From Jeanette's we jumped in a black cab to Soho to the amazing underground venue The Vinyl Factory for the private view of Stillness at the Speed of Light. Portraits of Grace Jones by Chris Levine. The huge rooms were lit with tiny coloured lights and UV to show off Chris's fantastic pictures, a lot of Grace's showstopping costumes from the last shows featuring the Swarovski crystal bowler hat that they fired lasers from. They were hard to capture properly on camera so do try and go and see it if you can. Lots of people bought prints that were going for an absolute steal at £100.
There were two vast rooms and a bar and we sipped vodka and tonic while everyone speculated whether Grace was actually going to turn up. I had originally thought Grace was performing but after scouring the building I could find no stage.
I was thrilled to bump into a very old friend of mine, Wall of Sound owner Mark Jones. It was brilliant to see Mark, it's been far, far too long. He confirmed that Grace was already in the building. I was dying to see what she was wearing! Here are my snaps of a few of Chris Levine's pictures.
We looked at this laser for ages trying to work it out
Then we realised if you move your head really quickly to one side Grace's face appears out of the light. I tried to catch it, but this is one you really have to see for yourself.
The beautiful Daisy Beaumont
My great friends Daisy, actor Jake Maskall and his gorgeous partner Steven Williams
The wonderful Mark Jones. Mark had a pack of cards with different words and phrases on which he held up periodically
'Is that it?'
The divine Annie Lennox
Club host Chrissy Darling. That is some look! When legendary photographer Richard Young saw him he said to me "Oh God! What's my mum doing here?"
Mark Jones and Chrissy Darling. Some lunatics thought he was Grace! The card Mark's holding up says 'You Look Shit'
Artist Haluk Akakce. Headpiece by Philip Treacy
My good friend, menswear stylist Ashley Elliott who lived next door to me for years and photographer Giles Smith
Chris Sullivan, I spent many nights in his club The Wag back in the Eighties and Mark Jones. The card says 'Fuck You.' Then he invited Daisy, Steven, Jake and I to the after party. We were going to go home but... you just have to don't you?
Gorgeous stylist Anders Thomsen. Anders, I love you!
The fabulous designer Hannah Marshall who based her last collection on Grace
Then Grace appeared... Hundreds of photographers clamoured to get photos and the room was lit with flashbulbs. Grace is one of our true superstars. She has a jaw dropping presence that you rarely see these days. Grace is a LEGEND! She very kindly let me take a few pictures before the scrum ensued.
I love this shot. Mask by Philip Treacy
Chris Levine and Grace. I forgot to ask who her perforated rubber gloves were by. The Issey Miyake shawl is fabulous
Grace and Chris patiently posed for a photocall for what seemed like forever. Everyone went mad to get a picture.
She is amazing!!
Then a quick change of shawl and Grace gave a talk and read some poetry with great style.
Then off to the afterparty at MIA in Dean Street. We ended up in a booth with Grace, Mark, her producer Ivor Guest and some of her crew. Waitresses in bustiers brought out magnums of Champagne with huge sparklers on. It was like a scene out of Footballers Wives, I thought John Terry would turn up any minute but Grace is far too cool for footballers. I think Grace had been accommodating enough with all the photographers so I didn't take any more pictures. It must get terribly dreary constantly having people shoving cameras in your face.
Fashion designer Sorapol
The fabulous club promoter Daniel Lismore - he looks amazing!
What a brilliant hat! Daniel please let me know who it's by xx
Then onto the Grey Goose with some exotic fruit juice. Bring on the hangover, but there was no way we were leaving. And what a legendary night!
The Vinyl Factory
51 Poland Street
Soho
W1F 7LZ
The exhibition runs until the 14th May and entry is free. It's well worth seeing, the effects are stunning. For a preview see the link below.
