A glimpse inside the wedding of fashion designer Maria Grachvogel to Mike Simcock

Oscar winner Emma Thompson and Victoria Beckham's couturier, Maria Grachvogel, says "I do"

I once flew from Cairo to London just to pick up a frock for a party… then flew on several hours later to a New Years Eve party in Aspen. A friend had taken me to see a young designer called Maria Grachvogel. She was just starting out, so her Kings Road apartment doubled as her showroom.

She recently told me “I thought you were completely mad. I had no idea what to make of this brash American model that bound into my apartment, declared ‘I love that dress’, and promptly threw her clothes off on the spot to try it on.”

“Well…there was no dressing room and I as in a hurry!” came my retort. That was how one of my longest and dearest friendships began.

On the runway with Maria Grachvogel during a show finale

A lot of years, miles, and tulle have passed since then…even the Senior Features Editor of The New York Times Style Magazine has declared Maria “my official couturier” and stars such as Oscar winner Emma Thompson and Victoria Beckham flock to wear her clothes, but Maria is still the kind of friend that always makes a point of staying in touch. It is an easy friendship…we just pick up where we left off, even if years have passed since we saw each other last.

Maria’s chic Sloane Street store

Being the first on the London scene to wear her clothes…I have watched proudly as this entirely self-taught design genius set about building her brand…magnificent shows (a couple of which I modeled in), orders from top international retailers including Liberties and Barney’s, a stunning shop with prestigious address, and collection after brilliant collection. Next stop…New York fashion week this September.

I’d KILL for this hand painted couture dress!

In the midst of it all…Maria FINALLY found time to marry her boyfriend of 12 years Mike Simcock, and by a fluke I was in London for Tatjana’s graduation, so we got to attend. The date, 11 July 2009 – her 40th birthday!

Maria Grachvogel becoming Mrs. Mike Simcock

The Campden registry office was busting at the seams with family and friends as Ingrid Collins, Maria’s close friend and spiritual healer, married the dashing couple. Champagne and drinks flowed on The Roof Terrace Orrery

Drinks at The Roof Terrace Orrery

Until a private double decker bus whisked us all off to Center Point where we watched the sun set over London while we dined on Ceasar salad, asparagus risotto, gnocchi, and roast pork with crackling all served tapas style.

Tai Stanley and Tatjana Rhodes

The wedding invitation boasted breakfast at sun rise as well, but my stamina is not what it used to be. I’d wager Maria and Mike made it to breakfast…Maria loves nothing more than to dance the night away…hence the Studio 54 theme.

The bride dancing the night away

Guy Kramer and Julie Anne Rhodes

I hear dessert was divine, but I was distracted by the sheer thrill of watching long lost friend and singer extraordinaire, Mica Paris take a break from her tour to sing to the newlyweds backed up by the Trevor Watkis Quartet, and followed by Cleveland Watkis. Then the DJ started spinning about midnight, and everyone danced til dawn.

Mica Paris performing