This week the weather has been stunning, and as the sun was setting on glorious Kings Road, the equally stunning fashion designer Vanessa Knox suddenly appeared in a blaze of this season’s hot shade, yellow.

She’s a friend, a mentor, and became my style icon when I thought that being pregnant meant dungarees and t-shirts for 9 months. Instead I turned to the fashion designer behind the VK brand of flattering maternity wear, and a stunning ready-to-wear collection to keep me as chic as possible. After playing dress-up, I was left looking amazingly glam and ready for London Fashion Week and my friend’s wedding – and for both I was nearly 9 months pregnant.

Vanessa has emerged as the designer-of-the-moment with her collections available exclusively online, and now in store at 9 London Sloane Square, and their 9 London concession in Harrods. The response has been overwhelming, and has not gone unnoticed in the fashion world.

So over Daiquiris and Mojitos, we put the fashion world to rights and I discovered what is in her wardrobe, and her handbag.

What are your two wardrobe staples?

“Well, that is easy. My Vanessa Knox Bella Skirt (I think you have one as well)”.
And yes, Vanessa is right, I own the VK Bella Skirt in black – floor length, lightweight and very flattering.

“I wear it day and night, casual or dressy. It comes in peony, black, sage and heather grey, and I love them all.
The second staple is my black Marjan Pejosky motorcycle jacket in butter soft leather and it does what everything in my wardrobe does – works with everything! It works over skinny jeans and boots or gives a tough cool edge worn over a glam evening dress.
I love it so much, I have a nude one for Spring.”

What’s on your handbag wish list?

“I could really use a new evening clutch. I adore the YSL Belle de Jour (1), which is sleek, simple, timeless and it comes in a gorgeous selection of colours, including gold.  The best part is is that it works both day and night.

“Also, I am always on the lookout for a stylish, elegant tote/shopper that can I can lug all of my stuff around including my laptop in style.  I love the YSL Reversible Shopper (2) – it’s versatile as well as being stylish.

A fun fashion-forward tote on my list would be the Pucci Leather and Canvas Printed Tote.” (3)

If your hand bag could talk, what would it say about you?

“That I am a vagabond – I carry my life around in my bag, and that I must suffer chronic back pain from the sheer weight of it.

Like most women I know, I leave the house very early in the morning, and don’t get home until quite late at night.  I carry everything in my bag that I think I will need during the course of my day and for endless scenarios that might occur (“always be prepared”, my mother always tells me).”

What will we find in the VK handbag?

“There’s the regular stuff like makeup, hair supplies, toothbrush, paper work, the next book club book, post, magazines (in case I get 5 minutes on a train or bus), vitamins, sketch pad, sunglasses, change of shoes, and jewellery (for later day to night outfit transformation), fruit, kids toys and bribing sweets, oh and horse treats.

Which BagServant bag are you falling head over heels in love with?

“This is THE bag for me this Spring – the Lanvin Fluorescent bag. (4)

I love the combo of this pop shade with classic camel paired with pretty, lady like detailing like the chain strap and signature grosgrain ribbon. Gorgeous,  and so contemporary, and I happen to have a birthday coming up!”

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. With the right styling advice, hair and make up tips, you will always get it right and be the belle of the ball at any occasion. Below, we chose our favourite piece from the current Vanessa Knox maternity collection and teamed it with great accessories. From an evening soirée, Spring wedding reception, or romantic dinner for two – whatever the occasion, you will feel a million dollars.

1. The Amandine Silk Print Party Dress available online from Vanessa Knox Maternity (as seen in Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine)

2. Himalaya-Yellow peep toes by Kurt Geiger

3. Diane Von Furstenberg Tonda wonven rafia-effect box clutch from a selection at BagServant.co.uk

4. Mawi large pavé hexagon foil ring available from my-wardrobe

5. On Collins Avenue Nail Lacquer by OPI

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