Frankies Column - July 2008

Dear Reader

Well Summer is finally here with the Season in full swing - a time for strawberries and cream and fabulous Frank Usher summer wear.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was spotted at Royal Ascot on Ladies Day wearing an elegant white silk jacket with a floral skirt and matching fascinator from the Coterie at Frank Usher couture range. Another Ascot visitor, wearing a black and cream embossed linen coat and fascinator by Dusk at Frank Usher was the vivacious Claire Young, a finalist in that fabulous series 'The Apprentice'. Claire also attended the ninetieth birthday party for Nelson Mandela, wearing a stunning black chiffon Grecian style evening dress.

Talking about birthdays, Lilia Kopylova celebrated her thirtieth in style, wearing a Dusk silver jersey backless evening dress.

BBC's 'I'd do Anything' (the most enjoyable series to find the next Nancy and Olivers for the forthcoming musical production of Oliver) saw finalist Samantha Barks wear a bright blue one shouldered Dusk gown for the finale, whilst the winner, Jodie Prenger appeared on Graham Norton's show looking super in a Frank Usher purple satin crossover cocktail dress.

International hairdresser, Beverley Cobella, wore an exquisite apricot outfit from the Dusk range when she received her CBE from the Queen.

Hazel Irvine, the BBC sports presenter, got married in Frank Usher couture, a gorgeous gown of white satin, encrusted with crystal chandelier drops.

Frank Usher supported the Amber Ball in aid of the Brain Tumour Research Campaign (www.way-ahead-btrc.org). It was a fun packed evening which raised over £40,000. Hosted by Christopher Biggins, celebrity guests included Helen Fospero, Debbie Franks, Kate Garraway, Lesley Garret, Joanne Good, Julie Peasgood, Lara Lewington, Andrea McLean, Claire Nasir, Natalie Pinkham, Babs Powell, Emma Samms, Ingrid Tarrant (all wearing Frank Usher and Dusk gowns) and Robert Powell, Martin Lewis, George Webley and Alan Rogers.