Victoria Cox - Wednesday 21st December 2011

I think Christmas really is my favourite time of year and I’m getting sooo excited. Thankfully we haven’t had a repeat of last year’s awful weather so I’m quite relaxed about getting home –to Cornwall that is- without any prob’s.

Tuesday after work I met up with Sebastian and some of the old crowd at the Somerset house ice rink-it was a hoot with everyone showing off their skating skills except me – I just felt lucky that I didn’t fall once! Afterwards we walked down to Trafalgar square where there was carol singing. We stayed about an hour and sang our lungs out with a choir from an east London, charity that helps homeless people.

I have loved the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree since I was a small child when I first saw it in a photograph. My mum and dad are standing in front of it-looking sooo happy – a picture taken just after they first met. I think it’s just so sweet that the city of Oslo has gifted a traditional pine tree every year since 1947, just after the end of the Second World War as a token of gratitude to Britain for the help and support given to Norway. This years Christmas tree, a Norwegian Spruce, is more than 20 metres high and is over a hundred years old. Standing tall and proud decorated with over 500 Christmas lights; it is a truly magical sight!

Victoria Cox - Thursday 17th November 2011

London Artist Tracey Moberly (from Shoreditch I think) has published 12 years of collected text messages in a book entitled,"Text me up!" Imagine- she's kept every text she has received since 1999 - almost 100,000 messages!

It all started after she accidentally deleted an important text and she vowed never to lose another. Wow talk about better safe than sorry…she went through six different handsets over the dozen years and eventually decided to write them all down filling more than 30 odd books.

Just a bit obsessive you'd think but it must be fun to look back at messages from years back. Hers do record a great deal of things, from the breakdown of her marriage to her friends' reactions to world events, including 9/11.

I did find myself thinking that's what a diary does. I've kept mine for 15yrs now. Turns out though that some of her messages are from celebrity pals such as Banksy and Pete Doherty, so that's the difference right there then!!

It's dark so early now since the clocks went back and people seem so miserable these days-¦the news doesn't help much- all doom and gloom with everyone fearful about job losses and with money being so tight!

Still, November is traditionally a mournful month, though all souls day has just been hijacked for the consumer exploitation of kids and with the "trick or treat" custom imported from America.

We'll soon be into December though and with Christmas to look forward to everything will brighten up!

Victoria Cox - Mon 10th 0ctober 2011

Wow! Woke this morning still buzzing from the weekend and still wanting to dance! Emma and I had tickets for Sadler's Wells 'Havana Rakatan' the ballet dance company extraordinaire at the Peacock theatre on Saturday. I missed them last time they were here when they'd had rave reviews so I had been first in line for tickets.

Neither of us was quite prepared for the sheer energy and excitement of the performance though-totally captivating and sooo infectious from the moment it started.

The story consisted of a series of scenes and showed the evolution of Cuban culture, from the Flamenco influence, introduced by the Spanish colonists to tribal rhythms, brought originally by slaves traded from Africa. The charismatic dancers were amazing and made it all look so easy - thanks to such obvious dedication to their art and years of strict training. Beautifully choreographed with rich costumes, the drama and intensity of the gripping performance was peppered with little touches of cheeky humour -which delighted us all.

A dazzling dance display of Salsa, mambo, jazz, bolero, son, cha-cha-cha and rumba all moved seamlessly along by an eight-piece band playing Son music, or traditional Cuban dance music.

Back to my Salsa class this week for sure and Cuba is now firmly at the top of my places-to-see list!!

Victoria Cox -Sat 3rd September 2011

This week started badly.

On Monday I didn't get to work 'til after ten -yet another tube breakdown and then to find two people off sick and with several orders finish by Wednesday- so working late Monday and Tuesday with lunch 'Al Desko' was not something I felt I could refuse.

I'd read a very sad news story too on Sunday that I just couldn't seem to get out of my head. In Lancashire somewhere, the picture, of a young woman at her husbands funeral, at the very same 'St Michael and all Angels church' where they had married just weeks before, struck such a chord. Gemma Redmond, read a letter to 'my darling husband Ian'. There were five hundred mourners, many of whom would have been wedding guests too. She vowed to live in the GradeII listed cottage he had renovated for their life together.

The couple had been on Honeymoon in the Seychelles where he was killed in a shark attack. How sad is that?

On Thursday though Dad called to say he was in London for a conference and as a surprise had brought me my Cello .I am sooo pleased and had been toying with the idea of bringing it up for ages ....but lugging it on the train had not appealed .Emma had long ago said she loved the idea and it wouldn't be a problem in the house.

I'm sure I'll be very rusty but am thrilled.....

Dad was at the Hilton in Islington and we had a nice meal in Frederick's I had offered to cook but he insisted on a 'treat'. He says he may be in London more in the future -that would be super......

Yesterday afternoon, just as I was leaving work Mr. Spence caught me and much to my delight, said for all my efforts this week he was by way of reward, going to send me to attend London Fashion Week (and report back with ideas) on the opening day -which is a Friday so now I'll have three days with the weekend too.

I was in such a good mood when I got back to the Square that I even allowed Emma to persuade me to go with her to my first 'Zumba'class.

It was Fab' and must have really shaken up my Endorphins as I came out feeling great and I'm booked for six more!!

Victoria Cox - Tuesday 16th August 2011

Everyone I meet seems a bit down at the moment.

I mean the weather has just been awful and I think the riots have really shocked people.

Scotland Yard issued a series of CCTV images and photos of many of those involved in the rioting. From extremely young boys to teenage girls, these are children in fact that are wanted for questioning.

Watching the TV reports was becoming compulsive viewing in and for a while the Sky news channel was constantly on in the house. It felt almost as if, by seeing the things it would give us some kind of power over it all and that might make us feel better.However the more footage that came up on our screen the more it seemed nobody had control but the looters. None of them gave a hoot that they were being filmed-just unbelievable scenes. There were two boys looting TVs in Croydon and they called their mum on their mobile �phones to pick them up. A woman arrived a few minutes later in a people carrier, the boys loaded the boot, and quite calmly, the woman drove away...... disbelief and disgust fixed us to the screen for hours on end.

People were being attacked too.

Here in London, cameras caught a teenager being forced to hand over the clothes he stood in. A looter stood over him as he took off his, trainers, trousers and T-shirt and was left in just his ­underpants.

The most shocking violence captured on film, showed a young guy being battered by thugs who then helped him to his feet and robbed him of all his possessions as he stood face covered in blood. While the dazed teenager tried to stop the bleeding from his head the thieves rummaged through his rucksack???

Just sooo sickening to see I had to stop watching after that!!!

Victoria Cox - Tuesday 9th August 2011

I was awakened today by an early phone call from my mum wanting to know if I was safe-she had just seen the Times front page headlines

"Mobs rule as police surrender streets"

There has been a third night of looting and rioting and the situation is quite scary. Yesterday, there was some in broad daylight in S.E. London but also in Hackney -not that far away!

It really has been unbelievable what started as an apparently peaceful protest outside the police station in Tottenham on Saturday night (by the family of a Mark Duggan who was shot dead by police last week) descended into such violence ....Arson, which resulted in nearly thirty families being burnt out of their homes and businesses destroyed.

This is the kind of thing we see on T.V. from foreign news reports but here in London??? We seem to have spent the last few days glued to our screens in stunned disbelief at how blatant the looting is- in one scene being shown over and over-a mother, holding a shopping trolley outside a store, appears to read from a shopping list as her kids go in for the 'Loot'!! I assured her that we were nowhere near any trouble and tried to convince myself too.

Finished work early as transport has been affected and was just in the door when Dad called again. I tried to tell him he was overreacting, he's been on the 'phone at least twice a day since it all started, but then we had this long conversation about the Tottenham riots in 1985.

He had been in London at the time and told me he had felt the same disbelief then on hearing that P.C.Blakelock had been killed by rioters.

I had heard some reference made to that on the news but what I didn't know before, is that he had not been shot or hit over the head (a terrible but less gruesome killing?) but hacked to death by a mob that were reported to have been intent on decapitating the policeman!!

O.M.G. This is all just so sickening and who knows where it's going to end?

VICTORIA COX - Wed 10th July 2011

Back to work tomorrow back and I think I must be one of the lucky ones, as I'm quite looking forward to it!

Had such a fantastic time in New York and definitely hope to go back. I know it's a clich� but the 'Big Apple' really is a 'City that never sleeps' - it's just bursting with energy and buzzing from noon till night!

No complaints about the flights - good old B.A- they were more or less on time both ways and I thought the food and drink was okay. Dad had insisted I take a taxi from the airport and given me the money, which I was pleased about as it was quite late and dark when we arrived into J.F.K

I thrilled at the lights of the city! All those movies, pictures and posters I'd seen growing up and now here it was! I had chosen the hotel with mainly the location in mind as I wanted to be able to walk to the Museum of Metropolitan art on West 53rd Street. So on West 56th Street the boutique hotel was perfect.. The modern art displayed in public areas and on the landings was just a bonus!

One of the best things, as it turned out, was that in planning ahead I had bought an actual membership, which I think was $75. For that I got unlimited access to everything and best of all never had to queue! The exhibition was only supposed to run until the end of July but after record breaking attendances it has been extended into August. The show has already seen the highest attendance of anything staged by the costume Institute at the Met' and every time I passed the long lines of people queuing I felt quite moved as I thought of what Alexander himself would have felt and hoped he was looking down ! The exhibition itself "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" just oozed with the Victorian romance and dark melancholy that inspired his work.

As for the actual exhibit, it was even more amazing than I thought it could be. It was bigger and there were so many more pieces and most were not behind glass. I think I would have flipped if I had seen anyone trying to touch one but fortunately that didn't happen. It was crowded for all my visits and at one point I found myself wishing there hadn't been the headphones provided as the flow of traffic could have moved faster - but then it is just lovely to think of so many people discovering his work.

I thought it was curated well with many of the runway show videos playing above really important pieces. I had no idea so many hats and jewellery pieces would be included and I really was happy to see the Shalom Harlow spray paint dress. With success like this surely the exhibition will travel? I met some really nice people too-in fact I spotted several people in the hotel who, like me, were clutching the immediately identifiable MOMA highlights handbook. We had some good chats.over Coffee in the morning, drinks at the bar at night and a few brief exchanges in the lift! Can't really remember all the names -Pete from Pennsylvania and, Dolores from Detroit stuck in my mind for obvious reasons. Kim, who was from San Francisco, was really good fun. We had lots in common, (she'd studied textile art and design) and we hooked up quite a bit as the week went on...

We did the 'Sex and the city ' bus tour which was just brilliant! Apart from anything, it's a great way to see the city -Manhattan, Soho, Greenwich Village etc.

We got off the bus with our guide Jessica at lots of locations featuring Carrie and co's favourite haunts. One of the highlights was when we had a Cosmo at Aidan's bar - that was really fun and we could have quite happily stayed for another! We also saw video clips of the series as we went along and we were able to see Carrie and her friends in the places we'd just visited! Our guide was excellent, very funny and with all the behind-the-scenes TV gossip was totally clued up.

Another day we went shopping - it was great to see the department stores which, having featured in so many films, old and new, are wonderfully familiar to me!

Visited the ground Zero memorial site, which left us both tearful. Kim told me that a son of one of her neighbours, who had lived in NY for many years, was killed......so sad -I'm glad I had someone to go with.

So many things I didn't get to do - Staten Island, Wall Street, Greenwich Village - just loads for another time......

I did walk across the Brooklyn Bridge though and it's beautiful.

VICTORIA COX - Wed 1st June 2011

Yes! Can't quite believe it yet but I am going to New York at the end of the month to see the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the Met'.!!

Mainly thanks to persuasion of family and friends. Emma and Tom had been telling me to go for it for ages. I don't know what was stopping me really-probably the fact that there had been nobody to go with? I had toyed with the idea of asking Neil but didn't want to give out any wrong signals. As it happened he made some moves a couple of weeks back, which had proved embarrassing for us both. I really do like him but just don't fancy him?-not sure how we can stay friends now. Anyway, I think I would prefer to soak it all in by myself.....

It was Mum and Dad who gave me the final push-they were up at the weekend for a concert-Eric Clapton and Stevie Winwood at the Albert hall. They had a fantastic time-apparently Mum had a huge crush on Stevie when she was a teenager.......They were so full of it and then they told me that Gran' was heading off to Yorkshire to visit the new `Hepworth Wakefield' gallery-named after the sculptor Barbara Hepworth who was born in Wakefield, though she made it big around St.Ives and is one of Gran's favourite artists.

"She certainly hasn't lost her Joi De Vivre" I found myself commenting over a glass of wine with them on Sunday afternoon. It was a lovely day, we sat in the garden and Emma joined us. Then looking at my parents and the fun they had too, it suddenly dawned on me that mine was the middle-aged existence!! When I suddenly announced "I think I'll go to New York for my hol's" Dad's immediate response was to leap to his feet raise his glass and start singing the song and we all joined him:

"Start spreading the news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York! New York!"

VICTORIA COX - Tues 3rd May 2011

Had a great weekend and so glad that Sebastian and Tess finally made it to London. He had decided to spend Easter in Cambridgeshire with Tess and her family. He was missed in Cornwall but Mum put a brave face on it joking that things must be serious if he's prepared to face the parents! They arrived on Thursday evening and only left this morning - I think they had a good time. On Saturday they had a bit of a tour when Emma insisted on driving us round for what she called a `quick overview' taking in most of the London sights :the Palace, Piccadilly circus ,Trafalgar Square etc. and finishing up two hours later at Covent Garden. Yesterday I let them do their own thing - pointing them in the direction of Spitalfields - which, judging by the amount of shopping they did- must have gone down well. Friday of course was the highlight for me with the Royal wedding and we somehow managed to end up with quite a full house. Neil came along and I had invited friend Sebastian (which in the course of the day led to quite a bit of name confusion for everyone -what with my brother Sebastian also)

Tom brought Diana and her visiting sister Trish, with friend (whose name escapes me) came too. It was a holiday for all of us and David and Emma had organised some party food and drink with a visit to Sainsbury's the night before. As we all gathered around the box there was quite an excited air of expectation I think and we were none of us to be disappointed.

We chatted over the commentary as we watched the guests arriving at Westminster Abbey. Wills was in a striking red uniform as was best man Harry (the military significance of which I confess was wasted on me.. ) but it was their cousins: princesses Beatrice and Eugenie whose outfits drew the most criticism. Beatrice wore a blue Valentino couture outfit, which did little to flatter her, while her younger sister sported Vivienne Westwood in a `fleshy colour' that I thought made her look a little old for her years? The Jimmy Choo heels were okay but I really felt for them when I caught a glimpse of their PhilipTreacy hats, or more accurately "sculptural headpieces", Honestly who had advised these young girls? Tom, a self-confessed republican, made some scathing but very funny comments and Sebastian bitched gleefully about Sarah Ferguson.

David, who has confessed in the past to having a soft spot for, Zara Phillips (who is to be married at the end of July in Edinburgh) lit up when she appeared on screen and met with our collective approval for her outfit by Paul Costello. She looked great - a metallic look with silver coat dress and elongated snake patterned clutch bag and a definite statement hat.

The Queen, wearing sunshine yellow, seemed really happy -waving at the crowd as she entered the cathedral. Traditionally the Monarch is the last to arrive before the Bride, who we knew must be next.

There were gasps from the waiting crowd as she emerged from the car and from us when we caught sight of her exquisite ivory satin and lace gown featuring a satin bodice with a delicate long sleeved lace overlay was pure fairytale. Oh wow! Kate's wedding dress was created by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen!! -I could hardly believe it and yet I should have guessed. I would sooo love to see the New York Met exhibition of his work?

Her "something old" was her veil - with nearly nine foot train-made from ivory silk tulle with a floral hand embroidered trim made in the traditional "old" style. "Something new" was her pear-shaped diamond earrings - a wedding gift from her parents. "Something borrowed" was her tiara made by Cartier in 1936 on loan from the Queen and her "something blue" was a ribbon discreetly sewn into the gown. Subtle, classic elegance and every inch a princess!

VICTORIA COX - Mon 11th April 2011

It was just sooo lovely to see Emma smiling again. Her party went off really well I think. The food and entertainment were amazing! I'm sure it'll take a long time to get over the Love-Rat completely (if ever) but she seems to be on track at least. Her sense of humour has definitely returned and we've had some fun with the boys and their Marathon prep. Emma has actually got David wearing nipple pads for training and has a wager with Tom that he will actually wear them for the race. Tom is such a know all sometimes but then he probably does but as Emma put it he doesn't get `Metro sexual' and David actually listens to women-having never had the toughening effect of a sister!

Have booked the train to go home at Easter but now Sebastian tells me he had wanted to come to London with his new girlfriend. He seemed to think Mum and Dad would be o.k. with that? I had to tell him that Dad might be cool about it but I do think Mum would mind a lot if neither of us were there. Anyway, now they're coming to London the following weekend and I'm not sure what their plans are for Easter.

Of course that'll be the weekend of the Royal wedding and we get an extra holiday. I do think it's pretty amazing that Kate has kept such a secret of her dress-can't wait to see it!

VICTORIA COX - Tues 5th April 2011

I was sooo surprised to get a telephone call last night from Mrs Farquharson-Emma's mother! Well, I had only met her couple of times before and have never had a conversation with her as such. I was even more taken aback when she announced that the family had decided to throw a party for Emma's 30th birthday this coming Saturday!

I knew Emma had visited at the weekend and anybody might think she needed cheering up but when we chatted, just on Saturday, about her upcoming birthday she had been adamant that this one in particular would be best ignored. It had worried me as nobody can ever request a surprise party� but this year, given the way it had started for her, I was thinking along the lines of a quiet meal and bottle of wine. However, it was clear from our conversation that this was not something that was open for discussion with Mrs F.

The family are adamant that a party.

"Is just the tonic Emma needs to lift her out of the doldrums."

Gosh who was I to argue? I was given my instructions quite clearly.

I am to contact all known friends from the house, the square and particularly work colleagues (these seemingly being unknown to Mrs F.) The "Do" is to be held at the Hampstead family home caterers are arranged and entertainment too? I apparently need only turn up at eight on Saturday with bucket loads of friends.

My first challenge this morning was to catch the guys before they left the house and I had to set my clock an hour earlier. Luckily the boys start their day much earlier than Emma who didn't appear for another hour or so and I found myself pouring coffee for them at 6 AM.

David, as I guessed he would be, was absolutely fine with it but I had to plead with Tom to put supporting our friend and housemate before supporting his silly football team. I had to listen for a good 5 mins as he lectured me, though in a good-humoured sort of way, on why I would never get a man if I failed to appreciate the importance of the beautiful game? It seems, as luck would have it, that the game against Chelsea tomorrow is much more crucial than Saturday's match and so he finally agreed to come possibly with Diana?

Contacting her work colleagues was more difficult given all the mess with Martin I really had no idea how Emma was going to feel about it. I finally decided to call Julia who, although I've never met her, has ,I know, has been on really good terms with Emma who had told me herself that they had confided in each other just last week

It was slightly awkward as I didn't have a surname. When I was finally put through to her she too sounded a little surprised but after a pause said perhaps the family know best. She's going to invite just a few people that she feels certain Emma would be okay with. I'm not sure whether she'd want to see neighbours at her party though.

I'll have to have a think and quickly too.

It is all quite exciting.

I just hope Emma will be okay with it all.

VICTORIA COX - Sun 19th Mar 2011

Since the Suzanne Kuhn exhibition had opened at the Haunch of Venison gallery on 16th February I had been promising myself a visit and yesterday I finally made it. Daft really, as the gallery is about 2 min from Saville Row ? A German artist, she studied at the renowned Academy of visual arts in Leipzig where she trained in classical painting and drawing. Shortly after her graduation she moved to the US where she studied at the School of visual arts and Hunter College in New York followed by a Radcliffe fellowship at Harvard University. Her paintings thought to be unique and different from her colleagues in Germany are attributed to a combination of her academic background and experience of living in America. Included were a sequence of paintings: 'Garden Eden', 'The Flood', 'The Couple' , 'Portrait of a young man'- which seem to depict domestic interiors and landscapes which have a feel of animation and peculiar mix of urban and natural worlds.With amazingly realistic light effects and fantastic figuration I was just sorry it has taken me so long to get around to seeing it.

Trees feature strongly: cypress, pines and willows - Romantic atmospheric wood lands, vaguely ominous and yet contemporary.

I spoke to Gran' about it who got quite excited over the `phone.

She called me back to say I should check out the Hudson River School, photographs by Ansel Adams and the paintings of Caspar David Friedrich ?Oops looks like I've started something-I shall need to have my homework done before I go home again!.

I think the exhibition is due to run for another couple of weeks and I shall now make a point of spending some of my lunchtimes there.

VICTORIA COX - Wed 23rd Feb 2011

Another London fashion week comes to an end today and I find myself wishing that I could join the Fashion-Train whose next stop will be Milan. I confess I don't get quite as thrilled as I used to by events held here - at least not as excited as Sebastian tends to get! I suppose working full-time has a lot to do with that, as I now only have weekends, so I am tending to pick just a couple of shows really.

First on my list has to be the Central St Martins offerings, which never disappoint and the M.A. show on Saturday night was just such fun. It didn't start till 8.30 so we had a bite to eat at Yo Sushi and a few drinks beforehand-then without asking and before I could say a word, Sebastian had bundled us into a taxi and we were heading to Amwell square! In fact I didn't much mind as I would have been returning to an empty house? The boys never seem to be home at the moment and the place is just so dead without Emma. We had coffee and cake and just chatted. Mostly about the Burberry show - the first ever catwalk to be staged in a tent in Kensington Gardens with the show being streamed live on a big screen at Piccadilly Circus. With a soundtrack accompaniment that included Roger Daltrey, Dusty Springfield and Adele vocals it had really wowed! Ending up at the house instead of just waving good night and watching friends disappearing into the `Tube' hole was just nice. It was also a chance to get to know Sam (Sebastian's new `Amour') a little bit more and it was good to catch up with Neil as it had been simply ages.

On Sunday I also managed to get to the Margaret Howell show, I'm a great admirer and love the purity and simplicity of her designs. I was also quite struck by Mulberry this season who I thought surprisingly good. The biggest thrill of this LF W though, came not in the form of any collection, but with the announcement yesterday that the work of Alexander McQueen is to be celebrated in a major exhibition to be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York! It really is wonderful to think that fashion design is being given an equal status to any form of artistic expression. A preview of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty was unveiled at the Ritz hotel - which is where McQueen first showed a rail of his creations to the press in 1993 -that first collection entitled `Taxi Driver'.

Andrew Bolton, curator of the Mets costume Institute said:

"His fashions were an outlet for his emotions, and expression of the deepest often darkest aspects of his imagination. He was a true romantic in the Byronic sense of the word - he channelled the sublime"

The exhibition will run from 4 May to the end of July and I would just sooo love to see it.......

VICTORIA COX - Mon 7th Feb 2011

I am so glad that Emma has gone on holiday. I went to the airport with her yesterday and Tom gave us a lift. Being Sunday, the roads were really quiet and we were at Gatwick in no time. She insisted that we just drop her off and so we waved, turned around and headed back-I think the whole round trip took less than two hours!! It was so good of him to drive her down so I insisted breakfast in Benugos be my treat!

Two weeks in Barbados sounds like bliss but in the state she's in I just hope she can manage to relax and recover herself. She had finally opened up to me last Wednesday and oh my gosh what an awful time for her. I found myself retelling the story to Tom over our brunch ??..

Back in Paris, after we'd left the flat and checked into a hotel I hadn't see that much of her. Well, she had first telephoned Miriam, Martin's sister in New York. Finding her at home and wishing her Happy New Year, Emma was thus able to eliminate the possibility that she could've been the mystery visitor.

On his arrival, Martin had said he wanted to visit as many Michelin starred establishments as possible during his time in Paris and had even drawn up a list of Restaurants in order of preferences. It was to be something they would share- so now, if he was still intending to continue their relationship, Emma guessed that he wouldn't take another woman to anywhere they hadn't yet visited. He would very likely be recognised at a later date (such is the level of attentiveness at Michelin starred restaurants). So she simply rang round the restaurant's they had dined at, posing as Martins P.A. and feigning reservation details had been lost. Sooo clever!

There were two bookings apparently. The first, for lunch, was at Senderens' restaurant. Emma arrived early and waited in a nearby caf� but remained unseen. When they arrived she was surprised, as the first guest turned out to be Andy (which seemed curious to her as he was supposed to be back in the states?)

At that point, seeing it wasn't a woman, she had panicked slightly thinking what if she'd got it all wrong-so she `phoned Martin right then- on his mobile- to give him a chance to explain -hoping there had been some awful mix up and it might all still be alright. As I listened my heart went out to her and I desperately wished for the same. Of course I already knew otherwise and he just blatantly lied, telling her; he would still be arriving on the 5th - how much he was missing her and how he would make things up to her on their next weekend. I was scared at how calmly she was relating this story to me but at the next part she stumbled on her words- which must have been so painful to say out loud.

The dinner date she explained, was at L'Ambrosie a three star restaurant in the Marais district. A beautifully romantic location set in a 17th century period house and a place they had thought would always remain so special to her and Martin ?? their perfect French restaurant.

I gasped when she told me that it was Carla who showed up with Martin that night -hand in hand and looking all loved-up! I'll never forget Emma's face- her beautiful bright eyes so dimmed and desolate as my mind raced to place who Carla was -Oh My Gosh! The one who came on the skiing trip to Zermatt? I watched helpless as her tears started to fall and I wept with her.

When I'd finished the story Tom was angry and had quite a few comments to make about Martin-mostly unrepeatable adjectives peppered with expletives and a touch of racist reference, but for once there seemed no place for political correctness and I agreed with everything he said.

VICTORIA COX - Mon 24th Jan 2011

I read recently that a scientific study has shown today to be officially the most depressing day of the year. The study, looked at factors of Weather,Debt,Monthly salary, Time-since-Christmas, Broken New year resolutions, Lack of Motivation -and I think, a couple more I`ve already forgotten. It concluded that the last Monday in January is the worst day of the year and named it Blue Monday.

When I woke up this morning, I was feeling very sorry for myself. Well, yesterday was my Birthday and I kind of thought that somebody in the house might have remembered? Of course, there were cards -lots of cards from family and old friends but the people I live and work with..?

I am disappointed that Sebastian and Tess had to postpone their visit to London. Tom has been away for the whole weekend. David- I wouldn't really expect to remember and Emma? Well I'm just so worried about her..... After the absolutely fabulous Birthday weekend I'd had last year-Mum and Dad arriving like that and spoiling me rotten and the surprise bash at the house- I couldn't help feeling I'd been pretty well forgotten. Blue Monday indeed...........

However, after lunch Mr.Spence called me in to join a meeting to discuss the development of our newly established Women's trade. The general feeling, I was elated to hear, is that the way ahead in these difficult times is to expand into other areas.....

I am now to have a role in forward planning and attend management meetings where my " input will be greatly valued"

Then I saw the sign for the Circe du Soleil and my mouth just dropped open. I have wanted to see them for ages! Whoa... what's going on? I was about to ask when, with a sudden flashback to last year, I heard a chorus of voices shout "Surpriiise - Happy Birthday!!" and there was Tom, Diana, David, with Greg' Charlotte and Michael from work!! I was truly amazed! Apparently, there were only tickets available for tonight.

Circe du Soleil or Circus of the Sun describes itself as a "Dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment". It was, in fact, started by a couple of former street entertainers in the mid eighties: Guy Laliberte I think and Daniel.....Daniel -somebody or other- both Canadians based in Montr�al. The show `Totem' ran to a kind of story themed around Evolution. It was just sooo exciting- with African inspired loud music, amazing costumes and dynamic performances. You get the feeling

There was, what appeared to be at least, a very close-encounter between two trapeze artists -but maybe that is all part of the act too. At one point, I did get very clammy hands when a man, noncholantly balanced and spun on the end of a long pole, which was in turn balanced precariously (it seemed) on another mans shoulder!! Poor Charlotte grabbed my arm in terror more than once!

Everybody thoroughly enjoyed it-especially Tom who's usually quite hard to please...... I was sad that Emma was unwell and couldn't come (Michael, apparently, had been a last minute stand in.) Even Tom now seems worried and I really cannot put it off any longer I will have to talk to her.

VICTORIA COX - Sat 8th Jan 2011

I headed for the `Sales' today- tried to drag Emma along but she was having none of it. Came back with only a couple of scarves from Liberty. To be honest, sales are not what they used to be. I mean, at one time we all sooo looked forward to them-the thought of bagging a real bargain was such a thrill! Now - you go shopping at the start of a new season and unless you really need or want something badly -it's like you say to yourself "if I buy this now how upset am I going to be if it ends up reduced in the sale?"

I'm feeling a bit cheated this year too as the bad weather in December stopped me trawling the shops quite as much as other years and now all the Christmas decorations have gone. For some reason Carnaby street chose a Space theme for their Christmas lights this year. I couldn't quite see what they were supposed to be about but I loved them anyway-floating spacemen and big planets-brilliant!

The Birthday tea for David on Wednesday went well-he was genuinely surprised and so delighted to see his `guests'.

I hadn't mention Paris to the boys-well there wasn't really time. It was obvious that something was wrong with Emma though-she looked terrible. It's been so difficult but I think I shall have to try to get her to talk about things. I was worried Tom might've started with his wisecracks-the two of them do usually enjoy winding each other up-but thankfully, he had invited new girlfriend Diana along and was on his best behaviour.

Lucy had organised for David's fellow MBA chums to come-at least those still in London: Philip, Nico, Eduardo, Jin and Simon. I'm still not sure if the two girls, Mandy and Terri were on their course too or if they'd come with the guys. I had managed to get James -friend and former colleague from the bank-the one who loves his Jazz as much as David does-and I had asked Neil, as I hadn't seen him over the holidays at all.

It was good to see everyone -talk about United Nations-we were a party made up of American, Brazilian, South Korean, and Chinese, Spanish, English and not forgetting of course, our Birthday boy Scottish!!

VICTORIA COX - Wed 5th Jan 2011

I am relieved to be back at work after the events of the last few days. I'm still trying to digest what has actually taken place-it's all been a bit of nightmare really-but nothing I suppose to what it must be like for Emma. When we got back from Paris last night she went straight to her room and when I got up this morning she had already left the house. Not sure if I should say anything to the boys tonight-we're having a Birthday tea for David and I don't want to spoil things for him.

We had arrived in Paris in perfect time, took a taxi and headed straight for the flat. Emma had organised it all-we had reservations for dinner and everything. Martin isn't -no wasn't due back until the 5th.When we got to the flat I just loved it -the architecture is pure Haussmann and from entering the building, (where I thought the hall entrance & lift area resembled that of the Salle Pleyel concert hall) and throughout the apartment -wow! It's just an Art Deco shrine! I was so excited." Feel free..." she said so I started to have a nosey round ??..

Emma opened a bottle of wine and ooh it did taste good (probably really expensive I thought, like everything else here). We chatted a bit and toasted ourselves -she had just poured us both a second glass and we were having quite a giggle when suddenly in mid sentence she stood up.

Her voice trailed off and she seemed transfixed. I tried to follow her gaze over to the writing bureau but there was nothing there ,,,,"our photos?" she whispered at least I think that's what she said then in a second she was at the Ruhlmann desk frantically opening each of the drawers. Had she lost some photos? I never got to ask the question because she suddenly stopped and turned to me "Why?" she was holding a black digital photo' frame "Why?" she repeated the question, her voice stronger but still a whisper?.. I felt an answer might be needed "Well?.." I started, but she was off.... moving out the door. I followed automatically, wine still in hand and tried to keep pace. She moved quickly, purposefully. The kitchen, bathroom, guest bedroom, cloakroom, shower room. Her expression was determined-eyes sharply focussed super-speed scanning each room. At the master bedroom she hesitated?. and holding the handle for a second she glanced round at me -she looked scared and that frightened me!

Emma had gone into the bathroom and when she came out she was holding some sort of garment on a hanger. It took a second to make out exactly what it was but as she held it high, in mock admiration, it became clear that it was a woman's jumpsuit. A sleeveless, ivory silk with black braid trim jumpsuit. I recognised it! This was the beautiful Chanel outfit worn by Chloe Sevigny at that L.A. Gala awards thingy a couple of months ago and which had featured on the cover of Marie Claire! Unbelievably I heard myself pronounce: "Chanel-It's Lovely!" My mouth had run ahead of my mind, which was just catching up as Emma shrieked "But it's not mine!!"

I felt sick. If it didn't belong to her whose was it then? I was not prepared for what followed and I have to say it really pained me. Without warning she grabbed the glass, still in my hand, and like one of those demonstrations you might see on a TV shopping channel, slowly poured the contents over the garment held aloft. I gasped- as the red wine trickled slowly down the gorgeous fabric -I groaned inwardly-such wilful destruction of beauty. She finally let go of the Jumpsuit and it dropped to the floor in a crumpled heap, red spots splattering on the cr�me carpet. Symbolic bloodshed - it made me cry.

It was Emma who spoke first and her cold calm voice did nothing to reassure me." Let's get you another drink-come on" she took my arm and led me back to the sitting room. " I should have known" We had a short conversation of sorts we would go to a hotel -carry on with our Paris visit- she made several phone calls and I poured more wine. I wondered how she could remain so composed? She called Miriam, Martins sister and had a quick chat wishing her Happy New Year, nonchalantly asking where and what she was up to. She called Janine, the maid for the apartment and when she had finished speaking her face was ashen-Martin had arrived back in Paris on the 31st!!

Her final call was to the hotel where we spent the next two nights. I was sooo relieved to be getting out of the apartment - it had not escaped me that Martin and whoever?.could arrive at any moment-the thought terrified me.! I had already started down the oval railed staircase-(the simplicity and purity of which characterised the original Art Deco aesthetic beautifully) when I heard the smashing of glass-! Oh Gosh!! the photo frame I thought, but said nothing.

I didn't see Emma all day on Monday -she left a message on my voicemail "Things to do today.....see you at dinner got a table for 8pm at Le Pamphlet - 38, Rue Debelleyme, 3e." she sounded eerily cheerful. On Tuesday we spent the morning at the Louvre but she disappeared for two hours after lunch and by the time she showed up it was time for us to leave. I asked if she wanted to talk about things but she declined ever-so-politely so as to be worrying. How can anybody keep that kind of composure- I am really afraid for her.

VICTORIA COX - Wed 29th Dec 2010

Having the week off before Christmas worked out well for me as I travelled down to Cornwall before the rush and avoided major weather related problems. Christmas was just lovely and being home so early meant I could really help with Shopping and preparations and stuff. Gran was delighted with a book I managed to get hold of about the St. Ives artists. Luckily I read up enough and was embarrassed to learn that, contrary to what I`d thought, painter Kit Wood had in fact been a man. He's one of Gran's favourite artists -with quite an incredible life story.

We had all agreed, 'cos of the recession and stuff, not to overspend on presents this year so I was absolutely stunned on Christmas morning, when I opened my present from Mum and Dad, to find to my amazement an Ally Capellino Harris Tweed rucksack!

It is just to-die-for! Apparently, I had raved about it a couple of months ago but at nearly five hundred quid I had held back.

They gave Sebastian a brilliant camera and he was absolutely thrilled. His photographs really are good -the Cornish winter/flood scenes especially. I told him he should think about submitting them for use commercially.....says he's coming to London for my Birthday which would be lovely!

It did seem strange to be going to work today but in fact we have been kept quite busy. At the staff meeting last month it had been suggested, that given the current economic climate, we should consider opening in the week between Christmas and New Year. This instead of the customary close-down for ten days on Christmas Eve and which would incorporate a winter week's holiday for everyone.

There was agreement on the importance of being competitive and so it was decided we should work on a rota that would alternate year by year. So, I volunteered to be on the floor today with Christa, who is a key holder and is usually in the front shop, along with Simon who would be on hand to measure. I had also suggested we offer some `specials' -not exactly a full blown sale but a 15% off on some selected fabrics and only for a limited period. So the way it works out I shall finish on Friday and am not back until next Wednesday the 5th.

Last night I was invited by Emma to join her on a quick trip to Paris. I hesitated at first thinking of the money and everything but she was so insistent (She can be very persuasive) and I thought oh what the heck!! We leave on Sunday and I am starting to get really excited!!

VICTORIA COX - Mon 13th Dec 2010

Gosh! we are having some wintry weather and it seems to be causing chaos even in the middle of the city. Folks back home think that Londoners are a bit soft but it has been sooo cold and I think we have seen more snow here than in many winters.

It really is all anyone can talk about- the radio and T.V are full of it. People `phoning, texting, tweeting- Tom says there wasn't even this much fuss during the Blitz! It is fuelling so much debate too -are we doing enough to combat climate change versus the view that it is merely down to cyclical weather changes, which we should know by now, and for which we should be more prepared.

In the past London did suffer harsh winters when the Thames froze regularly. I remember seeing paintings by Dutch artists of lovely winter scenes and one in particular, `A Frost Fair' by Abraham Hondius really stayed with me because it was of the frozen River Thames.

Apparently there was a `warm `Medieval age but a long period of cooling followed, to the extent that the 16th-19th centuries became known as the Little Ice Age. Frost fairs were held regularly on either side of the river and would have included everything that might be found in an ordinary fair with bookstalls, bakers, butchers and even barbers booths as well. Emma says there is a great frieze engraving in the pedestrian tunnel over at Southwark Bridge which she thinks depicts the last Frost fair?- Must check that out.

Meantime, I think I shall have to buy some new Hunter wellies as I just don't think my Uggs boots will stand up to much snow......

VICTORIA COX - Sun 28th Nov 2010

Yesterday was a lot of fun.

It was for most of us our first ever Thanksgiving Dinner- maybe it wasn't truly authentic but I think most people had a good time and Martin seemed to have appreciated it. He brought another American friend along-Andy, a lawyer I think, who is here on some sort of urgent business. Emma didn't seem too pleased to see him at first, she really doesn't hide her feelings well but by the time we'd sat down to eat she was chatting away... he was the accomplished skier she'd told me about last year after her Zermatt trip. He was pretty smooth and offered to show me New York sometime? -Oh sure....... I mentally filed him under too good looking and maybe unfairly as narcissistic...! I did enjoy our conversation though and Oooh I love that accent!

I was glad the boys were home. David who is usually quite shy was very amiable and impressed us all with his historical knowledge of the Pilgrim Fathers. It's a shame his American friend Lucy wasn't there-I think she has definitely opened him up- but she's not back in the U.K until their graduation next month.

Tom was his usual gregarious self, though I noticed he drank very little, refusing the Jack Daniels because of his Marathon training.

He did make a very amusing toast to the Native American who helped the Pilgrim Fathers survive the first harsh winter and is the origin of the American `Thanksgiving'. He referred to him as `Squanto' - a name I was convinced at the time he was making up but which went unchallenged-he later assured us though that it was genuine? I must google it.....With jokes about political correctness and citing the term `Red Indian' as the cause of the Natives becoming unfriendly....the punch line was something about Republicans and Democrats.........He was, I think, a little bit high at that point having just heard the news of a 7-1 victory or "cakewalk" win over Blackburn and I don't think our American guests appreciated his sense of humour!!

VICTORIA COX - Sun 24th Oct 2010

Just back from Paddington-I felt quite sad seeing Gran' off on the train - in her seventies now she's in very good health but I know she won't be around forever. I am so glad I took some annual leave for her visit -we have had such a lovely week. She got on so well with everybody in the square and probably found out more about our neighbours in her short time here than any of us have in the few years we've lived there. We didn't know that Mrs Edwards at no. 16 has been married twice before -once to a Dutchman, once to an Italian and now to Joe an Irishman. We were also surprised to learn that the adorable little twins Adam and Evie at no 14, were conceived through IVF technology and that Rachel at no 12 has just lost her job?.She undoubtedly has a way of getting people to open up. Tom told her that if she stayed another week she could start some sort of therapy group and charge for it. She thought that was hilarious and then said Tom was really' `Fit' and with an exaggerated wink and hadn't I noticed?! Honestly Gran!

We spent almost two days over at Tate Modern - it was my third visit to the Gauguin exhibition and the reason for Grans visit initially. It was wonderful to see it with her -she reminisced about fifty years ago -the last time Gaugin was exhibited on any comparable scale in London. I think I could listen to her tales about the art movement in Cornwall forever?.It's hard to imagine that for a period in the 20th century Cornwall outshone London,Paris and New York as the home of the Avant Garde,thanks to a group of talented individuals who decided to head for the West country for inspiration and ended up making a unique contribution to British Art. She talked about her favourites: painters like Kit Wood, with her surrealist influences of 1920's Paris and the sculptress Barbara Hepworth . I must read up on this in time for Christmas!

On Friday we visited the Saatchi gallery and then spent the afternoon shopping starting with King's road which sparked many more reminiscences about London in the Sixties- I think Gran'must have been `a bit of a girl' back then!

VICTORIA COX - Mon 20th Sept 2010

After watching coverage of the Papal visit on Sky TV. I suddenly thought I had to try and see something of it for myself?. I had been really moved by the reception he'd got from all those young people outside Westminster Cathedral so I decided I would head for Hyde Park on Saturday.

I was amazed at myself for asking Tom to chum me - I had nonchalantly asked if he had any plans for the weekend and he said no - he wasn't going up home for the game -after the Reds had only drawn 0 - 0 with the Glasgow Rangers in their previous match-he just wasn't up for it (was he perhaps administering some sort of punishment or just sulking I wondered? ) I was even more amazed when he agreed. So we set off in the afternoon, not sure how close we would be able get but ready to settle for a glimpse of the Pontiff and to soak up the `vibes' as Tom put it!. Hyde Park seemed a particularly relevant venue historically - it was, after all, the site of the gallows where many of the Reformation martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, were executed. When we arrived at the park we were so struck by the sheer mass of people -there turned out to be over 80,000.! Many worshippers who had come from all over the country were just really enjoying themselves while they waited- having spent the afternoon with picnics while enjoying musical performances on the stage. Some were dancing but those who had come only to observe, out of curiosity, could not have helped but feel the sheer joy- it was infectious! We managed to get much closer than I'd thought and I became very suspicious when we suddenly joined a group much nearer to the stage after Tom appeared to have a few words with a chap and showed his drivers license as ID. Tom turned to me and with a wink & that daft grin of his whispered "God works in mysterious ways" Incorrigible!!

We had joined a band of pilgrims from Essex! Tom was brought up Roman Catholic and I was raised Anglican and although neither of us attend Church regularly, at that moment it certainly felt the right place for us to be. The festival atmosphere was never more apparent than when Pope Benedict XVI arrived or as Tom put it the Headline Act came on.

When the vigil began and the Pope spoke, there was complete silence from the crowd-turned-congregation which clearly wanted to hear and understand every word he said. As the evening grew darker the lady next to us handed us each an imitation candle-with a battery powered light, she appeared to have an endless supply and I watched as she gave them out silently to friends and strangers alike.

The common theme throughout his visit was "Heart speaks unto heart" and at this prayer vigil reverently observed by a gathering of many ages, many nationalities but one shared faith I suddenly felt overwhelmingly that peace, and justice in our world is possible with Gods love in our hearts and minds.

As the Pope said his final farewell to the park the crowd erupted once more but it struck me that, afterwards, many streamed away in quiet contemplation.

Tom and I walked in silence until we reached Hyde park corner when we managed to hail a Taxi. We both agreed it had certainly been a memorable evening -not our average Saturday night out in London -but I ( and I think Tom too) would have swapped it for many of those???

VICTORIA COX - Sat 21st Aug 2010

Got back from Edinburgh late last night and am absolutely exhausted??.I had a great time though and Seb' who still has another week or so I think has done very well with the stall . I have to say he really has worked his socks off and I'm so happy he is reaping some financial reward at last. The flat he rented for the three weeks is in the University area of central Edinburgh, right opposite the `Pleasance'- a major venue for Fringe shows- a really buzzing place.

Tickets don't come cheap though and because of that it's tempting to see established acts that you know are good but that's not what the fringe was intended to be ? you could easily blow a fortune on well just rubbish?that's why the reviews are so crucial to success I suppose . We opted for Russell Kane as our known choice and newcomer -to us at least- Bo Burnham as our `risks' awarding them our own points they both scored 10/10 Russell Kane's show Smokescreens and Castles was just so funny-h e just talked about his upbringing, in Enfield I think, and his family-especially his Father who was obviously emotionally stunted at times I wondered if he wasn't just trying to hit back at his folks and I found myself thinking what relationships with his family might really be like and half hoping that he was making the whole thing up -but it was all just hilarious.

Bo Burnham's show Words, Words, Words was totally different but just as funny-possibly more so but difficult to describe. He's from America and is only 19, well over 6ft and fresh faced with boyish good looks a mix of standup and songs performed with music on keyboards. The lyrical content and wordplay was just so clever - apparently he's been doing comedy since he was about 15-Seb' knew him from some You Tube stuff when he performed comic songs from his bedroom and gained a huge following - His baby- faced innocence belying the shocking lyrical content of his songs.

I think it is his surly expression that makes him so attractive now and his material is full of ironic sometimes cynical humour. He did a `lost' Shakespearean sonnet about porn that had us all in stitches but then did a pretty serious recital too of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech. A clever clever guy as we all came away totally unsure as to what was meant and what wasn't. Definitely would pay to see him again

I had expected the restaurants to be a little less expensive than London which they weren't, so lucky that we could cook for ourselves. We did have a couple of memorable meals though one at Urban Angel and then at The Outsider where we had a table with the most wonderful views of the Castle

Edinburgh is a beautiful city and we were blessed with some Sunshine during my week there. Such a great place to walk around with lots of amazing views that just seem to pop up and take you by surprise -I was shopping on Princes street then strolled up to George st about a minute away and just gasped at the beautiful horizon that was the Firth of Forth. From our top floor flat we were looking straight at the famous hill that is Arthur's seat- where Seb' also reminded us that Barry in Eastenders had met his untimely and indeed fictional death a while back.

I also managed to attend a couple of things at the bookfair -Andrea Levy, who is from London and grew up around Highbury, was very entertaining and I bought her new book-the `Long song'. There was a huge queue at the signing desk but she chatted away for what seemed ages - it is such a tickle to see her inscription to Victoria?. and I'm thrilled to say too- we`re going to look out for each other along Upper Street!

VICTORIA COX - Wed 11th Aug 2010

Off to Edinburgh on Friday night with Sebastian who is taking a stall for the three weeks of the Festival-(says it's a no brainer and thinks everybody will be his target customer?) I let him persuade me to come for a week - it's not Italy but it should be fun and I haven't any other holidays planned so why not? Have never been to the Festival before and while I said I would help Seb' and co with the stall set up I am definitely not letting him lumber me with work! David says I could stay with his parents but that might be awkward, besides Seb's got it all worked out?..here's hoping!

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 8th July 2010

Oh dear - Tom is getting worse -honestly he's just been like a bear with a sore head since he got back from South Africa. I think it's really got to him -not just the awful footie-Heaven knows that was bad enough, but the fact that he lost Celeste. It was his choice- of course he knows that- but maybe he thought she was bluffing? He hasn't said very much but I Know he really liked her-still, he chose football -which given the awful performance of England in the world cup must be cause for some regret? Think he is definitely avoiding the subject and is out with the guys a lot ? David on the other hand is easy to live with.

I don't think he has ever been grumpy or rude- even when he's down he is always polite and agreeable. This MBA has been so good for him and has really brought him out of himself?..just hope he gets a job at the end of his year. Emma called last night and was buzzing with the news that Martin has been transferred to the Paris office! (for six months I think she said) he'll come to London first to see her when she arrives back from China next week ??sooo pleased for her!

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 3rd June 2010

I am sooo missing Emma -the house is just not the same without her-she kept us all organised for one thing.

The boys don't seem bothered that we haven't done a Sainsbury's shop for ages - Emma always ordered online but she's probably got a list somewhere and an ID on the site. Took me ages last night but have arranged a delivery for tomorrow evening -`phew had to buy toilet rolls from the corner shop yesterday so it'll be good to stock up on essentials. Also got some wines. There were some great offers on New Zealand `reds' and a real bargain on some Chilean Sauvignon ?..Sure the guys won't object!

Poor Macavity his supplies were almost done too so last night I shared my Salmon steak with him and have picked up some Wild Sea Bass for us tonight?.I have found myself talking to him again and he really is a most attentive listener-I swear he understands every word?!

I have run a few things past him recently like should I splash out and go to Italy again or should I start driving lessons? He can't advise me like Emma would though. Well he is only a Cat after all??..

VICTORIA COX - Wed 12th May 2010

Now we have a new government and the Conservative party have struck a deal to share power with the Liberal Democrats. I'm glad as I really like Nick Clegg and it's hard to think he would ever have been able to make an impact without David Cameron. Samantha Cameron I think has a good eye for clothes and seems quite on trend though, as she is pregnant, she'll only be promoting maternity wear for now but I suppose anything she wears will draw interest. Curiously, little is known about Mrs Clegg except that she's not prepared to be in the public eye, saying her husband's job is not really anything to do with her?..?I think she's Spanish or South American or something. She apparently wants to keep her privacy-good for her if she can manage that.

Work's been pretty hectic and last week we stayed late on Wednesday and Thursday to complete orders??.Mr. Spence seems happy with my work -my jacket pattern is in use and I'm delighted that we are now making for women - it's official!

I'm really missing Emma-it's just strange to think she's going to be away for so long-China sounds fab' though and I think she's loving it. We've had several chats but no mention so far of how things are going with Martin??.I'm reluctant to ask.

Tom's going off to South Africa soon for the World cup and then the house really will be quiet -must check with David to see what he's up to - to be honest he's usually so quiet it's hard to know when he is around - but I hope I'm not going to be home alone??..there's always Macavity of course!

I'm thinking about holidays and am strongly tempted to go to Pitti Uomo menswear show again in Florence - maybe I could travel a bit in Italy afterwards??..it's only next month so I'd better get online and check it out.

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 15th April 2010

Have been wearing the jacket I made from the end bale cloth I was allowed to buy from work way back in January- beautiful Scottish tweed in a soft grey-green which I made up into a three button single breasted blazer. Friends have loved it but today I was called downstairs to model it for a customer whose wife had made an enquiry. She was very taken with it and has ordered one?..Not only did I receive considerable praise but later on I was called down again and have been invited to input at a forward planning &development meeting next week.

Gosh! It seems there had been several enquiries about womenswear in the past but this was the first time an order was taken -thanks to my `prototype' -this must be a definite case of being `in the right place at the right time'

Just got home tonight to find the boys watching the televised leaders' debate for the general election. An historic occasion I suppose but there just seemed to be the same old arguments going on but now you can watch the whole thing live-not my cup-of -tea but I thought the new guy Nick Clegg looked and sounded really nice

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 8th April 2010

After not being in Cornwall last year for Easter I had been sooo looking forward to being at home and I was not disappointed. Even the journey down had been enjoyable with no great delays and I met several people I knew on the train, which really helped the time go by. At Paddington there was a friend of dads sitting nearby-whose name I just couldn't remember but luckily, he was only going to Reading. Mrs Bibby, an old neighbour, got on at Westbury.She had been visiting her daughter who was married and now lives in Wiltshire- I thought she was going to talk all the way down to Cornwall but she fell asleep at Taunton and that was it for the rest of the day.

Kate Cutler, who sings round the local pubs and clubs, got on at Plymouth and from then on the passengers who joined the train were nearly all faces I knew to some degree??.

It's one of the things I love about where I grew up -that reassuring familiarity you could never get in London-though I suppose our square is kind of friendly?.

It really was lovely to see everyone and on Sunday we all gathered at Gran's for a family meal-with lots of traditional music! She couldn't stop going on about the group of fishermen who have been singing shanties for years over in Port Isaac - Dad says he knows one of guys from his `early days' but did not elaborate. Apparently, they have recently been discovered by a visiting agent and have just landed a million pound record deal with Universal! The ten strong group, called `Fisherman's Friend's are also going to be playing Glastonbury this year and Mum, Dad and Gran are threatening to go and support them!?

On Monday I joined Sebastian and co. for a drink and we called in at the Studio Bar in Penzance -it was good to catch up with a crowd I hadn't seen for, literally, years. The local-talent talk there was about Amy May who had been back playing a gig last month - In fact she had been playing on my last visit there a couple of years ago -she's done so well and has a new album just out "Right Right Now" such a great voice she really deserves her success -just ordered the album online.

Getting back to London was always going to be tight time wise-having to work on Wednesday so I booked an overnight sleeper or "the Night Riviera" as it is called, which worked out really well - I got an open solo ticket as I didn't fancy sharing and it was actually very good. The train left Penzance at 9.45 and I sat and watched Wallace & Gromit and an Episode of Grand Designs on the T.V. before settling in for a good nights sleep. I got woken for breakfast in bed at 5.45 -well cereal, tea and toast, to find we were already in London! A quick shower in Paddington station's facilities and I went straight on to work. I'd definitely do it again.

VICTORIA COX - Fri 22nd Mar 2010

Just heard that Alexander McQueen's ashes are going to be scattered on the Isle of Skye - his family just announced it. I think that's lovely and it makes sense- I mean he certainly felt Scottish even though he was born In London-he often wore a kilt and famously collected his CBE wearing full highland dress. I remember when he featured models wearing ripped and torn Tartan in one of his shows, back in the nineties I think.

I was still at primary school -but I knew from then that his father was Scottish. It must have raised some eyebrows at the time- I read later that he said that he felt such anger at the atrocities carried out by the troops of the Duke of Cumberland and that had been his inspiration for his collection.

His father told the press that he and Alexander's five siblings would be travelling up to the Island in the next few weeks to carry out his son's wishes. His funeral last month was so well attended- loads of celebs -I wonder if Kate Moss and Stella McCartney will be going up to Scotland too??

Heard at the weekend about the death too of Joseph Ettedgui, the man behind the Joseph label. He was 74 and died from cancer- I suppose he got `three score years and ten' so not the same tragic waste ??I wrote an essay about Joseph when I started at college... the first store opened in Chelsea in the early 70's - I think his real genius lay in making it easy for people who lacked style and with little idea about fashion to look good- he really could take a catwalk look and reproduce it commercially in the high street a rare ability that is so essential for the success of young designers. Knitwear and trousers are his wardrobe staples - everybody I know has had a pair of black trousers from Joseph- though come to think of it his clothes are not cut for girls with large appetites?.

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 18th Mar 2010

Oooh - woke with a bit of a headache and a really woozy feeling in my tummy-had breakfast with Tom who thought it hilarious that I didn't recognise that I was nursing a `hangover' I couldn't eat -just Tea and juice and lots of water. I really had not intended to go out at all-let alone drink but when Michael from work, invited a few of us to join him in a quick drink to celebrate St Patrick's day it seemed rude to refuse -what with him being Irish- so it was that I found myself in Mulligan's on Cork street.

It started out with just Michael, Gregory, Charlotte and me but we were joined soon after by Nick and his wife (Julie I think) , Charles and Lynne and then with a whole crowd whose names I didn't know. The place was absolutely heaving with Irish music at full blast and I suddenly remembered the Irish friends I had made on my trip to Florence last year Hugh, Barry and co. I remember looking at my watch at ten past seven and thinking it must be my turn to buy a round of drinks before I can leave. I made my way to the bar and had just been served and was watching the pints of Guinness settle-which always fascinates me- when somebody called my name .At first I couldn't hear above the din but then I heard " Victoria-are ya not talkin' tae me?"- I knew that lovely Dublin lilt - there was Barry standing right behind me! It was just sooo good to see him-he was on a buying trip and is a regular to what he laughingly called the `Poshest' Irish pub in London.

He and his friends were as good company as I remembered in Italy and suffice to say it was closing time before we left!

VICTORIA COX - Fri 15th Feb 2010

London Fashion week was held again last week at Somerset house - so glad they kept that venue. Showing for autumn/ winter 2010/11. Seb' had been constantly trying to get me via texts and calls but I just don't feel I can quite share his level of enthusiasm for the show in general. Maybe I just have concerns about this recession or maybe I have been permanently affected by my trip to Florence and all things Italian?

Only really took in the Fashion East show on the Saturday, which I quite enjoyed, but had, what was for me, an interesting trip over to Shoreditch with Nigel who fancied visiting PRESENT a new menswear store being much talked about.

The owners are apparently ex Duffer of St George, so their credentials are the best. The setting, a kind of industrial gallery-like space, was originally part of a cigarette company. We agreed the description as; kind of updated, authentic heritage clothing with a modern, trendy, urban edge. Not over-the-top though- I could see my father, for instance, wearing the classic button-down cotton Oxford shirts. Nigel bought an amazing pair of purple, brogue leather ankle boots-which were over three hundred quid! Then, as you do, we had to go for a drink to celebrate. It was fun! We were at college together and he has only just got back from New Zealand, where he'd been ever since. Didn't like to ask too many questions as I recalled he went travelling with a partner and of which there was no mention. . I would have known the whole story I suppose if I'd kept up on Facebook?.? On Sunday I only really intended to see the Central St. Martins show which wasn't until 8.30 so I did go to see the Margaret Howell collection in the morning. The evening show was extremely good with, it seems, ever developing high standards. Met up with Nigel again too but declined his offer of a drink afterwards and hoped I wasn't being horrible -it's just that I need to be really focussed for work - he seemed O.K. with that and we did exchange `phone nos.

I had the whole day on Wednesday which saw the last day of LFW closing with `Mensday' which was just Fab-I was really struck by some of the new knitwear - at Charles Anastase knits were layered on top of overcoats -Some great looks in outerwear, which looks to be key for next winter -a slightly military feel around while Burberry themed a whole collection around the aviator jacket. St Martins looked really crisp-lots of daring white, but I was most satisfied to see the coming together more of Saville row-with great brands Gieves & Hawkes, E.Tautz and Hardy Amies joining forces. At one point the guy sitting next to me and who was scribbling into his notepad throughout suddenly nudged me and gestured towards the front row where Prince Michael was sitting -I'm not sure I would have recognised him myself- and he seemed quite taken with it all. There was lots of discussion throughout the day with questions like: Why has fashion week been dedicated to women for so long? Why has the importance of the Suit been largely ignored? Why is Menswear allotted, as token, only one day? In truth our Menswear industry has never really been valued here not like in Italy nor France. In terms of investment it just didn't happen here? Saville row has never really promoted itself choosing to stay apart from the brand circuses that have passed through our capital.

Fashion shouts, Style whispers - that's true indeed but?? A London Menswear week?-now there's a sweet thought??.

VICTORIA COX - Thurs 26th Feb 2010

Today, Robert Polet, the head of the Gucci Group, announced that the Alexander McQueen business would carry on without its founder and creative director. Since his death last week, which is thought to have been suicide, I have been unable to get him out of my mind. It is just so sad?He had seemed to have it all: British designer of the year four times, International Designer of the Year and awarded a CBE.

By 2007 he had boutiques in London, Paris, Milan, New York, Moscow and Beijing! The world, it seemed, was at his feet at least in terms of business. Apparently he was just devastated over the recent death of his Mother and died the very day before her funeral. They were so close and there are lots of photos of them together- if I remember rightly he took her with him to Buckingham palace to receive his honour. He had also been extremely upset by the death in 2007 of Isabella Blow when she took her own life- I don't think he ever got over that -she was only in her forties and they had been such good friends. It was she who had bought his entire first collection when he graduated from Saint Martins with a masters in fashion design. She was such an influential stylist and really launched his career. Apparently it was on her advice that he switched to using Alexander, his middle name, instead of Lee which she believed would have more impact. She was right too. People talk about his low `bumster' jeans having made such a mark but I don't think that's doing him real justice. I will remember him for so much more?..He started out as a teenager in Saville Row, having enjoyed making dresses for his sisters -not sure how many but I'm sure I read that he was the youngest of six children. By his mid twenties he had worked for designer Koji Tatsuno, gone to Milan and become head designer at Givenchy! He was a real visionary who will be sorely missed.

VICTORIA COX - Mon 15th Feb 2010

Young free and single whatever happened to that sounding like fun? I was sooo glad to wake up today to find that Valentines Day and all the rigmarole surrounding it was finally over!

For weeks it seems there has been no escaping it ?..all the ads for Romantic getaways, dinners, champagne &chocolates, Red Roses??on and on ! I don't remember feeling this way before but last year none of us in the house were a couple. This February it's a different story though with Tom and Emma ,the two most cynical and unromantic people on the planet, just full of it. Emma is now officially `in a relationship with Martin' and Tom's happily admitting that he is mad about Celeste "Cupid's stuck me one right in the eye" he says- doesn't exactly sound like poetry to me though?

Oh, maybe it is just sour grapes with me. I am glad to see people happy truly I am - it's just well, one card from my gay friend? Come on! -even my Dad has stopped sending me one now- how sad is that?

Oh well, maybe next year `Moan' over- feeling better already?..

VICTORIA COX - Mon 25th Jan 2010

What a Fab' weekend?. Still can't believe my parents just showing up for my Birthday like that. Dad called me at work on Thursday to say he was up in London for some last minute medical conference and would meet me from work on Friday for a quick drink before heading to Paddington. But when he picked me up he hailed a cab and we headed straight to the Waldorf! They were on a `Hilton special break' or something and Mum was already waiting with a drink in the Executive lounge. They had met as struggling students in 1970's London and lived on Pasta and Tuna Dad says and I think recalling those early days from the comfort of a five star hotel is a bit of a tickle. Such a lovely surprise though. We had dinner at the new and very impressive Aqua Nueva restaurant housed in, what we thought must have been, the old Dickens and Jones dept store on Regent Street, a couple of yards from Oxford Circus. The discreet entrance on Argyle street leads into a lift which takes you up to the fifth floor.

There are two restaurants in fact; Kyoto for Japanese food or Nueva on the Spanish side. Staff greeted us and led us down a modern corridor to the dramatic entrance to Nueva with it's imposing sculpture of a bull. `Contemporary Catalan' design was the best description we could come up with between the three of us and our friendly wine waiter. The building has three roof top spaces encircling the restaurants, with amazing views which will be perfect for summer evenings. The food was excellent - the Lobster was great for me -no shell or strange utensils I couldn't use. I think Mum had duck breast and Dad raved about his braised oxtail..Yuck! Can't remember what my dessert was called -some sort of crunchy biscuits filled with banana and orangey cream, it just melted in the mouth. Sweet but not too rich, it was just delicious. Dad had heard about Aqua from a colleague who had been in their Beijing and Hong Kong restaurants and had heard about the London opening. Dad had booked weeks ago to get a Friday night and was quite justifiably delighted with himself.

On Saturday we met up over at Tate Modern and spent the Morning at the Van Doesburg & the International Avant- Garde Constructing a new world exhibition. One of the leading figures of geometric abstraction, I hadn't quite realised how much Theo Van Doesburg had impacted ,not just as a versatile artist in his own right but also through his founding of the De Stijl group and editing the magazine of the same name. After a couple of hours Mum was still engrossed but it is an eleven- rooms- large exhibition which I felt I needed time to digest.

When it came to breaking for lunch Mum suddenly presented me with my very own Tate Members Card -My birthday present from Gran'!- I'm thrilled to think I can now go to any exhibition at anytime , use the members lounge whenever I want and enjoy it's fantastic views and I get to take a guest too!

Mum had another hour at Tate Modern, which must have been spent mostly in the shop judging by how much she had bought-books, posters, T. shirts ?meanwhile; Dad and I had a stroll along to the Globe and had a drink and a chat. He confessed he'd been slightly disappointed that Chelsea had not been playing at home today but I think I would definitely have been conflicted if I'd had to choose between football and art risking upsetting one of my parents and on my Birthday. It was a freezing day but bright with sunshine and blue skies. Such a lovely day too but Mum & Dad's train was at 5 and I felt a bit sad when I waved them off in a Paddington bound taxi?

When I arrived back at the house there were no lights or sounds from within but just as I closed the front door behind me a loud shout of "Surprise" was followed by a chorus of Happy Birthday from Emma, Tom and David. I was sooo touched -there with cards chocolates, champagne and flowers for me ?. I Love my housemates -I Love London!

VICTORIA COX - Wed 8th Jan 2010

I had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year at home in Cornwall, I just couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere else at that time and that's why I didn't come back until the 5th. Hadn't realised how ill I was until I got home. Dad was waiting for me at the station and he took one look at me, knew it was more than a cold and I was ordered to bed as soon as we arrived at the house. He diagnosed `severe laryngitis' and prescribed for me straight away - handy having a Doctor in the house! I had been feeling rotten but with Mum looking after me and all the TLC you can only really get at home - I soon started to feel much better.

Sebastian informed us of a new girlfriend Tess, he met at uni', and he seems quite besotted with her .She went home for the holidays to Ely (nr. Cambridge) to her family, so not sure when, if ever, we'll get to meet her. He couldn't stop talking about her though or else he was texting or talking on the `phone. Gran' called him a `Lovesick Puppy' and he turned beetroot with embarrassment-so sweet!

One of the really good things about Christmas is that so many people come home, from all over the place really, and it was so good to catch up with lots of old friends. Hadn't seen some of the Bolitho girls for absolute yonks - couldn't believe Cassy Birrell is married, living in Hong Kong and she's got two year old twins! I got told off because I haven't been very active on Facebook- which I had to admit. It must be at least two years since I have looked at friends reunited as well - but I have been so busy and just can't find the time and truthfully, I'm not sure I can be bothered.

I was pleased to get back to London and really feel my batteries have been re charged. I am feeling very positive about 2010.A brand new decade is just so exciting - a bit like when you were little and the feeling you would get when you had a fresh sheet of paper to draw on or started a new page in your writing book- all full of possibility, and pure potential?!

Great to hear about Emma's new guy?. she told me all about Edinburgh and her New year with Martin-how romantic was that? She does seem anxious though- apparently there hasn't been much contact since ?.. I did try consoling her a bit- said it must be tricky being so far apart - but let's be honest what do I know about relationships? I have never known Emma to be uncertain about anything -Tom was a bit unkind saying "If the Ice maiden's melting -watch out for the flood"!

We are having a `get-together' here on Saturday or a `drinks party' as Emma insists it be called - a few neighbours from the square and a handful of guests for each of us. At least that's what has been agreed. It's difficult though, I mean how can you invite some friends and not others? Tom is apparently `with someone'- as in more than a brief encounter-apparently met her at New Year? David too may be a bit of a dark horse as he makes a lot of mention of a `Lucy' who is on his M.B.A. team? Emma and I are sooo looking forward to it!

VICTORIA COX - Mon 21st Dec 2009

Heading home for Christmas today! Can't stop singing the Chris Rea song driving home for Christmas??

Wasn't due to leave until Wednesday but Mum `phoned last night talking about weather forecasts etc. so the thought of not getting to Cornwall was just too much of a risk. I'm heading to Paddington for the 14:06 which should get me home for about seven but I'm expecting delays. I shall use the time to calm down -five hours with a good book and great Christmas music on my I-POD.

David left for Scotland last week- so this morning it was goodbyes and Merry Christmas to Tom and Emma -oh and of course to Big Mac. our adopted pet.

We had a Christmas dinner together in the house last weekend and exchanged some prezzies then. We all said we wouldn't buy much but, oh well it is Christmas ?. I got a book on the history of the East End of London from David, Prada perfume from Emma and two tickets for the ballet from Tom -so extravagant!

I had knitted a hat for David, a scarf for Tom and bought gloves for Emma-everyone seemed pleased. I also knitted a little patchwork wool blanket for Big Mac who seemed a bit bemused but loved the edible contents of his Cat Christmas stocking and purred in delight. Emma has been in such a good mood lately-she even agreed to a Cat-Flap for Big Mac on the downstairs garden door - Tom got the joiner round the very next day before she changed her mind She's definitely smitten -haven't met Martin yet but he must be good for her. Hope it all works out ??

VICTORIA COX - Mon 9th Nov 2009

Feeling Soo tired ?.not the best start to a week. Probably my own fault though, I have definitely been overdoing it a bit lately, what with working both jobs and trying to have some social life - I can't remember when I last had eight hours sleep and I know it's making me a bit grumpy?. Last Tuesday evening I arrived back at the house to a Champagne celebration-Tom's sister Sarah had given birth to a baby boy! I have never seen Tom, or anyone for that matter, so excited and so proud to be an `Uncle'. He was just so happy - which was great to see as he had been seriously upset by the recent footballing failures of his beloved Man. United Lots of teasing too ??.for instance will this new found status turn him into a seriously responsible adult at last? - but no one's holding their breath!

Wednesday I had promised to call in to the `Star of Bethnal Green' over at E2. with Kat and `girls' from the market who had insisted I join them in experiencing what they described as the epitome of scruffy East End cool I think they got that line from a magazine. It was fun -a laid-back blend of pub vibe with an edgy club feel. Quite a few more familiar faces from Spitalfields too. We were there on a free night of funky disco-though I think it's always super-cheap (�5 max) with sessions from some of Europe's best underground DJs. On Thursday I let myself be persuaded by Kerry and Jay from no.20 to go for `just one quick drink' at `the Big Chill House' On Pentonville Rd. It's a huge three-floor space with a great roof terrace and of course I should have known -it was happy hour -which is really three hours from 5-8pm, so by the time I left there I was in no fit state to go to my Pilates class as I had intended. All of Friday was spent working on the coats for Spitalfields -I worked right through `til ten to be ready for the anticipated rush on Sat. and Sun. on the stall. As it turned out it was very busy and last night all I was fit for was just a quick microwave meal from Sainsbury's - bath and bed.

VICTORIA COX - Mon 26th Oct 2009

Not the most positive start to the week. Managed to upset Tom this morning - don't usually see him at breakfast -he's always gone by the time I get up. He looked awful as if he hadn't been to bed? It turns out that he had just driven back from Manchester where his footie team had been thrashed by arch rivals Liverpool - ouch!

I hadn't realised and had put my big foot in things by saying he looked like death and was he feeling sick or something?

I've never known him to refuse a warm croissant and felt genuinely concerned. "Sick just don't cover it" he yelled as he scraped back his chair and stomped out of the room slamming the door as he went. I honestly hadn't known the scores and it wasn't till I heard it from David that I realised. Think he's fed up with work at the moment too -who can blame him with all the financial uncertainty

Arrived late for work - `disruption 'on the tube again. Nobody seemed to notice though or mind at all. Still, I mind and must start to allow for what is after all a fairly frequent occurrence. The shop has been so quiet of late but Nick is still giving me three days work. Seb' is driving me mad to spend more time making for the Spitalfields stall which has been really busy and likely to get even busier in the run up to Christmas. I'm wondering if I should volunteer to work less in the store.

I was only ever promised two to three days work and I wonder if it would help? Everybody noticed my new hairdo and I got some really great comments - I was thrilled and definitely think going back to Toni & Guy was the right move. I had always gone there in the past. When I first came to London as a student I would go as a model for free or get my hair done by a trainee -under supervision of course, for a really reduced price. Later I started paying full price going to T&G in Davis st. or Covent Garden, but earlier this year what with all the talk of credit crunch and tightening our belts I thought that I should try a cheaper alternative. I did go to a couple of small salons locally but I was just not happy and decided it was a false economy so on Saturday I went back and won't be going anywhere else in a hurry. I love their magazine and Fab' website?.

Think I shall cook a meal for us all tonight. Emma's back from her China trip and David said he'd be back around eight- been ages since we had a get together - maybe a roast??that might cheer Tom up too (and I won't even mention that my Dad has tickets for the Chelsea > Man.U. game next month!)

VICTORIA COX - Mon 28th Sept 2009

Had a real problem getting out of bed today -not sure if I'm coming down with something or if I am just feeling a bit deflated after all the excitement of London Fashion week.

The new venue at Somerset House was fantastic! It's a spectacular neo - classical building in a great location right between the Strand and the Thames. It's actually one of my favourite places in London. With its sweeping staircases, elegant rooms and terraces it has been used for a lot of filming over the years. One of the main features is an amazing courtyard which during the summer months has over fifty dancing fountains- at night they`re all lit up with colours sooo lovely. In the winter months it becomes an ice-rink which is just magical at Christmas!

Anyway, the courtyard was used to house the main fashion shows (I kept imagining the fountains might suddenly spring to life!) It was the 25TH Anniversary year of London Fashion Week and there had been parties at Downing Street, again hosted by the P.M.'s wife Sarah Brown. This year, for the first time, I was simply not free to attend every day- what with real work now to consider. Choosing when to attend was, as Tom would say, a `No Brainer' for me as the first ever official `Menswear day' was being held on the 23rd.

A real highlight was the catwalk show by James Long and the Top Shop design but I was just so impressed to see serious Saville row tailoring represented by E.Tautz (designer Patrick Grant) Especially as London Tailoring celebrates its 600th year this year.

I loved the bSTORE showing as well. Designers Matthew Murphy and Kirk Beattie, both London boys, really do produce contemporary, wearable, English clothes - think they've really got things going in a commercial sense too. The after party at Kettners in Soho also saw the launch of the bSTORE Mag. What a great night?.come to think of it I'd love to be headhunted by them!!

VICTORIA COX MON 27th JULY

Went over to Keats house in Hampstead for its reopening on 25th. The Grade I listed house was closed in 2007 for refurbishment to coincide there was a dramatised performance of the life of poet John Keats telling the story of his love affair with Fanny Brawne the girl next door. It was just so sweet to hear the words of the Romantic poet brought to life in the very garden where he wrote 'Ode to a Nightingale'. The young lovers lived as neighbours and would have spent so many hours in that garden There is still a Mulberry tree of his time there, though the plum tree where he wrote the poem is gone. The gardens have been restored, and species of plants that would have been there in the early 19th century have been reintroduced. Tragic to think Keats was only twenty five when he died in Rome??. Gosh I'm already older than he was and haven't ever been in Love?? Some people had brought picnics too -though on my own I didn't bother. Had a great walk over the Heath despite the weather??it really is a lovely part of London and makes me wish I had a dog too.

VICTORIA COX MON 6TH JULY

The 123rd Wimbledon tennis Championships were brought to a fitting climax on Centre Court yesterday when Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14 in the Mens finals and winning him his sixth Wimbledon crown . History was made as it was a record 15th Grand Slam title, (and thanks to the generosity of my Gran'- I'll be able to tell my grandchildren I was there!!) This new record surpassed that of Pete Sampras, who was in the Royal Box, but he looked delighted for Roger?.Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg were in the Royal Box too- so much Championship Talent in one place -Wow!!

I was really missing the beautiful Rafael Nadal this year but happened to open a Sunday Mag' and there he was advertising some aftershave wearing a great suit and looking gorgeous?..apparently his footballer Uncle used to play for Barcelona and Spain-can't remember how I know that?..?

VICTORIA COX 20th June 2009

My life may never be the same again!

Had the most amazing few days in Florence at the Pitti Uomo menswear show which is held twice yearly. Though I had registered for a ticket a while back -after chatting to an ex-buyer in a pub here over on Cork Street who said it was the must-see show?.I only booked last week. Got a decent last minute deal and just had to tell Sebastian he would have to manage without me for a bit. (Think he was miffed not to have been asked but I really wanted to do this by myself)

Though I've been in Italy before (Rome with the school and Venice and Sorrento on family hols) I just wasn't prepared for how beautiful Florence is.

The show itself is held in the Fortezza de Bassa a mediaeval fort situated right in the city . So lucky to have landed in a great little hotel just by the Santa Maria Novella square and an easy walk to the show. Literally got blisters the first day - trying to look the part in strappy Jones sandals - thank God for my MBTs ?. I practically slept in them for the rest of the trip? I was told that visitor numbers were down, some big name exhibitors were absent, (Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali, and Pal Zileri,) and the mood was subdued. Fashion always gives us a mirror image of the times though and with the worldwide financial upheaval who wants to see Bankers pinstripes or Prince of Wales checks? The American Brooks bros. have included pinstripes in their new European collection-but apparently it was a suit that had been chosen by Barack Obama for his wardrobe - so maybe a sign of the optimism the new president has brought?? Textured cottons, washed-out colours and softly tailored shapes made a fitting sartorial distraction from the stricter uniforms.

Linked up with some `buyers' from Ireland over lunch. I was a bit wary at first - I mean eight-plus extremely sociable guys and one girl? but they were just such fun and I really learnt a lot. They had all the gen' on where to go too and I was delighted to tag along with them to events they had invites to and I didn't ?? There was a multimedia event for thecorner.com, the online department store launched by YOOX Group dedicated to new cutting edge men's collections. None of us were too impressed but as Barry said "the refreshments were welcomed" - I couldn't even attempt to keep up with their consumption of alcohol and I was ready to flop when they were just warming up!

The most abiding memory for me is of a gently unreal night spent in the magical setting around the beautiful ornamental lake in Florence's Renaissance Boboli Gardens. It was chosen for the first menswear runway show for Jun Takahashi, the Japanese designer for Undercover, whose minimalism was inspired by German industrial designer, Dieter Rams.

In Italy it's easy to see that fashion is big business and Pitti Uomo is the backbone -The Milan shows follow on from this next week and Paris after that -and I really wish I could be there.

I loved the whole experience and must come again.

I'll try to keep in touch with my new friends especially Barry and Hugh who are in Dublin. They reminded me that I owe them all a drink when they come to London -which apparently is more likely to be for a Rugby match than Fashion week?

VICTORIA COX 29th May 2009

Dad called me Wednesday to say he was coming to London to give a talk on Thursday over at Imperial - didn't tell me as he wanted to surprise me -he certainly did that! I'd said he could stay here but he wanted to link up with people who were all booked into the Rembrandt. I imagine it'll have been a bit of a boy's get-together. He was finished by 4.30 though and we met up at his hotel just down the road so we could `talk' he'd said and I thought that meant I was going to get a lecture about my life -what direction it was going in etc -so I was a bit anxious and thinking things over could see how I would not present as the most together person on the planet. Am I wasting my time -pursuing foolish schemes and dreams-losing touch with family old friends etc-lost in London and a loser all the old clich�s had come to mind that might be levelled at me but hey I was sooo surprised to find it was quite the opposite. Sure he asked me all about stuff-My Job, Saville row -Spitalfields etc he really listened and eventually just told me to go for it! He had every confidence in my talents and abilities -plenty of time to have real worries and kids- I was so relieved and absolutely thrilled. We went to Harvey Nicks for dinner -wouldn't have been my first choice but Dad said he could drop that in when he tells people his daughter is a budding new designer- Oh cringe I think he means it?

VICTORIA COX 16th April 2009

It's been such a strange Easter ?..and I think only the second one I've spent away from home. Felt committed to helping Sebastian at Spitalfields -besides I do need the money? Mum and dad were really good about it but Gran was upset and little brother said I was being selfish and selling myself short anyway by messing about on a market stall. It was a bit weird in the house too with everyone away- Tom and David went home and Emma was on holiday ?.I only had the cat for company though he really is good - sounds daft but I talk to him-tell him everything really and he just blinks up at me and purrs away - sometimes I imagine he really does understand?

Had thought of having people over and cooking for them? but I was just too exhausted -still it's great that we were so busy?? Missed my family -missed going to Church?? I will definitely be in Cornwall next year though.

Invited for after work drinks on Friday -surprised really- does this mean I've won their approval at last? Everyone seemed so nice and so knowledgeable about their profession- a lot of chat about earlier recessions and how `tailoring `has always survived because in difficult times appearances matter all the more?.makes sense really if you think about ten people chasing one job every effort will be made to impress -including with dress? was introduced to a Giles - he sort of emerged from the crowd in the pub -he has been in Menswear for over thirty years and went off on a rant about the British clothing industry compared to the Italian?.he's right that historically speaking Italy put so much more investment into their clothing industry decades ago--while we failed to take it seriously here at all. One thing I did pick up on was his insistence that Italian Menswear shows are the only ones that shouldn't be missed. Will have to look into that more?.

VICTORIA COX 13th MARCH 2009

"Never again!! Paris was a near disaster - Eurostar was running late (again!) so by the time we arrived on Monday morning we had already missed the Stella McCartney show -that I had been sooo looking forward too! (Such a waste of tickets!! ) Didn't get into anything else until Viktor & Rolf at 4.30 - after assuring me that we had tickets for `anyone who's anyone' turns out Sebastian doesn't have nearly the connections he imagines after all- several dashes across Paris the social highlight was getting into the Alexander McQueen after-party on Tuesday night - by which time I was coming down with laryngitis and could hardly speak -Seb' was so high with it all I thought I would have to peel him off the ceiling at one stage when a photographer said he was photogenic and asked "have you ever considered modelling yourself ? Come on, who'd fall for a line like that? But he got quite nasty when I said as much and told me I was too `zipped-up' and needed to get out more!!

Of course he didn't want to leave the party early but by 1am I just had to get a taxi back to the hotel -which came to about 30 quid - I have no idea if I was ripped off but everything's so expensive for us now anyway. He was all sweetness and light by next day though and said simply "C'est la vie"! to the fact that the photographer had gone home with one of the lighting engineers?. By the time we got back to London - late Wednesday night I might have thought the whole trip had been a waste of time and money except for one thing- it certainly helped me decide that much as I loved him - I wouldn't be entering into any business partnership with Seb' anytime soon!

Next day I committed to Nick Spence - I love tailoring and Saville row is where I want to be. Had a really good chat - at the moment he can only give me two to three days a week but I am happy with that - his father has been in the Menswear trade since the Mid -Sixties and that's where his interest came from?looking forward to learning more?.. Re- joined the health club-must make more effort! There are Pilates classes on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes so that might fit around work.

Victoria - February 2009

Doom and Gloom everywhere - it's terrible -sometimes I think we're talking ourselves into depression!! My main problem is making a decision- too many options and the only thing I'm sure about is uncertainty??well since just before Christmas I had been working part time with Seb' (Sebastian that I was at college with) in his Walthamstow workshop. It was just supposed to be a Christmas thing but the clothes sold so well especially from the stall he has at Spitalfields market that he's asked me to partner him in a retail venture -well a little shop somewhere to be precise??Meantime I have been offered a real job -though just part time for a new tailor in Saville row - that would be my dream job if it were a fulltime permanent position but Deacon Spence is not even an established business yet - though I do love his work.

London fashion week has been taking my thoughts away from recession. `Toned down extravagance on the Catwalk's was said to be the order of the day with smaller-scale presentations and some smaller venues compared with last year but if there was meant to be cost-cutting off the catwalks then nobody seems to have got the message .To be fair it was the official launch of the 25th anniversary of LFW and so the Moet et Chandon Champagne was a must?..and the parties were just as OTT as ever?..the one that got me most was the Circus / Fairground themed event that had all the live performances and even real candy floss machines-don't quite know how we managed to get into that one on Park Lane too but Seb' really does seem to know everyone! Looking forward to Paris and just hope Eurostar trains are O.K. if the weather is bad again?.

Need to have a night in with Emma to talk over my options?.will try to arrange something soon.

Victoria - 16th September 2008

I'm afraid I have been a bit oblivious to all the financial news as I have been so excited about London Fashion week?..last night especially was great as there was a VIP reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown to mark the 25th year of the British Fashion Council.

Harold Tillman the chairman, announced the new Fashion Fund which will be offering major support to the industry and the first designers to benefit from support will be announced at a highlight event next November at what will be the height of the year long festivities ?..Need to look into that more?.

Was wowed by the catwalks yesterday and so excited by the Vivienne Westwood show??... I suppose I should feel a bit anxious about the gloom and doom being forecast but for this week anyway I am an unashamed optimist?? I dream that one day people will be modelling my garments down those catwalks!!