our dishes; as well as its nutritional benefits, we love the spicy kick it gives to our dishes. To name but a few of our range that include chili; Prawn guacamole pita, Curry Laksa, Tom Kha and Crunchy Asian Tuna Salad are some of our favourites.

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SECRET FOOD

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APHRODITE

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TOP 10 TIPSAPHRODISIAC FOOD

1. Oysters ooze with aphrodisiac power. As well as being sensuous and tender they are also brimming with zinc, which is essential for oestrogen and testosterone production – and therefore enhanced libido. So, don’t hold back!

2. Pomegranate is a fruit of passion. As well as their vibrant red, colour of love, they also contain a high level of antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels, allowing more blood to course through them in those moments of passion.

3. Asparagus is a long lusty vegetable. As well as its phallic shape to spark the imagination, it is also rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C to energise you.

4. Chocolate has always been the food of love. We all love it, and what could be better than sharing it with someone you love? The Aztecs knew of chocolates strong aphrodisiac qualities. Cocoa contains a substance called phenyl ethylamine (PEA) that makes us feel euphoric and arouses emotions.

5. Avocadoes are a perfect addition to your Valentine’s menu. They are great for balancing hormones and stimulating libido due to their high vitamin E and B6 content..

6. Figs are a fruit for the flirty. Regarded as an aphrodisiac based on their appearance, they also have the highest mineral content of all fresh fruit.

7. Strawberries are the most sensuous berry. They’re red, juicy and shaped like a heart and have been a symbol of love and fertility for thousands of years. They are high vitamin C and antioxidants which are essential for boosting energy and supporting all aspects of health, to keep you in the mood for love.

8. Ginger is a great addition to spice up your meal. It increases sexual desire and heart rate by stimulating the circulatory system. Try the root raw, cooked or crystallized.

9. Honey is liquid gold for lovers. It’s a sticky, seductive and deliciously sweet indulgence. An ancient tradition was for lovers on their Honeymoon to drink drinks laced with honey and it was thought to “sweeten” the marriage.

10. Red wine is nectar for the senses. It helps relax our inhibitions and gets us in the mood for love. Go for a wine with a musky earthy aroma to seduce, but be warned that less is best – as too much will destroy your desires!

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PAUL A YOUNGChocoalte Boutique, Soho, London

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AT FOODSECRETStart your Valentine’s Day with romantic Berry Compote Granola Pot. Not only will you get a good breakfast which will help you feel full until lunch time, but you will also get a delicious mix of aphrodisiac berries in the red fruit compote. Or try the Greek Yoghurt and Flower Honey Pot – as believed by the Egyptians, the wild flower honey is sure to sweeten your desires and the yoghurt will boost your mood. Yoghurt is high in protein and contains a high level of the amino acid tryptophan which the body converts into serotonin, an essential ‘happy hormone’. This will lift your spirits and get you in the mood for love.

On Valentine’s day you should aim to have a light lunch so that you can concentrate your culinary treats for the evening. If you have a hot date in the evening and want to avoid bloating, you should think of choosing a soup or a salad instead of a sandwich. Grains tend to induce more water retention and can bloat you out more easily. Try the Prawn Curry Laksa Soup – the Thai spices will tickle your taste buds and the prawns will provide good levels of the libido increasing zinc. Or go for the Prawn, Avocado and Tomato Leaf Salad. The avocado is full of vitamin E and B6 to nourish your hormones and boost your libido, and the cherry tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants to give you a spring in your step.

If your evening meal is going to be late and you need an afternoon boost then sneak in a Chocolate Brownie. Chocolate has a long history as an aphrodisiac, but also contains substances that can help increase your happy hormones, serotonin and endorphins. Or try some Fentiman’s Ginger Beer or the Arizona Pomegranate – the aphrodisiac ginger and pomegranate in these are sure to spark your passion.

AT HOMEWhat’s the key to making a Valentine meal seductive? When it comes to romance and food it’s all about indulging the senses. As well as lighting candles and creating a seductive atmosphere, don’t forget the importance of food presentation. Select some seductive foods from our top 10 list, including a range of colours, shapes and textures and arrange them with tenderness so it’s a treat for the eyes. Serve your portions small too so that you stimulate rather than overwhelm the taste buds.

I’ve heard that chili is an aphrodisiac, is a curry a good Valentine option? It’s true that chili pepper is an aphrodisiac. It contains a compound called capsaicin, which causes flushing and rapid heartbeat and stimulated the release of endorphins, leading to arousal and euphoria. However, I would say that more is less with chili. If you use too much it might upset your gut, leading to stomach pains – which wouldn’t be too romantic! And too much will over power the taste buds and other senses. On Valentine’s day, it should be more about using fragrant spices and more gentle flavours to indulge all the senses.

What’s your idea of the perfect Valentine’s meal?I really love finger food and having lots of little dishes, which leave you feeling light. Steamed asparagus with a sauce and some smoked salmon canapés make an ideal starter. This can be followed with some baked fish, such as sea bass, cooked with some ginger and herbs and served with a bright rainbow salad. Getting a range of colours and textures in the salad and adding some mixed seeds and a good dressing are important. If you need something extra then serve with some wild rice or quinoa, but don’t forget to leave some room for dessert. I’ll definitely be having a good portion of dark chocolate, figs and berries on the 14th!

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FACTS:

VALENTINE’S DAYWhere does the name aphrodisiac come from? The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love, beauty and desire. Legend has it that she was born when Uranus (the father of the gods) was castrated by his son Cronus. Cronus threw his genitals into the ocean and as the ocean began to foam Aphrodite was born and arose from the sea foam (aphros). The sea carried her to either Cyprus or Cythera, both countries claim to be her birth place.

What is the first aphrodisiac ever recorded? An aphrodisiac is any substance that increases sexual desire, and believe it or not the first know stimulant was human body odor! That’s right, your own personal smell. Later on, perfumes were developed to allure the opposite sex.

The Egyptian queen Cleopatra used opiates and perfumes to seduce her lovers, and Julius Caesar is said to have declared that perfumes sparked the ‘fire of love’. In those days, this was mainly in the form of scents from frankincense and myrrh.

Is it really true that we’re attracted to body odor from the opposite sex? I’m afraid so! Research has shown that we all release scent-signaling chemicals, known as pheromones, which may attract us to our partner. Women’s pheromones, for example, change around the time of ovulation, which signals to men that she’s at her prime to conceive.

Pheromones can also signal information to both sexes about their genetic make-up and gene compatibility, thereby narrowing our choice of potential partners. So, love really is in the air!

Falling in love is such an intense feeling. What hormones are responsible? According to biological anthropologist, Helen Fisher PhD, humans have evolved three different brain systems to encourage love and mating: sex drive (lust), feelings of attachment (trust) and romance (being in love).

Each of these systems is linked with specific chemicals in the brain. Sex drive, for example, is associated with hormones called androgens, particularly testosterone (yes, women produce it too!).

Competitive sports can further increase testosterone if it’s a bit on the low side. Feelings of trust and attachment are brought about by the hormone oxytocin, and can be stimulated naturally with touch, such as holding hands, massages or sleeping in each other’s arms. And the third and final chemical for love itself, the chemical that drives relationships, is dopamine.

Dopamine is a key chemical in the brain’s pleasure centre that has been found to promote romantic love. And… it’s addictive! Therefore, there are very physical reasons why love feels so intense. We’re being flooded with dopamine, and it’s not all in the mind!

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PAUL A YOUNGChocoalte Boutique, Soho, London

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SECRET RECIPE

DARK & WHITE CHOCOLATE FONDUEPreparation time: 10 minutes

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INGREDIENTSSERVES 2250g strawberries or pineapple chunksMarshmallowsHoneycomb125g dark chocolate 70%125g white chocolate

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STEP BY STEP 1. Gently melt the dark and white chocolate over steaming water, or in the microwave

2. Combine the chocolates into one bowl, swirling together to make a random pattern, but not totally combining

3. Prepare fruits and dips of your choice and have cocktail or barbecue skewers to hand

4. Dip the fruit and sweets into the chocolate and enjoy the indulgence

OK, not the most sophisticated of desserts, but delicious, great fun and ever so sexy.

FOOD HERO:

OYSTERSOysters are probably the best-known aphrodisiac food. As well their erotic appearance and tenderness, there are good nutritional reasons too. They are rich in zinc, which is essential for oestrogen and testosterone production – and therefore enhanced libido.

They are also a great source of protein and rich in amino acids that stimulate the production of brain chemicals, such as serotonin, to make you feel good. They are low in calories, so an ideal light food for Valentines day.

Eat them any way you choose, raw or baked. As well as the zinc and protein hit, you’ll also have a boost of iron, calcium, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin B12 – leaving you feeling great for the night ahead.

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SECRET FOOD

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SAVING THERAINFORESTVIVIENNE WESTWWOD APPEAL TO SUPPORT COOL EARTH

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SECRET LIFESTYLE

At the launch of her Spring - Summer 2012 Red Label collection, Dame Vivienne Westwood used the opportunity to highlight a campaign very close to her heart: to fight climate change. Here she outlines why she is so passionate about this cause and why she has chosen to support rainforest charity Cool Earth.

Most of you know that I’ve always used my fashion shows as a platform for my belief in the importance of social justice and the urgent need to fight climate change. Tonight I introduce the Rainforest charity, Cool Earth, and a campaign that is very close to my heart: a plan to save the most vulnerable Rainforest areas by 2020.

We must begin today - tomorrow is too late. Governments have been talking about saving the Rainforest for 40 years. Now, only half of it is left. Since launching in 2007, Cool Earth has worked with indigenous Rainforest people to protect 2.5 million acres in the Western Amazon and block the advance of illegal logging - the first stage in most Rainforest destruction. We plan to extend this effective community-lead model along the most critical arcs of deforestation in the Amazon, the Congo Basin and Borneo- the groundwork has already been laid. We need your help to continue.

I am personally supporting Cool Earth and investing in our future. Tonight marks the start of our fundraising campaign for Cool Earth - we will have the official launch in November. I’m inviting my friends, celebrities and everyone interested in saving our beautiful world to join me. Think about getting involved.

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VIVIENNE WESTWOODRED LABEL

Cool Earth has a plan to save the Rainforest.If we don’t save the Rainforest - Forget it!

Remember: No Rainforest, No Planet. We have less than 10 years to keep what is left!

Find out more about playing your part atwww.coolearth.org.

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SECRET LIFESTYLE

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SECRET LIFESTYLE

VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUTREPORTING ON LONDON’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

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We were there to see it all and report back to you. We take a look into what one eccentric British fashion house, Vivienne Westwood, decided to do to create a scene!

8th September. The annual Vogue Fashion’s Night Out took place and Vivienne Westwood celebrated in style.

With Peaches Geldoff and Leah Weller spinning the decks the Vivienne Westwood flagship and MAN Label stores were transformed into an extravaganza for fashion industry and customers alike. Showcased at the event was an exclusive video of Vivienne Westwood’s visit to Kenya to coincide with the release of the second collection from the Ethical Fashion Africa Programme.

This is a unique system of sharing talent, sharing skills and sharing responsibility for the environment. All produced from recycled materials the range has extended to include weekenders, key rings, the classic Yasmine bag and a number of men’s designs. A limited edition Ethical Africa bag was also available for all shoppers.

To top the night off Ciroc vodka was the official alcohol sponsor for the event and offered a selection of cocktails to guests and shoppers throughout the night.

The 2011 Vogue Fashion’s Night Out in London was a huge success, with member of the press, celebrities and the fashion savvy of London coming out in their masses.

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SECRET STYLE

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