Inside Lorna Luxe’s International Women’s Day Event
Every year, the arrival of International Women’s Day (IWD) is accompanied by a surge of social media activity—a flood of posts honoring and thanking the significant women in our lives, from mothers and sisters to aunts and grandmothers. However, for those whose lives are less populated by prominent female figures, the occasion can serve as a stark reminder of that absence.
I often come across posts from the brands I follow, and it’s apparent that their proclaimed support for women is more of a façade than a genuine commitment. In stark contrast, Lorna‘s event stood out as a refreshing departure from this. It unfolded in a room filled with remarkable women, openly sharing tips, career advice, personal anecdotes, and stories. Amidst the ambiance of flowing Lady A rosé (courtesy of John) and goody bags brimming with Lorna’s favourite items including Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, Elemis Eye Gels, a gorgeous print from her co-founder Charlie Herman, and a bottle of wine – it became the quintessential girls’ night in.
Lorna Luxe, our host, led the panel discussion in her LA SPACE clothing pop-up, enveloped in the alluring scent of her signature ‘Ghost‘ fragrance (which I must say smells absolutely divine—I’ve already ordered two). The panel featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including Patricia Bright (@patriciabright), Ebony Atakorah (@wearestudiodream), Kelly Gunner (@tommestudio), and Allegra Haines (@thebookingproject). These remarkable women showcased a spectrum of talents and skills, revealing their profound passion and unwavering drive throughout the night.
Panel discussions often come across as staged, scripted, and unnatural. Yet, this gathering defied those expectations entirely. In a candid revelation, Lorna mentioned to me that she hadn’t shared any of the questions with her panel beforehand. This intentional omission fostered a conversation that flowed effortlessly, radiating authenticity and organic connection throughout the evening between both the panel and the audience.
One lingering question from the evening that will stay with me is when Lorna posed to the panel, “What gets you out of bed in the morning? What motivates you?” The panel fell into contemplative silence, prompting Lorna to share her own motivation: “For me, it’s my mortgage!”
Another memorable moment came from Allegra of The Booking Project, who emerged as a passionate advocate for small and young creators. She provided valuable insights into the intricacies of brand deals for smaller creators, emphasizing that often these creators struggle to assess their own value, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by brands offering inadequate fees. Allegra boldly declared, “Not on my watch.” Her fierceness and unwavering dedication to looking out for her tribe were evident throughout.
The night unfolded flawlessly, reflecting Lorna’s well-known status as a true “girls’ girl.” Meeting her in person for the first time at this pop-up, after years of following her, purchasing from her In The Style collaborations, and now admiring the stunning LA SPACE, was a delightful experience. Lorna’s kindness surpassed all expectations. While chatting at the end of the night, a guest shared her friend’s battle with cancer and explained why she couldn’t attend the event. In response, Lorna generously offered to FaceTime the friend to lift her spirits. The persona we see in stories—makeup-free, discussing favorite skincare products, sharing new hair extensions, or excitedly revealing a great deal on a new jumper—truly encapsulates her genuine, girls’ girl essence.
You can shop LA SPACE here.
