How To Host The Ultimate Fashion Party

To celebrate the Shrimps Resort 2019 collection, inspired by the rodeo-influenced style of legendary country singer Dolly Parton, Hannah Weiland hosted a Western-themed party at her favourite London pub. Here, the designer imparts her top tips for curating a soirée to remember and how to be the host with the most. The key takeaway? “A great guest list, special details and a few surprises.”

Pick a venue that is big on personality and low on pretence

Weiland chose her favourite pub on Westbourne Park Road because, quite simply, it’s her local. “The Cow is famous for serving pints of Guinness and pints of Shrimps, so it’s very on brand,” Weiland, who married Arthur Guinness last summer, tells Vogue. “I have always wanted to do an event there.” Sometimes familiar surroundings trump glossy venues – especially when they are as cosy as this traditional British boozer. The flowers in cowboy boots, rhinestone coasters and cream-laden Dolly cakes certainly pepped up the decor, too

Don’t overcomplicate the bar menu

“I wanted to keep the drinks true to the pub, so I thought about what my friends and I would order,” she says. A G&T beats a novelty cocktails any day in Weiland’s circle. There is one exception though: the Black Velvet, a unique blend of champagne and Guinness that is suitably festive and in keeping with the Weiland-Guinness lineage.

A special guest is always welcome

It would be rude not to acknowledge the muse behind the collection, wouldn’t it? Weiland invited a Dolly Parton tribute act to give Weiland’s new designs (the Oakley, Brock, Neptune and Morpheus styles have all been peppered with Parton flourishes, such as lamé and pearls) her blessing. “I love doing something different and a little bit special,” she explains. “There’s nothing like a surprise to thank guests for supporting Shrimps.”

A night to remember always involves a token to take home

Before planning an event, Weiland sits down with her friend Matilda Goad to brainstorm the small tokens that will delight her guests (as well as the excellent graphics). “One of my favourite elements is the temporary Dolly Parton-inspired Shrimps tattoos that we gave out at the party,” says Weiland. “I think it’s really nice that people can leave with something as a memory.”

You only live once, so make it fun

A Shrimps party “never feels like a work event”, says the designer, who always populates a guest list with her friends. “I think it’s important that the host enjoys themselves as much as everyone else, dancing, eating, drinking and being jolly,” she smiles. And fashion should be fun – “you only live once!”